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The small Tuscan town of Pelago may be one of the most interesting modern examples of localism in Europe.

While many rural towns across Italy have been losing population as young people move to larger cities, Pelago has been doing the opposite. Its population has grown steadily and recently exceeded 8,000 residents. Young families are moving there from nearby Florence in search of affordable housing, a stronger sense of community and a better quality of life.

The key lesson for localists is that Pelago’s success has not come from attracting large corporations or building vast industrial estates. Instead, the local authority has concentrated on the things that matter most to families. Investment has been directed towards schools, nurseries, sports facilities and public spaces. The mayor has described this as putting families at the centre of community life.

Pelago also retains many characteristics that localists value. It is made up not only of the main town but also a network of smaller villages and hamlets. The surrounding countryside supports vineyards, olive groves, forestry and other traditional land-based activities. The area has a long history of rural self-reliance and close links between people and landscape.

An interesting feature is that Pelago is close enough to Florence for some residents to commute, yet far enough away to maintain its own identity and character. Around 1,000 residents travel to Florence for work, but they choose to live in Pelago because housing is much cheaper and community life is stronger.

From a localist perspective, Pelago demonstrates that prosperity does not necessarily depend on urban growth. People are often attracted by affordable homes, local schools, green spaces, safety and a sense of belonging. These are qualities that cannot easily be measured by GDP but are often more important in everyday life.

As the United Kingdom gradually adapts to the realities of a shrinking economy, Pelago offers an important lesson. The future may not belong solely to ever-larger cities. Instead, it may lie with smaller communities that provide the essentials of life close to home, strengthen local relationships and create places where families can flourish.

Pelago is not a complete localist economy, but it does show how a community can thrive by putting local people, local services and local quality of life ahead of endless economic expansion. In that sense, it may offer a glimpse of what a localist future could look like.