Washington couple in their 70s move their entire lives to ITALY to escape 'materialistic' America - and its high taxes - despite not even speaking the language... and say they feel more at home than they ever did in the US

A couple in their 70s have moved their entire lives to Italy in a bid to escape 'materialistic' America - and its high taxes.

Glenda and Randy Tuminello, from Spokane, Washington, had initially planned to spend a year in Europe to celebrate their retirement until the coronavirus pandemic disrupted their plans.

It prompted them to rethink their long-term dreams and the duo instead decided to move full time to the Puglia region of Italy in December 2022.

But it has not been without its challenges as the couple do not speak a word of Italian and are already missing American food.

The couple said that they were drawn to Italy from the outset after Randy's own grandparents migrated from Cefalu, Sicily, to Louisiana in the early 1900s.

He told CNN Travel: 'My roots have been a huge factor in picking Italy, it's like coming home, and we feel more at home here than we ever felt in the US. 

'Then again my wife is an Italian at heart and loves everything Italian.'

The duo spent time researching different regions that enticed new immigrant retirees by offering seven per cent flat tax - before eventually making the move.

Former high school math teacher Glenda said: 'We decided to sell our home, our car and all superfluous possessions and make Italy our retirement home for good. 

'We chose beautiful Polignano a Mare, it offered a flat tax rate of seven per cent.'

The couple now rent a two-bedroom house, which came partially furnished, for $1,200 a month.

The white-stone house, which feature vaulted ceilings and terracotta floors, boasts an office, spacious dining room, balcony, front porch and covered terrace.

'We were going to buy it at first, but now with the economy unsure, it was best to rent,' Randy, who previously worked as a consulting manager, said.

'It was a decision made at the right time as rentals are now skyrocketing, and homes on sale are quite expensive as there are few and most are taken as B&Bs.'

The couple, who have now been living in Polignano a Mare for nearly a year, cited a heap of other benefits including the town's historic credentials, coastal location and affordable lifestyle.

Despite the pair leaving their children and grandchildren back in the US, Randy claimed their motivation to relocate was due to their preference for Italian culture.

'The materialistic aspect is not as predominant in Polignano as in the US, and there's more a sense of community – of family and friends,' he said.

The shift in outlook in the region has also meant they feel safer, adding that there is 'never a threat of danger walking the beautiful streets at night.'

But the move has not been without its drawbacks.

Glenda and Randy are already missing some American foods such as barbecue sauce, peanut butter and lemon curd.

They have also struggled with the language barrier as neither speak any Italian.