More and more Milanese are looking to Oltrepò Pavese as the ideal destination to escape the chaos of the city. Attracted by the unspoilt beauty of the landscape and a quieter lifestyle, many are choosing to leave Milan to live in the hills. This phenomenon, which has also grown thanks to smartworking, is turning this area into a privileged refuge for those seeking a balance between nature and proximity to the city.
In recent years, a growing number of Milanese have turned their gaze towards Oltrepò Pavese, an area characterised by rolling hills, historic villages and a rural atmosphere that seems to be the perfect antithesis to the frenzy of the metropolis. According to recent surveys, as many as 50% of the Milanese dream of leaving the city and moving to the countryside, and Oltrepò Pavese emerges as one of the most sought-after destinations
The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated this trend, disrupting the living and working habits of many. With the spread of smartworking, many people have discovered the possibility of working from home, thus reducing the need to be physically present in offices in Milan. This paved the way for the realisation of a dream that had remained in the drawer for many: to live in a quieter environment, surrounded by nature, without having to give up the proximity of the city completely.
The Oltrepò Pavese, located less than an hour‘s drive from Milan, presents itself as an ideal destination. The area offers a winning combination of breathtaking scenery, clean air and a relaxed pace of life, all without being too far from the beating heart of Lombardy. This proximity is a decisive factor, especially for those who occasionally need to return to the city for work or to maintain their social connections.
Among the most frequent motivations emerging from the surveys is the desire for a return to a ‘rural’ lifestyle. For many Milanese, Oltrepò represents the possibility of rediscovering a more authentic contact with nature and local traditions, far from the consumerist logic and anxiety typical of city life. Here, it is possible to devote oneself to activities such as vegetable gardens, viticulture, or simply enjoy the silence and serenity that only unspoilt countryside can offer.
Confirming this trend are data from local real estate agencies. Over the past four years, the Oltrepò Pavese real estate market has grown significantly, with an increase in house sales both in historic villages and in more peripheral areas. Many of these transactions have been carried out by Milanese people looking for a new life outside the city.
Although property prices have risen compared to the past, they are still affordable compared to those in Milan and other more emblazoned resorts. This factor has certainly contributed to attracting a varied public, made up not only of families looking for more space for their children, but also of young professionals and pensioners eager for a radical change.
This renewed interest in the Oltrepò Pavese also led to a rediscovery of historic villages that had suffered from depopulation for years. With the arrival of new residents, many of these places are experiencing a sort of rebirth, with an increase in local activities, such as restaurants, shops selling typical products and small agritourisms.
In conclusion, the phenomenon of Milanese choosing Oltrepò as their new home seems destined to grow further in the coming years. The motivations driving this choice are profound and linked to a change in priorities, where personal well-being and contact with nature prevail over the need to live in the chaos of the city. Oltrepò Pavese, with its enchanting hills and rural lifestyle, appears to be the perfect response to this desire for change.
