A couple was chasing American dream until they realised it wasn’t making them happy, then they bought a Rs 12 lakh house in Italy that changed their idea of success

A couple has swapped the hustle of New York City for a quiet town in Italy, where they bought a two-storey house for roughly ₹12.2 lakh and say they have no plans of ever going back. Cassandra Tresl and her husband Alex Ninman are both American citizens who packed up their American dream and left the US in 2019. The pair were chasing something simple: a slower pace of life and a home they could actually afford. After a brief stint in the Czech Republic, they finally settled in Italy's Abruzzo region, a quiet area about three hours from Rome.

"Today, we live in a small town in Italy's Abruzzo region, about three hours outside Rome," Cassandra told CNBC Make It. "We found a different way of life, and I can't imagine moving back to the US in the coming years."

Rethinking what "success" really means

For Cassandra and Alex, the move wasn't just about money. It was about questioning everything they had been taught to chase.


"Like many Americans, my husband and I grew up surrounded by the idea that success meant constantly upgrading, larger homes, newer cars, bigger achievements, and busier schedules.

"Over time, we started questioning whether any of those things were actually making us happier," Cassandra said.

Along with this shift in mindset, the couple also craved something American suburbs rarely offer: a tight-knit community. Italy, they felt, checked that box perfectly.

The house that cost less than a fancy car

Once in Italy, the couple decided to put down roots for good. They bought a home in their small Abruzzo town and were stunned at how little it cost compared to buying property back home.

"Living in a small town made it possible for us to buy a home in cash without taking on the kind of financial burden that often comes with homeownership in the US," said Cassandra.

Here's the math: the couple paid 11,500 euros, close to $13,100, for the entire property. Converted to Indian currency, that's about ₹12.2 lakh — less than what many would spend on a hatchback in India.

Cassandra described the home as a two-floor, two-bedroom house spread across just under 1,076 square feet, with a bonus third bedroom in the basement and an attic for extra storage. The couple later spent another 15,000 euros, around $17,100, sprucing the place up with renovations.

Cheaper bills, slower life, fewer regrets

Beyond the house itself, daily living in Italy turned out to be far gentler on their wallets than life in the US ever was.

"Food, childcare, and other expenses are more affordable here. The lower cost of living gave us breathing room and allowed us to focus less on earning more and more," said Cassandra.

Cassandra initially kept her American tech job and worked remotely, but eventually she let it go entirely.

"I kept my tech job and worked remotely at first. But once we settled in, I felt free to let it go. I make less now doing marketing for an Italian travel company and creating content, but the tradeoff has been worth it."

For this couple, trading a fat paycheck for a slower, cheaper, and apparently happier life in Italy seems to be a deal they'd sign again in a heartbeat.

(Source: CNBC Make It)