Best Neighborhoods for Families in Rome

Rome, the Eternal City, is not only a haven for tourists but also a delightful place for expats and digital nomads with families to call home. With its rich history, vibrant culture, and excellent cuisine, Rome offers a unique living experience. However, finding the right neighborhood for your family can be crucial to your experience. Here are some of the best neighborhoods in Rome that cater to the needs of families, providing a balance of tranquility, accessibility, and amenities.

Monteverde Vecchio

Monteverde Vecchio, known for its residential charm and green spaces, is a top choice for families. The area boasts of Villa Pamphili, Rome's largest public park, perfect for picnics, jogging, and children's play areas. The neighborhood has a sense of community, with local shops and markets that add to its family-friendly atmosphere. Schools in Monteverde Vecchio are reputable, and the area is also home to several international schools, making it ideal for expat families.

Location: Southwest of Rome's historic center, atop the Janiculum Hill.
Real Estate: Rental prices for a 2-bedroom apartment average around €1,200 per month, while a 3-bedroom can go for €1,800. Purchase prices vary, with a 2-bedroom costing around €400,000 and a 3-bedroom around €600,000.
International Schools: Monteverde Vecchio is close to schools like the American Overseas School of Rome and St. George's British International School, offering education from early years to high school with international curricula.
Where to Eat: The neighborhood is dotted with family-friendly trattorias and cafes, such as Tutto Qua and Vivi Bistrot.
Interesting History: The nearby Villa Pamphili was a 17th-century estate and is now a historical park open to the public.
Parks: Villa Pamphili is the most popular park in the area, offering vast green spaces for families to enjoy outdoor activities.

Prati

Prati is a well-heeled neighborhood that offers a more upscale living experience. It's known for its wide avenues, elegant buildings, and proximity to the Vatican. Families enjoy the area for its safety, good schools, and recreational spaces. The neighborhood has a variety of shops and eateries, and it's also close to the Tiber River, where families can enjoy leisurely walks and cycling.

Location: North of the Vatican City.
Real Estate: A 2-bedroom apartment's average rental is about €1,500 per month, with a 3-bedroom at €2,200. To purchase, a 2-bedroom costs approximately €500,000, and a 3-bedroom €700,000.
International Schools: Prati is near several international schools, including the Marymount International School, which offers a Catholic, co-educational experience with an American curriculum.
Where to Eat: Prati is known for its gastronomic scene, with restaurants like Su & Giu Cucina Romana and Pizzarium offering delightful dining experiences.
Interesting History: The neighborhood is home to the historic Court of Cassation, Italy's highest court of appeal housed in the monumental Palazzo di Giustizia.
Parks: While Prati itself isn't known for large parks, it's close to the Castel Sant'Angelo and its surrounding gardens, a favorite among locals for a stroll.

Parioli

Parioli is one of Rome's most prestigious neighborhoods, offering a quiet and refined atmosphere for families. It's known for its elegant villas, high-end shops, and quality restaurants. The area has several private and international schools, making it a popular choice for expat families. Parioli also has beautiful parks, such as Villa Ada, where families can enjoy nature and outdoor activities.

Location: North of the city center.
Real Estate: Renting a 2-bedroom apartment averages €1,600 per month, while a 3-bedroom is around €2,500. Purchase prices are high, with a 2-bedroom costing about €600,000 and a 3-bedroom €800,000.
International Schools: The neighborhood is close to schools like the Overseas School of Rome and the Rome International School, offering IB programs and a multicultural environment.
Where to Eat: Parioli has a range of upscale dining options, including the Michelin-starred restaurant Metamorfosi.
Interesting History: The area was developed in the 1920s as a garden city, which is reflected in its current layout and architecture.
Parks: Villa Ada is the local favorite, with its ancient trees, paths, and a lake, providing a serene escape from the city bustle.

Trastevere

Trastevere is a picturesque and vibrant neighborhood with a bohemian charm that attracts many expat families. Its cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, and lively piazzas offer a quintessential Roman experience. The area has several schools and is known for its tight-knit community feel. Families enjoy the local markets, artisan shops, and the proximity to cultural sites.

Location: South of the Vatican, on the west bank of the Tiber River.
Real Estate: Rental prices for a 2-bedroom apartment average €1,300 per month, and a 3-bedroom around €1,700. Buying a home here can be costly, with a 2-bedroom apartment at about €450,000 and a 3-bedroom at €650,000.
International Schools: While there are no international schools directly in Trastevere, there are several options nearby, such as the John Cabot University, which offers American-accredited degrees.
Where to Eat: Trastevere is filled with family-friendly restaurants like Le Mani in Pasta and Dar Poeta, known for their authentic Roman cuisine.
Interesting History: The neighborhood is home to the Basilica of Santa Maria in Trastevere, one of the oldest churches in Rome, with origins dating back to the 3rd century.
Parks: The Orto Botanico, Rome's botanical garden, is a peaceful retreat with a variety of plant species and thematic gardens.

Eur

Eur is a modern and well-planned neighborhood that was originally designed for the 1942 World's Fair. It's a great area for families who prefer a more contemporary setting with spacious parks, modern amenities, and a quieter lifestyle. Eur offers a range of cultural attractions, including museums and the iconic Palazzo della Civilta Italiana. The neighborhood is also known for its good schools and family-friendly environment.

Location: South of Rome's city center.
Real Estate: Renting a 2-bedroom apartment costs around €1,100 per month, with a 3-bedroom at €1,600. Purchase prices are more affordable compared to central Rome, with a 2-bedroom at around €350,000 and a 3-bedroom at €500,000.
International Schools: Eur is close to the Istituto Marymount and the Lycée Français Chateaubriand, offering international education in English and French.
Where to Eat: Eur has a variety of dining options, including the contemporary TASTE restaurant and the traditional La Fattoria del Campiglione.
Interesting History: The neighborhood is a prime example of Fascist architecture, with the Palazzo della Civilta Italiana, also known as the "Square Colosseum," being one of the most emblematic buildings.
Parks: Eur is home to the large and popular Eur Park, which includes a lake and is ideal for family outings and sports activities.

Trieste

Trieste is a residential neighborhood that offers a mix of urban convenience and suburban tranquility. It's a great area for families who are looking for a quieter lifestyle while still being close to the city center. The neighborhood has a variety of parks, including the beautiful Villa Ada, and is known for its good schools and friendly community. Trieste also has a range of shops and cafes that cater to families.

Location: Northeast of Rome's historic center.
Real Estate: Rental prices for a 2-bedroom apartment average €1,200 per month, and a 3-bedroom around €1,800. Purchase prices are moderate, with a 2-bedroom costing about €400,000 and a 3-bedroom €550,000.
International Schools: The neighborhood is close to the International School of Europe, which offers an English-language curriculum from primary to high school.
Where to Eat: Trieste has a variety of dining options, from the casual Bar delle Palme to the upscale Ristorante Cervinia.
Interesting History: The area is home to the Catacombs of Priscilla, an ancient Christian burial site dating back to the 2nd century.
Parks: Villa Ada is the most popular park in the area, known for its lush greenery and historical significance.

Flaminio

Flaminio is a cultural hub that has become increasingly popular among families. It's home to the MAXXI museum of contemporary art and the Auditorium Parco della Musica, offering cultural experiences for all ages. The neighborhood has a modern feel, with new developments and renovated spaces. Flaminio also features good schools and plenty of green spaces, including the Villa Glori park.

Location: North of the city center, just above Piazza del Popolo.
Real Estate: Renting a 2-bedroom apartment averages €1,400 per month, with a 3-bedroom at €2,000. Purchase prices are around €450,000 for a 2-bedroom and €600,000 for a 3-bedroom.
International Schools: Flaminio is close to the St. Stephen's School, which offers an international baccalaureate program with boarding options.
Where to Eat: The area boasts a range of eateries, including the trendy Treebar and the family-friendly Rosso Pomodoro.
Interesting History: The neighborhood is home to the historic Ponte Milvio, an ancient bridge that has become a symbol of love due to the "love locks" tradition.
Parks: Villa Glori is a popular park among local families, offering playgrounds and open spaces for children to play.

Testaccio

Testaccio is a traditional Roman neighborhood with a strong sense of community, making it a great place for families. It's known for its authentic Roman spirit, local markets, and family-run trattorias. The area has excellent schools and is home to the Città dell'Altra Economia, a cultural and recreational space that hosts events and activities for families. Testaccio also has the Monte dei Cocci, an ancient Roman potsherd hill, adding a unique historical touch to the neighborhood.

Location: South of the city center, along the Tiber River.
Real Estate: Rental prices for a 2-bedroom apartment average €1,100 per month, and a 3-bedroom around €1,500. Purchase prices are reasonable, with a 2-bedroom costing about €350,000 and a 3-bedroom €500,000.
International Schools: While there are no international schools directly in Testaccio, there are several options in nearby neighborhoods.
Where to Eat: Testaccio is famous for its culinary scene, with places like Flavio al Velavevodetto and Pizzeria Da Remo offering classic Roman dishes.
Interesting History: The Monte dei Cocci is a testament to the neighborhood's ancient pottery industry, and it's now a historical site open to visitors.
Parks: Testaccio has a newly developed park, Parco della Resistenza, which is a favorite among local families for its playgrounds and green spaces.