Umbria, Inland Italy in All Its Splendor
Nature, Culture, and Calm: The Region of Good Living
Land of lakes, valleys, and forests, Umbria is often called the green heart of Italy. Towns remain human-sized and distances are short, ideal for a simple daily life.
- Diverse landscapes: Trasimeno and Piediluco lakes, hills of olive trees, the Apennines.
- Peaceful rhythm and warm community life 😌.
- Living heritage: churches, palaces, squares, and festivals all year round.
A Discreet Alternative to Neighboring Tuscany
Here, beauty is never overcrowded. Villages remain authentic and markets local.
- Property prices are generally more accessible than in iconic Tuscan areas.
- Measured tourism: fewer crowds, more daily freedom.
- Easy access to Rome and Florence without sacrificing tranquility.
To get an idea of budgets, average property prices on Green Acres show price per m² varies depending on the municipality:
- €878/m² real estate in Gubbio
- €937/m² real estate in Terni
- €1,348/m² real estate in Perugia
- €1,379/m² real estate in Spoleto
- €1,469/m² real estate in Bevagna
- €1,683/m² real estate in Todi
- €1,776/m² real estate in Orvieto
- €2,872/m² real estate in Assisi
- €3,550/m² real estate in Spello
Such diversity allows you to adjust your plans without compromising on location.
Perugia and Assisi: Art and Spirituality
Dynamic Cultural Life and Outstanding Heritage
Perugia, the regional capital, hosts the iconic Umbria Jazz and a lively historic center. Hilltop Assisi shines with the Basilica of Saint Francis and Giotto’s frescoes. 🏛️
- Museums, theaters, and high-quality music seasons (Perugia, Spoleto, Gubbio).
- Rich cultural agenda year-round, even off-season.
- Lively public spaces: cafés on piazzas, artisan markets.
Universities and Human-Scale Quality of Life
The presence of Università di Perugia and Università per Stranieri energizes the city. There’s a good balance between services, safety, and friendliness.
- International student ecosystem, Italian lessons for foreigners.
- Gentle mobility in the city center, cultural life accessible on foot.
- Renowned hospitals in Perugia and Terni.
The Umbrian Countryside and Its Small Towns
Hills, Olive Groves, and Preserved Medieval Villages
The Umbrian postcard features hilltop villages and cypress-lined roads. The blond stone changes hue with the hours, creating an inspiring backdrop for everyday life.
- Popular villages: Spello, Bevagna, Todi, Spoleto, Orvieto, Gubbio.
- Property types: stone casali, apartments in the historic center, small houses with a garden.
- Active lifestyle: hiking, cycling, sailing on Lake Trasimeno.
Country houses and casali sought by foreign buyers often offer large living spaces (around 250–350 m² on average depending on the area), remaining competitive compared to Tuscan hotspots.
Services, Climate, and Accessibility
Moderate Cost of Living, Efficient Transport, and High-Quality Healthcare
Good news: Umbria combines reliable public services with budget-friendly living. For a residential or semi-residential project, day-to-day life remains simple.
- Transport: Perugia airport (seasonal flights), train stations to Rome and Florence, nearby E45 and A1. 🚆
- Healthcare: hospitals in Perugia, Terni, Foligno; a network of clinics and local doctors.
- Everyday life: village center shops, markets, artisans, and responsive municipal services.
Temperate Climate and Low Tourist Density
The climate is mild continental: sunny summers, cool nights at altitude, moderate winters.
- Bright spring and autumn, perfect for hiking.
- Winters sometimes foggy in the valleys, drier higher up.
- Measured tourist influx, even in high season.
Umbria, An Elegant Haven for Living the Italian Way
Practical Tips for a Smooth Project
For a successful relocation, favor a gradual and informed approach. Green Acres can help you frame your project at every stage. 🏡
- Choose your living area: near a city (Perugia, Terni) or a lively village (Spello, Todi) depending on your needs.
- Test the seasons: a winter and a summer stay to assess climate, noise, services.
- Anticipate maintenance: garden, pool, wood or gas heating; request quotes from local craftsmen.
- Check accessibility: distance to station/airport, bus routes, parking in the historic center.
- Integrate quickly: a few words of Italian, local associations, regular markets to build connections.
Who buys in Umbria? In the province of Perugia, most foreign demand comes from:
- the United States (16%),
- Israel (11%),
- Germany (10%),
- the Netherlands (9%)
- and France (8%).
In Terni, the leading trio is the United States (13%), Israel (12%), and Germany (11%), according to Green Acres data.
Which Property for Which Lifestyle?
Stone casale for space and nature, historic apartment for walking everywhere, small house with an olive grove for a flexible pied-à-terre.
- Year-round living: close to services and schools, thermal insulation.
- Second home: easy weekend access, simplified maintenance.
- Mixed project: office space, reliable internet connection (check fiber availability).
