Whether moving for a job, retirement, or pleasure, Italy is a fantastic choice to settle in and make your home. Though English is the second-most spoken language in Italy, many Italian citizens don’t speak the language well enough to communicate.
Italy is still a highly desired place to move to for American, British, Canadian, Australian and other English-speaking expats. Whatever type of lifestyle you’re dreaming of, Italy’s diversity includes snowcapped mountains near the northern border, pristine sandy beaches along the coasts, and everything in between.
We’ll cover the best cities in Italy for you to settle down and get by as an English speaker.
Why you should move to Italy as an English speaker
There are so many reasons to move to Italy, as an English-speaking expat or not. Here are just a few:
1. Cultural heritage
Ancient ruins, amazing architecture, museums exhibiting old and new, classic and modern art galleries; you can find a little bit of everything in Italian cities. If you’re the slightest bit interested in history and culture, you can find immersive experiences anywhere.
2. Culinary prowess
Besides the rich history of the Roman empire and beyond, food is the most talked-about item on the agenda when visiting or living in Italy. With world-renowned restaurants throughout the country, you can indulge in authentic pizza, gelato, pasta, and unique culinary delights each region and city offers.
3. Scenic beauty
When you think of Italy, you might imagine panoramic images of pastoral beauty. Even with the hype, Italian landscapes’ sheer beauty and diversity are underrated. From olive and grape-lined hills to breathtaking coastlines and picturesque mountaintops, this country has so much natural beauty.
4. Quality of life
With a relaxed pace, family-centered values, and emphasis on work-life balance, Italy ranks highly in quality of life. On top of this, their healthcare system has a strong reputation and is affordable, especially compared to prices in the United States.
5. Friendly and inviting people
Italians are known for their hospitality, making it much easier for expats to feel at home and build a community.
6. Existing expat community
There are thriving expat communities in the bigger cities throughout Italy. If you’re interested in connecting with other foreigners, you’ll have no problem creating a support network and social sphere wherever you settle.
7. Affordability
In most of the country, groceries, restaurants, and even housing in Italy are comparatively cheap, especially if you’re making an American salary.
Italians can be stubborn, and in the case of prices, they won’t stand to pay over a couple of Euro for a cappuccino or exorbitant prices for pasta in restaurants.
This stubbornness is amazing for the prices of everyday goods. However, you’ll find that brand-name clothing and electronics may be more expensive here than in other countries.
8. Relaxed lifestyle
There’s a reason why Italians call their lifestyle “la dolce vita,” and though this may seem like a cliche, you’ll find Italians value leisure time and enjoy life’s pleasures.
9. Accessibility to other European countries
Getting around the continent is easy once you live in Europe. Not only that, but Italy’s central location is perfect as a launching-off point for the exploration of other European cities. The best part is how easy it is to travel to other countries in the European Union.
Best places in Italy for English-speaking expats
Choosing the right city based on your level of Italian is key to making things easier for you. Whether you want to get by without saying the simplest terms like “ciao,” or you want to immerse yourself in the Italian language so you’ll learn more quickly, you’ll be able to find somewhere on this list.
1. Rome
The Eternal City is the best city in Italy and most obvious place to move to as an English speaker. As the country’s capital and one of the most historically significant cities in the Western world, you’ll find countless reasons to fall in love with the city.
It offers a blend of art, history, and culture that will leave you with endless exploration possibilities in the city.
With all these benefits, it should come as no surprise that Rome attracts people worldwide. As an English-speaking expat, you’ll find a vibrant international community.
With this existing community, making friends, finding events, and building a network are effortless.
You’ll find large organized events like language exchanges, chess clubs, dance classes, and so much more on a nightly basis.
However, if you want to make friends with Italians or explore the “Castelli Romani” (smaller towns outside of Rome), you should learn the language.
The emphasis on a slower pace of life has its pros and cons. Romans love a work-life balance, and you’ll often find parks crowded on national holidays and sunny Sundays.
However, you’ll also find transportation difficult on these days, too. If you choose Rome as your home, you’ll always want to have a back-up plan in case the bus is running late or not running at all.
2. Milan
Milan is one of the best cities in Italy for motivated entrepreneurs looking for a big-city lifestyle. As Italy’s fashion and economic hub, it is a cosmopolitan city full of bustling businesses. Importantly, there are plenty of job opportunities for English speakers.
Whether you’re trying to break into the fashion scene, financial sector, technology, or education, you’ll find plenty of chances in this city.
The city’s progressive and forward-thinking atmosphere fosters innovation, providing many with a platform to build personal and professional growth.
Of course, Milan is also a cultural and artistic hub that gives expats an authentic Italian experience, too. You can’t rule out the amazing museums, art galleries, events, and festivals that the city hosts, giving expats access to a fun and fulfilling lifestyle.
Additionally, their public transportation is convenient and reliable, as opposed to Rome and other of the more southern cities throughout Italy.
The major downside to Milan, however, is the cost of living. With all of the industry, modern perks, and Michelin-star restaurants, comes a steep price. However, living just outside the city and commuting on the convenient busses makes living in the region relatively convenient.
3. Florence
Florence offers many similar cultural and historical charms as Rome, offering an enchanting place to feel at home. The city has these perks, yet the people there enjoy a more comfortable, laid-back lifestyle, which positions it as one of the best cities in Italy for expats.
Perhaps the scenic beauty of the Tuscan landscapes or the city’s cultural and historical context empowers its residents to savor the finer things in life.
In fact, Florence is known as the birthplace of the Renaissance. You can take a stroll through the city’s cobblestone streets, passing by picturesque piazzas filled with statues sculpted by Michelangelo and Donatello.
Of course, the city is famous for Michelangelo’s David at Accademia Gallery and the Uffizi Gallery, home to so many Renaissance classics.
The city is plopped in the center of Italy, making it perfect for exploring the region and the rest of the country. From Florence, it’s a simple train ride to charming towns like Siena and San Gimignano.
Additionally, you can explore the beautiful vineyards of Chianti, sampling wine, balsamic vinegar, and more. The downside of this English-friendly city is the large number of tourists. But, you can find English speakers everywhere you go if you’re willing to fight the crowds to get there.
4. Bologna
Away from the hustle and bustle of bigger towns, yet with vibrant nightlife and an active expat community, Bologna is one of the best places to live in Italy. As a university town, you’ll find the city has a lively and youthful atmosphere, a dynamic and progressive environment.
On top of this, you’ll find music festivals, unique rotating art exhibitions, and cultural events around the year. Because of the youthful crowd, you’ll find it easy to make new friends and expand your social circle with other expats and locals alike. The university gives you an easy way of connecting with friends.
On top of the social benefits of Bologna, the city is also known as Italy’s culinary capital. Residents of Bologna will find traditional trattorias, gourmet restaurants, and trendy cafes where you can savor authentic Italian cuisine.
The city’s location in the center of Emilia-Romagna makes it a key access point to renowned food markets in the region. The city brings in the best food from Parma (yes, they make Parmesan) and Modena.
5. Trieste
At the crossroads of Italy, Slovenia, and Austria, Trieste is one of the best underrated cities in Italy, offering a unique blend of cultures. Expats can experience a unique, diverse atmosphere that fuses the traditions, cuisines, and languages of the three countries.
As a major port on the Adriatic Sea, the city also has a rich history while also being a vibrant, cosmopolitan hub.
It wouldn’t be an Italian city without a high quality of life, work-life balance, and relaxed pace. But what sets Triste apart from many other Italian cities is its cleanliness, well-maintained infrastructure, and efficient public transportation.
You can enjoy the scenic waterfront promenade, spend a leisurely afternoon meandering through parks and gardens, or soak in the sun on the beaches of the Adriatic Sea.
Of course, the city is also host to a wide variety of cultural events, music festivals, literary readings, and art exhibitions. Expats will have plenty of opportunities to engage with the local community while exploring their unique interests.
6. Verona
Verona is another one of the best cities in Italy if you’re looking for a lovely mid-sized town. Home of fictional characters Romeo and Juliet, it should come as no surprise that the city is known for its romantic charm. If you’re a fan of the Shakespearian classic, you can visit the famous Juliet’s balcony and the Roman Arena, which hosts opera performances.
You can wander the same narrow cobblestone streets where the imaginary Montagues and Capulets battled it out while soaking in the enchanting ambiance that granted the city the title of UNESCO World Heritage site.
The city also includes distinct districts that appeal to different lifestyles. The town center is great for those who want to be immersed in the culture of Verona. It includes vibrant nightlife, historical monuments, and tons of shops.
Verona also boasts beautiful vistas from the Castel San Pietro and Santuario della Madonna di Lourdes nestled in the hills surrounding the city center. A short way away from the town center is Valdonega, which offers a calmer environment and refreshing greenery. Finally, you can invest in cheaper property in the neighborhood of Borgo Roma.
Everything in Verona is easily accessible, as it has some of the country’s most efficient public transportation systems. However, despite its popularity with English-speaking visitors, the language is often not spoken in the surrounding areas. This is one of the best places in Italy to hone your Italian skills.
Final thoughts
Finding the best city in Italy to live as an English-speaking expat may be tricky. There are so many options, it’ll be hard to widdle them down.
Whether you’re planning on moving to Italy for work, school, or retirement, there are so many unique perks to living in Italy. Wherever you decide to move, the friendly locals and vibrant expat community within the country will make it easy for you to settle in and establish a strong social circle.
Looking to settle near the beach? Check out the best coastal and beach towns in Italy.
