Our list of the 12 best places to live in Italy is based upon hundreds of discussions and reports from global nomads, retirees and expats living in Italy. Some areas of Italy can be very expensive, but there are many on our list that are affordable. "As far as standard of living, if you have little money and live in an expensive area, central Rome, Milan, Florence, then you will have a low standard of living. That same income spent in less expensive areas will give you a higher standard of living. Amalfi, Tuscany, etc... those place are beautiful indeed but you can find 'real Italy' where there are fewer tourists but real Italians. There are places that are also beautiful and full of history and culture that you don't need to wait on line for. Those are the places you want to live," explained one expat.
Liguria
"Liguria is beautiful and touristed on the coast, but mostly with Italian families and still with a lot of charm," wrote one expat. "We love Liguria...we are in the hills but only 15-20 min to the sea and the 5Terre [Cinque Terre]. So luckily the rush of tourism doesn't bother us and we can go to all the special sights after tourist season. There are many Feste, market days and out here in the hills rafting and canoeing and hiking and biking are the biggest sports," explained another expat in Liguria. The Cinque Terre is a stunning coastal section of Liguria made up of 5 fishing villages, some of which are situated on cliffs and hilltops.
"My husband and I (from Boston) moved just inland from lovely Levanto (Carro) and are thrilled with the area...and the weather. Rapallo is probably my favorite go-to vacationing city and we go often to walk and shop and eat. The market on Thursdays is amazing. Have you been to San Fruttuoso yet? You can only go by foot or boat from your area and it's a treat any time of year for quiet and beauty. You will be in the heart of a very busy area which will only 'lull' a bit in the winter but you can look forward in May to the Fish festival up the way in Camogli and the various antique shows in Chiavari. Our apartment is in a tiny hill town where the sheep may out number the residents so 'going to visit the big city' is our big treat," described one expat living in Liguria.
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Puglia
Puglia (Apulia, as Italians say) is home to a number of coastal cities such as Monopoli (49,000), Brindisi (87,000) and the capital city of Bari (325,000). Inland, you'll find other cities beloved by expats such as Martina Franca (49,000) and Lecce (95,000). Plus, the coast and inland areas are dotted with smaller towns and villages each with its own beauty and personality. For example, the town of Fasano in the Valle d�Itria area is a hidden gem. "It's easy to write off Fasano but this small city also has many charming contrade (some right on the Adriatic ) and others like Laureto and Selva that are in higher elevations with outstanding valley or sea views and cool summer evenings. (Fasano, the city, has endless convenience, dining, and shopping opportunities at very reasonable prices -- something you come to appreciate when you actually live here)," said one expat in a discussion about retiring in Southern Italy.
Rome
If you love living in cities, Rome should be at the top of your list. "The experience of living in the Eternal City can't be beat. The food is fantastic. Fresh pasta is divine. However, the Italian way of life is very different than that of the US way of life. At times, you will be frustrated and upset. For example, imagine going to the supermarket for days on end and there is no milk or fresh produce because there is a transportation strike going on. All notions of right and wrong do not exist here especially when driving. Italians will honk at you if you are going too slowly and they want to pass you or if you pause to wait for a pedestrian to cross the street you will be yelled at and honked at for not attempting to swerve around the pedestrian. My advice is to try to always remain calm and practice patience. If life gets too exasperating, go have a cappucino or better yet, get some good pizza and pasta and tackle your problem the next day. Another good tip, learn Italian. Make Italian friends who can help you overcome any difficulties," wrote one expat living in Rome.
