Best Cities in Italy for Expats: Families, Retirees, and Digital Nomads

So you’ve decided it’s time to swap Target runs for cobblestones and cappuccinos. Moving to Italy is thrilling. However, once the daydream haze clears, a very real question comes up. Where do you actually live? 

Italy isn’t one uniform postcard—it’s a patchwork of cities, regions, and small towns, each with its distinct character. Northern hubs boast sleek infrastructure and vibrant economies. Central Italy merges history with livability. The south offers greater affordability and sunshine but comes with a slower pace and less-developed services. Families, retirees, and digital nomads each have unique priorities, so the ideal city can differ dramatically for each group. 

Data on individual towns is scarce. However, regional figures show Sicily had around 186,000 foreign residents as of 2020. Nearly 750,000 Sicilians (about 14%) live abroad. This illustrates both the scale of diaspora networks and the island’s growing appeal as a return or relocation destination.  

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Over in towns like Mussomeli, about 250 houses have already been snapped up through its €1‑home program. This is a strong signal that this isn’t just a marketing curiosity. It is a social phenomenon.

Below are the towns actually making headlines—and community, not just clichés. Do you want green hills and ceramic studios? Or are you looking for renovated Italian charm? Here’s a deep dive into the places where expats are planting roots. 

Also check out my ultimate guide on Moving to Italy

Best Cities in Italy for Families 

Bologna 

Bologna has a reputation for being brainy. It’s home to the oldest university in the world. It’s also a city made for families. Life here feels balanced. Schools are excellent, including bilingual options. Healthcare is strong. The city is dotted with leafy parks where kids actually play outside. Parents like Bologna because it sits in the middle of everything. Florence, Venice, and Milan are all just a train ride away. This means weekends are built for exploration. 

That said, winters can be damp and gray, and housing in the center doesn’t come cheap. But compared to Milan’s intensity, Bologna’s pace feels more sustainable. Families often describe it as “big enough to matter, small enough to manage.” 

Florence 

Florence may be an open-air museum, but it’s also surprisingly practical for raising kids. The city’s compact size makes walking to school or activities simple. There’s a network of expat families already here. This means you won’t be the only parent trying to juggle school enrollment forms in Italian. Many families choose nearby hillside towns like Fiesole for more space. They enjoy a calmer pace while keeping Florence’s cultural riches within easy reach. 

The trade-off? Florence is pricier than Bologna, and from spring through fall, you’ll be navigating around tour groups. Still, if you can handle the crowds, a few places offer such a rich upbringing for children. 

Abruzzo 

If Tuscany is too crowded and expensive, Abruzzo is the lower-profile alternative for families. Stretching from the Apennine Mountains to the Adriatic Sea, it lets kids ski and swim in one day. Houses are more affordable and crime rates are lower. While it lacks international schools and is farther from airports than central or northern cities, families benefit from affordability, space, and a stronger sense of community. 

Families who move here talk about neighbors who treat their kids like family—because in Abruzzo, family really does come first. The downside is fewer international schools. There are also longer drives to airports. However, many expats view these as small sacrifices. They gain space, affordability, and warmth.

Follow Joe in Italia on TikTok.

Turin 

Turin doesn’t scream “family destination” on Instagram, but it should. Elegant boulevards, huge green parks, and excellent public transportation make life easy here. Families love the access to healthcare. On weekends, it’s just a short trip to the Alps for skiing. It’s also a quick trip to the lakes for hiking and swimming. 

Housing costs are manageable compared to Milan, and day-to-day life feels less chaotic. Winters can be cold and damp. Many families view that as a small price for living in one of Italy’s most underrated northern cities. 

Best Cities in Italy for Retirees 

Umbria 

If you’ve ever dreamed of Tuscany but balked at Florence’s housing prices, Umbria might be your sweet spot. Known as the “green heart of Italy,” it’s filled with medieval hill towns. These towns include Orvieto, Perugia, and Spoleto.

Retirees stroll piazzas and spend afternoons at wine tastings. Healthcare access is strong, property is more affordable than Tuscany, and life slows to a rhythm retirees appreciate. 

The only real drawback? Winters can feel quiet, especially in the smaller towns. For many retirees, that peace and quiet is exactly the point. 

Follow Sara on TikTok, who owns a house in Umbria. 

Le Marche 

On the Adriatic coast, Le Marche is still flying under the radar. It has seaside towns, rolling hills, and cultural gems like Ascoli Piceno that rival Tuscany—without Tuscany prices. Retirees often point out that Le Marche feels “authentic” in a way more touristed regions don’t. 

Italian language skills are helpful here since the international community is smaller, but that’s part of the appeal: it’s immersion, not a bubble. Summers are lively with festivals, while the rest of the year is marked by a calm, steady pace. 

Follow Wonderful Marche on Instagram to learn more about the region and this guy on YouTube. 

Pizzo, Calabria 

Calabria is Italy’s best-kept retirement secret, and Pizzo is its crown jewel. Perched on the Tyrrhenian Sea, Pizzo is famous for its tartufo gelato and a laid-back seaside lifestyle that feels worlds away from the bustle of northern Italy. Housing is remarkably affordable, and the views are priceless. 

The challenge is that Calabria is less connected—public services and transport aren’t as smooth as in the north—but for retirees who want affordability, sunshine, and a real sense of community, Pizzo is hard to beat. Facebook groups like Expats in Calabria make integration easier. 

This had been my choice initially for buying a home , but then I saw the houses were not in my price range. They host a great NYE party.

Mussomeli, Sicily 

If you’ve read about Italy’s €1 homes, you’ve heard of Mussomeli. This hill town in central Sicily has welcomed many retirees. They are willing to take on renovation projects for affordable living. Beyond the headlines, Mussomeli offers a strong sense of community—both local and expat. There’s even an active Facebook group where newcomers trade advice about construction and paperwork. 

Renovating a centuries-old house can test your patience and wallet. However, many retirees see the process as part of the adventure. 

Follow Kiki in Sicily and her incredible journey. 

Sambuca di Sicilia,Sicily 

Sambuca made global headlines when its €1 homes went viral. The deals aren’t quite as dramatic now. However, the town has become a genuine expat hub. Retirees love its stunning location, surrounded by vineyards and olive groves, and its growing international community. 

Life here is simple and sunny, though you’ll need a car to get around and summers can be scorching. For those who want authenticity with a side of camaraderie, Sambuca delivers. 

Castiglione di Sicilia (Sicily) 

Tucked on the slopes of Mount Etna, Castiglione di Sicilia has earned the title “Borgo dei Borghi” for its beauty and cultural heritage. In recent years, it’s also become known for its €1 home program, attracting retirees and adventurous expats eager to restore abandoned houses. 

The town offers breathtaking views of vineyards and lava-stone streets, plus easy access to both Etna and Taormina. Healthcare is within reach in nearby Catania, and the cost of living remains low compared to coastal hubs. The challenge? Like many Sicilian towns, you’ll need a car, and Italian language skills go a long way. But for those seeking authenticity with a backdrop of volcanic drama, Castiglione is a standout. 

Follow Laura on TikTik for more local insights. 

Salemi,Sicily 

Western Sicily’s Salemi is becoming one of the island’s rising expat towns. It offers both €1 homes and already-renovated properties at reasonable prices, and its location puts you within striking distance of Trapani, Palermo, and some of Sicily’s best beaches. 

The town is building a reputation for being welcoming to newcomers. The Expats in Salemi Facebook group is lively and supportive, making it easier for retirees to feel connected. The only downside? Public transportation is limited, so owning a car is a must. 

Follow me on TikTok as well as Amanda in Sicily. 

Basilicata

Basilicata may not be on every expat radar, but it’s quietly attractive to retirees seeking peace and affordability. Everyone knows Matera, with its cave dwellings, but smaller villages like Laurenzana and Castropignano have launched €1-home projects. It’s rustic and remote, with fewer flight connections, but retirees who crave tranquility find Basilicata deeply rewarding. 

➡️For retirees, Umbria, Le Marche, and Sicily’s rising stars—Mussomeli, Sambuca, Castiglione, and Salemi—offer affordability, authenticity, and a chance to truly integrate. 

Best Cities in Italy for Digital Nomads 

Palermo 

Palermo is Sicily’s creative capital. Affordable apartments, lively street markets, and coworking spaces like Mob push it to the top of the nomad list. Internet has improved, though occasional strikes and bureaucracy still test your patience. The payoff is a vibrant, chaotic city that keeps inspiration levels high. 

The Expats South Sicily Facebook group is a popular entry point for finding community here. 

Catania 

Catania hums with energy thanks to its university, and it’s a city where baroque palaces meet lava-stone streets. Digital nomads like its affordability, beaches, and growing coworking culture. Summers can be hot, but Mount Etna and the surrounding landscape make it a dynamic base. 

Noto 

Just south of Catania, Noto is fast becoming a favorite for expats who want sophistication with sunshine. Known as the baroque capital of Sicily, its golden palaces glow at sunset, and the coast is only minutes away. Nomads are increasingly drawn here for the balance of historic charm, good internet, and café culture that tolerates laptops. 

Housing is pricier than inland Sicily, and the summer tourist season can feel crowded. Still, Noto blends elegance, lifestyle, and livability in a way few towns manage. 

Lecce, Puglia 

Further east, Lecce is stepping onto the nomad radar. Often called the “Florence of the South,” its honey-colored baroque facades and lively piazzas are inspiring backdrops for remote work. Internet is reliable, coworking hubs like Officine Cantelmo exist, and the cost of living remains lower than in northern Italy. 

Nomads appreciate the café culture, proximity to both Adriatic and Ionian coasts, and easy access via Brindisi airport. Downsides include summer heat and some car dependency, but for those seeking affordability with style, Lecce is a rising star. 

Bologna 

For those who prefer a northern base, Bologna offers strong infrastructure, easy travel connections, and a lively student scene. Coworking spaces are plentiful, and trains put Florence, Milan, and Venice within an hour or two. The challenge? Finding housing in the academic season can be tough, but nomads who snag a spot rarely regret it. 

A Note on Visas 

Italy’s new Digital Nomad Visa requires proof of steady income, health insurance, and a clean record. Requirements are strict, so many nomads still rely on long-stay visas or other residency paths while the system shakes out.

➡️For nomads, Palermo and Catania offer creative energy on a budget, while Noto and Lecce blend elegance and sunshine, and Bologna delivers northern convenience. 

Honorable Mentions 

• Trieste: Adriatic charm with Central European flair, excellent healthcare, and proximity to Slovenia and Croatia. • Lucca: A Tuscan town wrapped in Renaissance walls, beloved for cycling, music festivals, and livability.

• Naples: Chaotic, vibrant, and endlessly entertaining—best for adventurous expats who don’t mind a little grit.

• Verona: Romantic, well-connected, and smaller than northern powerhouses like Milan.

•Parma: Quiet and cultured, with Parmesan cheese and prosciutto as local calling cards. 

How to Choose the Right City In Italy to Move To

Your best Italian city depends on what you value most. Families might need schools and safety, retirees may prioritize healthcare and affordability, while digital nomads look for Wi-Fi and community. Northern hubs cost more but run smoother; central regions strike a balance; southern towns are affordable but slower. 

Facebook Groups for Expats in Italy

Catania (Sicily) Nomads Growing Low Youthful, dynamic, near beaches 

Lecce (Puglia) Nomads, Retirees Growing Medium Culture-rich, affordable, beaches 

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