‘We wanted to try something new’: This US family moved to Italy sight unseen nine years ago and never looked back

American Family Discovers New Life in Italy Without Prior Planning

From San Diego to a Hilltop Haven

We wanted to try something new – Jason Salesberry arrived in Italy with no previous experience on Italian soil, making the leap in October 2017. Nearly a decade later, he resides in a charming hilltop community and anticipates harvesting olives from his two-acre orchard. Since that initial journey to Naples without prior visitation, the family’s existence has evolved into continuous European exploration. Their experiences range from paragliding across Swiss landscapes to underwater adventures in Greek waters, alongside everyday moments at local beaches sampling Neapolitan ice cream.

“Living in the heart of Europe has unlocked a world of adventure for our family,” Jason shared with CNN Travel. This outcome surprised the American Navy veteran, who spent his youth in San Diego, California, and later served in Puerto Rico and Japan. Despite never anticipating such a dramatic life shift, he harbored a deep fascination with Italian traditions and always hoped to experience them personally.

A Decision Driven by Safety and Dreams

After connecting with Sherry, another Navy veteran hailing from Trinidad and Tobago, and deciding to build a family together, Jason’s Italian vision transformed into concrete plans. “I never imagined my life’s path would lead to a hilltop town in southern Italy,” he reflected. “It really was just an adventure. We wanted to try something new.”

Practical considerations played a significant role as well. Having resided in Chesapeake, Virginia since 2009, Jason grew increasingly worried about rising violent crime in their community. He sought a more secure setting for his young daughter. “When I compared European crime rates to those in the US, the decision became clear,” he explained. He submitted an application for a role at a military installation near Naples and received an offer soon afterward.

Sherry’s Reluctance and Conditions

While Jason embraced uncertainty with enthusiasm, Sherry needed considerable persuasion. “I pretty much protested on coming here,” Sherry confessed. She ultimately consented to one firm requirement: they would remain for merely three years. “I’m an only child, and my mom did not want me to come.”

Viewing the relocation as temporary, they retained their three-bedroom Virginia residence instead of selling it. Packing lightly due to uncertainty about Italian accommodations, the family—along with their dog—arrived in Naples during October 2017. Initial anxiety filled their hearts as they questioned whether they had chosen wisely.

Adjusting to Italian Rhythms

Jason remembers their inaugural evening vividly, when overwhelming unfamiliarity brought Sherry to tears. They eventually secured a rental property on the US Navy complex in Pozzuoli, a historic settlement positioned atop a volcanic caldera. The location provided stunning vistas but kept them somewhat disconnected from authentic local experiences within an American-style bubble.

Gradually, the family developed affection for Naples’ culinary offerings and unhurried lifestyle. “Back home in the US, everyone’s busy,” Sherry noted. “You have your nine to five, then you have to prepare to go to school and work the next day. It’s not like that here.” She humorously mentioned learning to accommodate a culture where meals extend two or three hours. “We had to learn the art of slowing down,” Jason added. “Yet, the benefits have far outweighed the adjustments.”

Challenges and Rewards

As pizza’s birthplace, Naples presented endless gastronomic opportunities. The family delighted in discovering neighborhood restaurants, each offering unique interpretations of traditional pasta and pizza dishes. However, local timing created initial culture shock. Dining establishments seldom opened for evening meals before 7 p.m.—a period when the family typically relaxed. Complicating matters further, Sherry, employed at a bank, often adhered to American working hours.

Naples’ aggressive driving patterns initially overwhelmed Sherry, who required eight months before feeling confident enough to drive independently. “I still can’t get used to it,” she admitted, describing local motorists as highly unpredictable. “In America, you know what the other driver is doing. Here, they do whatever they want.”

Even garbage disposal presented challenges, with five distinct categories requiring separation and varying regulations across neighborhoods. Financially though, the family discovered their American currency purchased considerably more than it had in Virginia. The lower cost of fresh produce and daily necessities allowed them to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle while saving for future investments.