Instead of visiting Italy, we bought a home here for about $65,000. Our decision was risky, but it paid off.

Five years ago, Camellia Phillips, who had always dreamed of visiting Sicily, decided to buy a house there instead of planning a trip. Her husband and father-in-law encouraged her, sharing stories about the village of Melilli where many of his relatives lived. Despite her chronic migraines, which made air travel difficult, she and her husband believed buying a house would allow them to visit often and for longer periods.

They found a two-bedroom house in Melilli's historic center for 57,000 euros, or about $65,000. The house had a rooftop terrace and was located in a quiet street too narrow for most cars. The couple paid for a basic kitchen, which cost less than $1,500, as Italian kitchens are often purchased as single units. After living in New York City for 20 years, the house in Sicily felt like a palazzo with bright rooms and high ceilings.

Camellia fell in love with the rhythm of village life and the local produce, ancient ruins, and cultural sites. Despite the financial risk, moving to Sicily has been a smart move, allowing her to work part-time and spend more time in Italy than she ever dreamed.