Moving halfway around the world is a big decision, especially when you're leaving a country as beautiful and culturally rich as Italy. For Marcello Sormani, the decision to move to Canada was ultimately about creating new opportunities for his family and building a different kind of lifestyle. After meeting his wife in Vancouver and spending time exploring the Okanagan, Marcello eventually found his way to Vernon, where he and his family have made their home.

Marcello grew up in Italy, studied in Milan and lived near Lake Como, close to the Swiss border. While he still has a deep appreciation for Italy, he describes life there as considerably busier and more demanding than many people might expect. Long workdays, crowded cities and the challenges of getting around were part of everyday life. Moving to the Okanagan gave him the opportunity to enjoy a slower pace while still having access to the amenities and activities of a city.

One of the biggest things that surprised Marcello about Vernon was how easy it is to balance city living with nature. The ability to get around without the traffic and stress associated with larger cities stood out to him, as did the access to lakes, trails, skiing and other outdoor activities. He particularly appreciates being able to enjoy the lake in the summer and go skiing in the winter, all while living close to Vernon.

The lifestyle was another major difference. Marcello says that although Italy is often perceived as laid-back, his experience was much more fast-paced, particularly in the business-oriented areas where he lived and worked. He appreciates the Canadian approach of working hard while also having more opportunity to spend evenings with family and enjoy time outside of work.

There are, of course, things he misses about Italy. Food and wine are high on that list. Marcello misses the way Italian culture combines food, wine and outdoor experiences, whether that means hiking in the Alps and ending the day at a mountain chalet or simply enjoying a long meal with family and friends. At the same time, he sees the Okanagan developing an increasingly interesting food and wine scene of its own, particularly with the region's wineries.

Real estate was another area where Marcello noticed significant differences between Italy and Canada. He points out that Italian homes are generally built differently, with stone being a traditional building material, while Canadian homes often use materials suited to the country's climate. He was also surprised by the size of Canadian homes, particularly the large kitchens and islands that are common here.

Beyond the homes themselves, Marcello sees an important difference in the role real estate can play in building family wealth. He explains that stagnant incomes have made it more difficult for many Italian families to increase their purchasing power, while certain areas of Canada have seen generations of families build wealth through real estate. While property values have continued to grow in select Italian locations, he says that has not been the experience for the average family in the average Italian city.

When describing who might enjoy life in Vernon, Marcello points to people who appreciate a quieter pace and want nature to be part of their everyday lives. Camping, hiking, skiing, swimming, biking and enjoying the lakes are all part of the lifestyle that attracted him to the Okanagan. For Marcello, the region offers a combination of nature, opportunity and community that is difficult to replicate.

Even after experiencing life in both Italy and Canada, Marcello says he would make the move again. While Italy still holds a special place in his heart, Vernon gives his family the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors, raise a family in a less crowded environment and take advantage of the lifestyle the Okanagan offers.

His perspective is a reminder that moving to Vernon is not simply about relocating to another community. For people coming from around the world, the Okanagan can offer a different way of living, with lakes and mountains close by, four-season recreation, access to nature and the opportunity to build a new life in a welcoming community.