A Tuscan Dream Come True: How One Small Italian Town Is Paying People to Move In

In the rolling hills of Tuscany, where vineyards stretch across the horizon and medieval architecture stands as a testament to centuries past, a small town is offering an opportunity that sounds almost too good to be true. Radicondoli, a picturesque medieval community about an hour south of Florence, is actively seeking new residents—and they’re willing to pay you to join them. The local government has launched an innovative program offering significant financial incentives to those willing to relocate to this slice of Italian paradise, addressing their dwindling population while providing a potentially life-changing opportunity for those seeking a simpler, more authentic way of life under the Tuscan sun.

The initiative, which began in 2023, initially offered approximately $23,400 (€20,000) to individuals willing to purchase and live in one of the town’s vacant homes, plus an additional $7,000 (€6,000) for practical expenses like heating and transportation. Now, Mayor Francesco Guarguaglini, a Radicondoli native himself, has expanded the program to include renters as well, covering half of the first two years’ rent for newcomers who move in before early 2026. “We’ve earmarked over 400,000 euros ($465,000) this year to support new home purchases and rentals, alongside other key measures like financial aid to students, public transport commuters and green energy subscribers,” Guarguaglini explained to CNN. The town, which once boasted 3,000 residents, has seen its population dwindle to just 966 people, with about 100 of its 450 homes sitting vacant—a situation the mayor and town council are determined to reverse.

The available properties range from cozy one- or two-bedroom apartments in Radicondoli’s historic center to spacious traditional Tuscan farmhouses on the outskirts, surrounded by the region’s iconic vineyards and olive groves. Prices start at approximately 50,000 euros ($60,000) for smaller units and go up to 100,000 euros ($117,000) for larger homes, with most properties in reasonably good condition—though some may require about $10,000 in renovations. With the full 20,000-euro allotment, new residents could potentially acquire a small apartment for just 30,000 euros, while renters could halve their monthly expenses, paying only 200 euros for accommodations that would typically cost 400 euros per month. For many people trapped in the high-cost housing markets of major cities worldwide, these numbers represent not just savings but a completely different relationship with housing and financial freedom.

There is, however, a meaningful commitment required from those who take advantage of this opportunity. Radicondoli isn’t simply looking for tourists or seasonal residents—they’re seeking people who will become true members of their community. Buyers must commit to living in the town for 10 years, while renters need to stay for at least four years. This requirement reflects the program’s genuine purpose: to promote long-term residency and sustainable population growth rather than creating a revolving door of temporary inhabitants. The municipality’s website proudly notes that since the project began, the population has already grown from around 900 to 960 residents, demonstrating the early success of their approach to revitalization. “The goal is to offer opportunities to improve people’s quality of life, stimulate economic development and residential development, and also invite new friends to join the community, with a particular focus on young people,” the town explains.

Life in Radicondoli offers a stark contrast to the fast-paced existence many experience in urban centers. Days here unfold at a gentler pace, where neighbors know each other by name, local produce forms the backbone of cuisine, and centuries-old traditions continue to shape community life. The surrounding landscape provides endless opportunities for outdoor activities, from hiking through the verdant countryside to exploring nearby historic sites. The town’s proximity to Florence (just an hour away) means that world-class art, culture, and urban amenities remain accessible when desired, offering new residents a balanced lifestyle that combines rural tranquility with the option to experience city life on occasion. For remote workers especially, this arrangement presents an increasingly viable alternative to city living, with the financial incentives making the transition even more attainable.

The Radicondoli initiative represents a growing trend across Italy and other parts of Europe where rural communities face population decline as younger generations migrate to cities. Rather than accepting this fate, forward-thinking towns are taking proactive measures to reinvent themselves while preserving their unique cultural heritage. For potential residents, the proposition extends far beyond mere financial incentive—it’s an invitation to embrace a different way of living, to become part of a community with deep historical roots, and to participate in writing the next chapter of a town’s story. As Mayor Guarguaglini’s program continues to gain traction and attract new residents, Radicondoli stands as a compelling example of how rural revitalization can benefit both the community and those seeking an alternative to conventional modern life. For those who have long fantasized about saying “buongiorno” to a new life among olive groves and terracotta rooftops, Radicondoli’s door stands wide open—with a financial welcome package to help you settle right in.