If you’ve ever dreamt of immersing yourself in the beauty of life in Italy, Tuscany is probably what you are picturing and you’re not alone. Many people fantasize of moving to Tuscany, lured by the image of an idyllic Italy often represented in Instagram stories and cute movies.
But where in Tuscany should you choose to settle in? Here is our list of the five best towns to live in Tuscany, each offering its own unique charm and allure. From the romantic streets of Florence to the medieval wonders of Siena to the popular beaches of Viareggio, even the pickiest English-speaking expats will find a place to call home in this amazing region.
What to expect when moving to Tuscany as a foreigner
Tuscany is one of the most popular regions in Italy for expats. The area is full of all of the best Italy has to offer, from towns built on hillsides to picturesque coastal towns and bustling big cities.
The region is also famous for its high-quality vineyards and amazing food (but what Italian region isn’t?). It’s home to the Chianti red wine made from the Sangiovese grape variety and is a major player in Italy’s truffle industry.
On top of this, Tuscany is home to one of the art and architectural homes of the world thanks to its rich cultural heritage and the influential contributions of the Medici family. The region became a focal point of artistic innovation during the Renaissance, a period of profound cultural and intellectual revival in Europe.
Notable figures like Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Botticelli flourished under Medici patronage, producing some of the most iconic works in art history.
But with this idyllic atmosphere comes the catch: it is one of the most expensive regions in Italy, with the average homes in Tuscany costing around $476,000, which have shown steady trends of rising more and more each year.
Because this is such a booming area for expats to buy up property, you may find it challenging to get your hands on a piece of prime real estate at the affordable prices you’ve heard Italy is so famous for. Conversely, you’ll still find many homes that are affordable compared to the US or the UK.
Also, surprisingly Tuscany isn’t as “Italian” as you may think, with millions of tourists passing through each year. If you’ve come to the region to escape from home, you may be disappointed with how much of your country makes its way here.
The best places to live in Tuscany for English speakers
5. Siena
In the center of Tuscany, built on sloping hills, Siena is a picturesque Tuscan city. Its central location makes it ideal for anyone hoping to hop on a train and explore the rest of Tuscany, Italy, and Europe.
The town is also home to two universities, bringing in around 18,000 students and the potential for work in education for English speakers. On top of this, you’ll find plenty of English speakers in the city, too, as tourism is a huge part of the city’s economy.
Of course, food in Siena is nothing to shy away from, with pici pasta, a thicker spaghetti, wild pork ragus, Chianti wine, ricciarelli di Siena (soft almond biscuits), and so much more. Plus, the city center is relatively small and only allows foot traffic, so you can hop from restaurant to bakery to cafe easily.
Despite its location and a small population of just over 53,000 people, Siena’s home prices are a significant downside, perhaps because of the limited space. As Tuscany’s second most expensive city, home prices average around $600,000, over $300 per square foot.
This, with the relatively limited real estate space and the huge number of tourists, may turn a lot of people off this city.
If you’re put Siena on your shortlist, you may also want to check out our complete guide to living in Siena, Tuscany.
4. Lucca
If you’re looking to live within commuting distance of a major city and the beach, Lucca is the city you’re looking for. Nestled in a valley between Florence and Viareggio, Lucca offers an affordable suburban option in Tuscany.
Lucca’s nickname, the city of 100 churches, summarizes the town’s quaint feeling. Surrounded by city walls and lined with cobbled streets, large piazzas, and large promenades, the town is mostly walkable. If you’re looking for the same Renaissance architecture and feel as Florence, you’ll find tons of places to explore in the city.
Lucca offers many of the best qualities of Florence but at a fraction of the price and tourists. You can find homes at a fraction of the price of the bigger cities in the area, averaging around $426,000 or $203 per square foot.
However, there are complaints that the public transportation inside the city isn’t great, though there is a major rail line that runs from Viareggio to Florence (with a stop in Lucca, of course) every 30 minutes. Also, with a population under 90,000, the city can feel a bit small and quiet.
Explore more about this charming town, with our complete guide to living in Lucca, Tuscany.
3. Arezzo
To the east of Siena, Arezzo is another beautiful hillside town almost like a mini-Florence. The city boasts many of the same art and architecture styles as the region’s capital, with stone and pastel buildings, tight cobblestone roads, and impressive Renaissance art museums. The city brings the best of old and new Tuscany, with an easy-going lifestyle and few tourists.
With just under 100,000 people living in the town, the town feels like a manageable size, especially for someone learning the language. Its historic town center is partially enclosed by walls and ruins of a Medici fortress, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the Tuscan countryside.
Like Siena, Arezzo rests along a major regional train line, so getting to bigger cities like Rome (two and a half hours away) and Florence (one hour away) is easy. Arezzo’s main draw, too, is its affordability. As the cheapest on our list, homes average around $330,000, or $166 per square foot.
Inside the town, however, you may find that it lacks some of the everyday things that make bigger cities great. Traffic is quite high while public transportation is severely inconsistent, a common theme for many smaller cities in Italy. Plus, if you’re looking for a bustling nightlife, this may not be the city for you.
2. Viareggio
If quaint hillsides or Renaissance towns aren’t up your alley, Tuscany is also known for its amazing coastal cities. Viareggio sits on the Tyrrhenian Sea, its unique Art Nouveau architecture setting it apart from the Renaissance and Medieval architecture of other Tuscan cities.
Viareggio is a favorite holiday spot for many Italians, which makes the population living there smaller than expected, with 63,000 people living here all year around. Despite this, it still is a great place for expats to settle.
One of the best parts of Viareggio is its promenade, the Passeggiata di Viareggio. This seafront stroll will never get old, giving you amazing seascape views, cozy cafes, and retro architecture. Of course, the town is also home to some of the best seafood in the region, too, and hosts several Michelin-star restaurants.
Besides the beach, Viareggio is a great springboard for anyone who enjoys outdoor activities. There are cycle rides along the coast, easy access to amazing outdoor locations like the Parco Alpi Apuane for ski trails and hikes, and so much more to explore.
As a beach city in a popular region, Viareggio is quite expensive. Home prices average around $528,000, around $291 per square foot. On top of this, many of the structures in the city could use major updates. You’ll want to be extra sure to get the property inspected before buying in the area.
Unfortunately, the town can get really crowded during the peak tourist seasons, especially in the summer. Instead of the beautiful lines of olive trees and wine vineyards, you’ll have a view of packed rows of sunbeds and lounging beachgoers.
1. Florence
The Renaissance epicenter and capital city of Tuscany, Florence is a vibrant and culturally rich city that attracts expats and Italians alike. With a population of almost 400,000, Florence is a medium-sized city, though it still offers a bustling atmosphere due to its consistent population of tourists.
Florence is like a living museum on its own, with historic architecture and artistic treasures seemingly around every corner. If free art isn’t enough, there are famous museums like the Uffizi Gallery, which hosts an overwhelming amount of art throughout the ages, Accademia which hosts Michelangelo’s art, including the famous Statue of David, and so much more.
Outside of this, Florence boasts a thriving expat community, making it easier for foreigners to connect and integrate into the local culture. The British Institute of Florence and The Florentine are excellent resources for meeting like-minded individuals and staying updated on social and cultural activities.
Of course, there’s also amazing food, too, with Bistecca alla Fiorentina the pride of the city. Huge chunks of high-quality beef raised in the Tuscan farmhouses are served tableside.
Though Florence tops our list, the cost of living, especially homes and apartments, makes it unattainable for most. Homes average an incredible $840,000, almost three times as much as an Arezzo property. This puts the price per square foot at around $420.
Despite this, Florence is still a popular place to live in Tuscany because of its rich history, culture, amazing experiences, and cosmopolitan vibe.
