The best places to live in Italy are definitely places to consider when moving abroad.
The dollar continues relatively strong against the euro… plus certain corners of Italy can be among Europe’s best bargains. If you are looking for Old World charm at an affordable price, Italy should be at the top of your list.
This is a cradle of Western civilization. I don’t need to remind you about this country’s abundant cultural treasures. Italy has more UNESCO World Heritage sites than anywhere else in the world. Neither do I need to tell you about the food. The cuisine is world-famous, and each region has signature dishes and its own style of cooking.
Dining out is a key part of Italian culture and something you should budget for when spending time here. The daily aperitif, for example, Italians cherish them. It is one of the best ways to socialize, catch up with old friends, and meet new people.
We recommend that you make an effort to learn at least a little of the language of the country where you’re moving. In Italy, this is especially important advice. Milan is the only place in this country where you get by without speaking Italian.
How We Chose The Best Places To Live In Italy
Our criteria for choosing the best places to live in Italy was based on feedback from our readers. They told us what they wanted and we set out to find it for them. When it comes to Europe, American expats are looking for a sense of history. The Old World has millennia of culture and heritage, and the towns we chose in Italy reflect that.
Cost of living varies from place to place. Like most expat destinations, seaside and town center properties are the most expensive. If you are looking to live somewhere beautiful you can find old properties at bargain prices.
Italy has a developed health care system that is very affordable for EU citizens. National emergency full-time health care is available to everyone. You will need to apply to access the “Servizio Sanitario Nazionale” (SSN). The cost is about US$400 a year.
Where should you be thinking about chasing your dream of a new life in Italy?
Abruzzo, Italy
Property Prices
Abruzzo is one of the more affordable regions in Italy to buy property. The average price for a house is US$75,000 and for an apartment, US$108,984. (Apartments in Abruzzo are more expensive because they´re recently built and tend to be in the best locations). There is a move afoot to boost Abruzzo’s popularity, but at the moment prices are a bargain.
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Climate
The climate plays a huge factor in making Abruzzo one of the best places to live in Italy. It has two main climates: the mountain climate and the lower climate around the shoreline. The coastal areas enjoy 30°C summers with a cooling sea breeze and mild winters. The mountain areas enjoy cold winters with plenty of snow for skiing and milder. Pleasant summers are to enjoy as well.
Best Places To Live in Abruzzo, Italy.
Citta Sant’Angelo and Vasto.
Sicily, Italy
Climate
Best Places To Live in Sicily, Italy.
Tuscany, Italy
Climate
The worst of Italy’s weather won’t be in Tuscany – It rarely snows here. During the summer the temperatures can reach 40° Celsius. Tuscany does not get a vast amount of rain throughout the year.
Best Areas To Live
San Gimignano and Cortona.
Olbia, Sardinia, Italy
Climate
June through September is hot in Sardinia. The best time to visit is spring when temperatures are pleasantly warm. During this time, the island is alive with fragrant flowering plants.
Best Areas To Live
Valledoria and Badesi.
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Parma, Italy
The city of Parma gives its name to the region.
The history of this part of Italy predates the Roman. Parma was possibly settled by the Celts. During the Roman Empire, the town of Parma, located on one of Rome’s main roads, became important. More recently, Parma was one of the few Italian towns to resist Mussolini’s fascism.
Climate
In Parma it gets cold enough to snow during December and January, but spring and autumn are both pleasant. The summers are hot, and you can generally expect five months of excellent weather here.
Best Areas To Live
Cittadella within Parma or in the countryside, Collecchio.
And that wraps up the list of best places to live in Italy. Let us know if you have other favorite Italian favorites that didn’t make the list.