Abruzzo stretches from the highest peaks of the Apennines to the Adriatic coast, and where you position yourself along that line determines your winter, your commute, your neighbours, and your daily life. These guides break down the real differences between the four provinces, the trade-offs between coast and interior, and what to look for (and watch out for) when choosing a location. The right place for you depends on what you actually need, not what looks best in summer.
The Four Provinces
L'Aquila
Mountains, national parks, lowest density. Cold winters, lowest prices (~€1,200/sqm avg). Capital of Culture 2026.
Teramo
Northern province. Coast, hills, and Gran Sasso in one compact area. Less discovered, strong local economy.
Pescara
Smallest province, most urban. Airport (27 destinations), best services, highest prices (~€1,600/sqm avg).
Chieti
Most populous province. Trabocchi coast, classic hill towns, strongest expat presence. Lowest avg prices (~€1,150/sqm).
Key Decisions
Inland vs Coastal
Coast means convenience, mild winters, and easier integration. Inland means beauty, space, and lower prices at the cost of isolation and harder winters. The detail matters.
Read guideThe €30,000 Village House
What ultra-budget properties actually involve and how to tell a bargain from a liability.
Read guideAll Regional Guides
Four Provinces
L'Aquila, Teramo, Pescara, Chieti,they're not interchangeable. Here's how they differ.
Read guideInland vs Coastal
Coast has beaches and infrastructure. Mountains have views and cheap property. Both have trade-offs.
Read guideBudget Property
Yes, you can buy a house for €30,000. You can also buy a house that needs €100,000 of work.
Read guideTowns Guide
Practical list of functional towns where foreigners have successfully settled, with honest notes on each.
Read guideGhost Villages
Some villages are quiet. Some are dying. The difference matters if you're planning to live there.
Read guideLocation Factors
Access & Infrastructure
- - Drive time to Pescara airport
- - Nearest motorway junction (A24, A25, A14)
- - Hospital and ambulance response range
- - Internet and mobile coverage (check, do not assume)
- - Winter road conditions and snow clearance
Community & Services
- - Year-round residents vs seasonal holiday owners
- - Other English-speaking residents nearby
- - Shops, pharmacy, and bar open year-round
- - Average age of village population
- - Schools and young families (sign of a living village)
Property & Cost
- - Property price per sqm (varies hugely by province)
- - Renovation scope and local builder availability
- - Heating costs (altitude and insulation matter most)
- - Car necessity and annual ownership costs
- - Rental potential if you plan to let part-year
Before You Fall in Love
A property can be charming and still wrong for you. Visit in different seasons. Check what services exist year-round. Ask how many people live there in January. The view from the terrace does not matter if the nearest doctor is 45 minutes away, the road ices over in winter, and your closest neighbour is 80 years old and speaks no English.
How to assess village viability →Related Topics
Where you live connects directly to how you get around, what you pay, and how you handle winter. These guides fill in the practical detail.