Radicondoli, a small village in Tuscany facing population decline, has introduced a new program to attract people to move there. (CNN Newsource)
Radicondoli, a charming medieval village surrounded by rolling hills, olive groves, and vineyards, looks like something straight from a postcard. Yet, behind its picturesque beauty lies a growing problem — its population keeps shrinking. Once home to around 3,000 people, this peaceful Tuscan village now has fewer than 1,000 residents, with nearly a quarter of its homes standing empty.
Cash Incentive to Attract Newcomers
To bring life back to its quiet streets, the local government has decided to offer money to people willing to settle there. In 2023, Radicondoli launched a program offering up to 20,000 euros (US$23,000) for anyone buying and living in one of its vacant homes. Buyers can also get an extra 6,000 euros to help with costs like heating and transportation.
This year, the program expanded to include renters. The town will now cover half of the rent for the first two years, with the offer running until early 2026.
“We’ve set aside over 400,000 euros to support new home purchases and rentals,” said Mayor Francesco Guarguaglini, a lifelong resident. “We also help students, commuters, and people switching to green energy.”
Not a ‘One-Euro House’ Town
Unlike Italy’s famous “one-euro home” villages, Radicondoli is offering money, not selling houses for almost nothing. “We distinguish ourselves from those schemes,” Guarguaglini explained. “Our homes have value — and so does our community.”
Available homes include cozy one-bedroom apartments in the medieval centre and spacious farmhouses surrounded by vineyards. Smaller properties start at around 50,000 euros, while larger ones can cost 100,000 euros or more. Some need light renovations, usually costing about 10,000 euros.
A buyer using the full government grant could own a small apartment for roughly 30,000 euros (C$43,000). Renters also benefit: a home that typically costs 400 euros a month drops to just 200 euros with the subsidy.
To qualify, buyers must live in their new homes for at least 10 years, and renters for four years.
Reviving a Once-Thriving Village
Radicondoli began losing residents in the 1950s, as younger people moved to cities for work. “We lose about 15 elderly residents each year, but only welcome three newborns,” Guarguaglini said. His goal is to increase the population to at least 1,000 again.
Since launching the program, the town has funded 23 home purchases and welcomed around 60 new residents, including Italians and foreigners from Belgium and other countries. The mayor also supports those who want to turn old houses into vacation rentals, offering renovation help and low-interest loans. Families moving to Radicondoli can receive school book vouchers and university grants.
A Peaceful and Green Community
Located just 40 minutes from Siena and a little over an hour from Florence, Radicondoli offers all the beauty of Tuscany without the crowds. The village uses geothermal energy, which provides both sustainability and local income.
Residents enjoy hiking, cycling, and horseback riding across scenic trails, while the local Energy Museum showcases how the area produces clean power. In summer, festivals, concerts, and open-air dinners fill the main square with music and laughter.
Radicondoli may be small, but it offers big rewards — peaceful living, natural beauty, and a welcoming community for anyone ready to call it home.
