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Pros and Cons of Living in Genoa, Italy | Expat Exchange
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Pros and Cons of Living in Genoa

Italian For A While
Italian For A While
Italian For A While
Italian For A While

By Betsy Burlingame

Last updated on May 14, 2024

Summary: The pros of living in Genoa, Italy include its beautiful Mediterranean climate, its rich cultural heritage, its vibrant nightlife, and its proximity to the stunning Italian Riviera. On the other hand, the cons of living in Genoa include its high cost of living, its limited public transportation options, and its occasional overcrowding due to its popularity as a tourist destination.

What are the pros and cons of living in Genoa?

Expats, digital nomads and retirees living in Genoa responded:

"Expats and digital nomads living in Genoa appreciate the city's rich history and culture, as well as its stunning architecture and picturesque views. They also enjoy the city's vibrant nightlife, with plenty of bars, restaurants, and clubs to explore. Additionally, the city's proximity to the Mediterranean Sea makes it a great place to enjoy the beach and other outdoor activities. On the other hand, some expats and digital nomads may find the cost of living in Genoa to be quite high, and the city can be quite crowded during peak tourist season," remarked one expat in Genoa.

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What do expats in Genoa appreciate most about the local culture?

"Genova is a beautiful and interesting city. There are always surprises to look at, i.e. statues, frescoes on old buildings when you wander around the somewhat dirty, mysterious alleys. The piazza around the old port is beautiful. There is a great acquarium and some restaurants where you can have dinner or drinks overlooking the yachts and the water. There is a little village called Bocadese which is now incorporated into Genova. It has a small beach where you can swim and looks very traditional. Another small village, Nervi, has a beautiful seacliff walkway with lots of restaurants. Genova is connected by rail with Cinque terre, Santa Margarita Ligure, Pisa, Milan, and Nice, France - all of which make interesting day or overnight trips. We brought our two dogs with us from the United States. Italians love dogs. They are allowed on buses, trains and in many restaurants. People stop on the street to pet and admire the dogs. There are water fountains for dogs everywhere. Italians seem to have a good sense of humor and are very nice, generally. There are many musical events to attend in various parts of Italy. Public transport is very good compared to the U.S. and traveling in a rental car on the highways is not difficult although Italian road designers seem to be obsessed with building tunnels, so you don't really get to see that much from the autostrada," said a person living in Genoa.

"Expats in Genoa appreciate the city's rich history and culture, which is evident in its architecture, art, and cuisine. They also enjoy the city's vibrant nightlife, with its many bars, clubs, and restaurants. Additionally, expats appreciate the friendly and welcoming nature of the locals, who are always willing to help out newcomers. Finally, Genoa's stunning coastal location and Mediterranean climate make it a great place to live and explore," explained one expat living in Genoa.

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Become ‘Italian for a While’ with IFA! Learn in Italy on a 1-week to 12-month program - open to students, young adults, graduates, digital nomads, professionals, groups, faculty-led programs, and more. Take courses at an accredited school while immersing yourself in the language, life, and culture among your international peers. Submit an inquiry with IFA to learn more.

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What do expats find most challenging?

"Expats in Genoa often find the local culture to be quite different from what they are used to. The language barrier can be a challenge, as Italian is the primary language spoken in Genoa. Additionally, the pace of life in Genoa is much slower than in many other cities, and expats may find it difficult to adjust to the slower pace. The local cuisine can also be a challenge for expats, as it is quite different from what they may be used to. Finally, the local customs and etiquette can be difficult to navigate, as they are quite different from what expats may be used to," remarked one expat in Genoa.

About the Author

Betsy Burlingame Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.

Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.

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Become 'Italian for a While' - for students, young adults, graduates, digital nomads, and professionals! Live out your dreams in Italy while learning Italian and immersing in the language, life, and culture.
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