Anyone here well versed in "Ultralight" planes and the FAA rules?

I thought I would give it a go here to ask from actual ultralight pilots and owners. I am set to be in Italy in April to get my training and first ever flight in an actual flying vehicle. And on track (will believe it when I see it) to get my own around October / November.
The first question I get when I talk to people about ultralight EVTOL, is where will I fly it. I plan on trailering it to a safe place and fly around open areas.
But how great would it be if I could take off from my backyard. But that would mean I would have to fly over "dense populated areas" before I get to an area I am allowed. And I have a feeling the FAA would not just slap my wrist and say do not do that again, but put me in the slammer and throw away the keys.
I have seen videos of home built heli's and planes leaving an airport and flying over homes. Is that ok because it took off from an airport? I could be wrong and those were the next step in class where you need an actual pilots license to fly.

 

Recreation purposes.. check. Fly in a safe manner... check. No flying over a "congested area of a city". I agree that is very vague. Suburbs considered congested?
I will just do circles around my house. Especially if I want to blow the leaves.