Just thought id drop a note asking for advice-im 22, currently living in the US for a year and im pretty much dreading the idea of living in the UK for too long-im due to return in November, and dont really like the idea of living in the UK for more than a few months before i make a permanent move-and if i move it would have to be to Italy.

Any ideas about the smartest move, employment wise, as well as where the best places to live are-in terms of quality of life, housing and the affordability-ideally id like to live in a place that isnt a hugely urban places like the main cities, but also one that isnt too rural, as well as being welcoming to incomers from outside

Why are you so sure you want to live in Italy?

well it wouldnt have to be Italy but i would prefer it be in Europe, purely because of the whole ease of living in an EU country, as well as the proximity to the UK what with familly and friends being there-yet still being `abroad` enougth to make a new life and a new start.

Antant - my advice would be to check out the job situation in various EU countries. Italy is not a good place for well paid jobs! You may be better getting a good job in the UK for a few years first to give you some financial freedom. It still ranks as one of the better paying countries salary wise.

Another avenue would be to join a company that does foreign postings. I'm assuming you are still a student or on a gap year, as your post suggests your US posting isn't for work? If you can get the UK salary in another European country you are laughing! Don't dismiss being in the UK too quickly, check all the options first. Italy has a high cost of living, not far short of the UK but companies pay little and you won't get a job without learning Italian fluently either.

What do you do? This would help in giving advice!