Discover the Best Places to Live in Italy: From Cities to Countrysid
Top Cities to Live in Italy
Perhaps the best way to truly experience the culture of a place is to live there, and what place in the world has a more rich and fascinating culture than Italy? In addition to beautiful and serene countryside, the country boasts multiple bustling cities that are full of theaters, museums, and shopping. The hardest about living in Italy will likely be deciding where you want to buy an Italian property.
Rome
From the origins of the Roman Empire to the founding of the Catholic Church, Rome is one of the most historically significant cities on Earth. While steeped in history, however, Rome is also one of the world's most modern cities, featuring great public transportation, parks, shopping, and state-of-the-art healthcare. Tourism is, of course, one of the cit's largest industries, but many residents also enjoy eating in the numerous cafes, strolling the parks, and cooling off near the city's many decorative fountains.
The region features a relatively mild climate in the summer with winters that can see a small amount of snow.
Best Neighbourhoods to Live in Rome
- Centro Storico (Historic Center)
- Average prices of the properties from € 4,000 €/m² to € 7,825 €/m²;
- Best For: History enthusiasts, tourists, cultural immersion.
- Trastevere
- Average prices of the properties from € 3,800 €/m² to € 7,725 €/m²;
- Best For: Bohemian vibe, nightlife, restaurants.
- Prati, Borgo, Mazzini, Delle Vittorie area
- Average prices of the properties from € 3,794 €/m² to € 6,963 €/m²;
- Best For: Proximity to Vatican, shopping, upscale living
- Parioli, Flaminio area
- Average prices of the properties €6,500 - €9,000;
- Best For: Upscale residential, green spaces, quiet neighborhoods.
- Testaccio
- Average prices of the properties from € 3,800 €/m² to € 7,725 €/m²;
- Best For: Food markets, traditional Roman vibe, young locals.
- San Giovanni
- Average prices of the properties from € 2,975 €/m² to € 5,500 €/m²;
- Best For: Historical sites, local life, shopping.
- Monteverde, Gianicolense, Colli Portuensi, Casaletto
- Average prices of the properties from € 2,975 €/m² to € 6,100 €/m²;
- Best For: Green spaces, family-friendly, local feel.
- Garbatella, Navigatori, Ostiense
- Average prices of the properties from € 2,800 €/m² to € 4,445 €/m²;
- Best For: Urban art, trendy bars, modern living.
Inside the heart of the city, smaller apartments, flats or penthouses can be found for less than 1,000,000 Euros, while larger homes and villas just outside the city can often be found for less than 2,000,000. Overall the city is considered relatively safe, but many people choose to avoid the east and outskirts of the metropolis due to high incidences of petty crime.
Milan
Long considered to be a global hub of fashion and business, Milan is the ideal city for many Americans who are looking for modern amenities and a feeling of connection with the outside world. The overall climate is relatively mild, with summer temperatures rarely going over 90 degrees and winter temperatures rarely dropping below freezing during the day.
- Navigli
- Average prices of the properties from € 3,125 €/m² to € 5,425 €/m²;
- Best For: Vibrant nightlife, canals, and monthly antique market;
- Porta Venezia
- Average prices of the properties from € 3,100 €/m² to € 7,167 €/m²;
- Best For: Liberty-style architecture, multicultural atmosphere, and proximity to public gardens;
- Garibaldi, Moscova, Porta Nuova
- Average prices of the properties from € 4,406 €/m² to € 11,125 €/m²;
- Best For: Modern skyscrapers, business hub, and contemporary lifestyle;
- Città Studi
- Average prices of the properties: from € 2,625 €/m² to € 5,175 €/m²;
- Best For: Students, academic vibe, proximity to universities;
- San Siro
- Average prices of the properties: from € 1,704 €/m² to € 5,388 €/m²;
- Best For: Sports enthusiasts, proximity to the San Siro stadium, and a more residential feel;
- Isola
- Average prices of the properties: from € 2,984 €/m² to € 11,125 €/m²;
- Best For: Trendy bars and restaurants, artisanal shops, and a mix of old and new architecture;
- Ticinese
- Average prices of the properties: from € 4,650 €/m² to € 8,250 €/m²;
- Best For: Young professionals, vibrant nightlife, and proximity to cultural sites;
- Lambrate
- Average prices of the properties: from € 2,375 €/m² to € 2,675 €/m²;
- Best For: Industrial vibe, design events, and emerging artists.
Property prices here are some of the highest in the country, however, with many flats in the fashion and business districts running at least 2,000,000 Euros or more. For this reason, many people choose to live just outside of the city.
Florence
Florence is a city known primarily for its art and architecture; it is exceedingly popular with expats who want to spend time in museums and galleries. While the city boasts the same generally mild climate that Italy is famous for, expect summers to be a little warmer here. Property prices are highly dependent on what part of the city you choose to live in; it's possible to find some good bargains if you're willing to live farther away from the central art and business districts.
- Centro Storico (Historic Center)
- Average prices of the properties: from € 3,131 €/m² to € 5,294 €/m²
- Best For: Immersing in Renaissance history, proximity to major tourist attractions, and a vibrant atmosphere;
- Bagno a Ripoli
- Average prices of the properties: from €3,264/sq. m
- Best For: Proximity to Florence, scenic landscapes, and quiet residential areas;
- Barberino di Mugello
- Average prices of the properties: from €1,812/sq. m
- Best For: Natural landscapes, Mugello Circuit, and countryside living;
- Barberino Tavarnelle
- Average prices of the properties: from €2,428/sq. m
- Best For: Vineyards, countryside charm, and traditional events;
- Borgo San Lorenzo
- Average prices of the properties: from €1,936/sq. m
- Best For: Historical sites, natural parks, and rural life;
- Calenzano
- Average prices of the properties: from €3,009/sq. m
- Best For: Proximity to industrial zones, parks, and family living;
- Campi Bisenzio
- Average prices of the properties: from €2,643/sq. m
- Best For: Shopping centers, historical sites, and urban life;
- Capraia e Limite
- Average prices of the properties: from €2,247/sq. m
- Best For: Historical landmarks, river views, and local festivals;
- Castelfiorentino
- Average prices of the properties: from €1,431/sq. m
- Best For: Cultural events, museums, and tranquil living;
- Cerreto Guidi
- Average prices of the properties: from €1,686/sq. m
- Best For: Historical villas, wine production, and countryside atmosphere;
Others Popular Cities
You may also want to consider the following areas:
- Bolzano - This smaller town has a lot of German and Austrian influence
- Venice - Expensive, but there's no other city like it in the world.
Scenic Countryside and Towns
Tuscany
The region of Tuscany is probably best known for its rolling hills and vineyards, as well as its mild climate and friendly people. There are actually a wide variety of small villages, towns, and even small farms throughout this area.
Amalfi Coast
Featuring charming towns like Positano and a long list of smaller villages, the Amalfi Coast is ideal for anyone who wants to live on the beach. While you should expect to pay a lot for private beach area, it is very possible to find beach views for surprisingly affordable prices.
Affordable Places for Expats
Puglia
This is an ideal city for living a Mediterranean lifestyle on a budget. You'll find plenty of small shops and restaurants in this relatively quiet coastal town.
Calabria
A growing number of expats are discovering the beauty of this relatively small community. You'll be able to avoid the hustle of the larger cities, but you're still close enough to be abele to visit museums and other landmarks when you want to make the trip.
Embracing the Italian Lifestyle
There is so much to love about the Italian lifestyle that it's hard to describe everything. One of our favorite parts, however, is the huge focus on food, family, festivals, and traditions.
Conclusion
Whether you're looking for a busy and vibrant city like Milan or Rome, or you want a peaceful place in the countryside of Tuscany or the Amalfi Coast, there is a part of Italy that is right for you.
FAQs
What is the average cost of living in Italy?
Cost of living is highly dependent on family size and lifestyle, but it is possible for a family of four to live comfortably on $5000 to $7000 Euros a month.
Which Italian cities are best for job opportunities?
Job opportunities will depend a lot on the industry a person is looking to work in, but generally speaking Milan and Rome are best for people who are looking to work in Business or Finance. A boom of interest in the countryside has created a lot of opportunities in the smaller towns and villages for construction workers and tradespeople, however.
How is the healthcare system in Italy for expats?
If ou do not have residency, ou will need to pay a flat rate in order to be eligible for public health care. This is the most common method used by students and retirees. It is also possible to have private insurance and see doctors outside of the public healthcare system. Many expats choose to enroll in both systems.
What are the visa requirements for living in Italy?
Visitors from the United States are allowed to stay for up to sixty days before applying for a residence visa. This application typically requires you to show proof that you can afford to live in the country, either via a job offer or income and/or substantial savings.