Which Italian city should I move to?
Posted by Own-Bowl300@reddit | expats | View on Reddit | 10 comments
Hello! I am a 25 year old American who is planning my move to Italy next year (I have the visa and job situation figured out) and I cannot decide between Bologna, Florence or Rome. I have fallen in love while reading about each city. I have done months of research, but hearing from experiences helps me so much more. I would love to hear anyone’s recommendations on what you think.
I spent 2 years living in Sevilla, Spain and loved it so much. I am outgoing and love making new friends. I am used to living in mid sized cities and enjoy that size very much but willing to go bigger if it has what I am looking for. I will have a remote job so I won’t be meeting friends at University or a job. Is it easy to make friends in these cities?
The important factors for me is there needs to PARKS!! in the city, safe, good nightlife and a decent population of young people. I know each has it’s own amazing history and beautiful architecture, but I need to narrow it down to specifics so I can finally decide.
Some questions:
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Bologna: Is the apartment search really as difficult as I’m reading? (I have rented 2 apartments in spain before, so I have experience but I am hearing Bologna is much harder) also, does Bologna feel big or small? Is there a lot to do there?
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Rome: Rome overwhelming in its size? Is it constantly filled with tourists? Can you get to a beach easily?
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Does Florence feel small? Is housing hard to find?
Sorry this is a bit all over the place. I appreciate you taking the time to read this and share any experiences or advice you may have. :)
Defiant-Acadia7211@reddit
Rome is the greatest city on earth. Bologna is amazing and more affordable and a quick bullet train to Rome. Florence has become an expensive tourist trap, and its very sad.
SangheiliSpecOp@reddit
How have things worked out so far?
Bright_Course_7155@reddit
My Italian wife has friends going to the university in Bologna and they have had trouble getting apartments/rooms there. You could always live outside the city as public transportation is cheap and very good. You’ll also experience more “real” Italy living in a smaller town. Go visit each one. I haven’t been to Rome in a while but Bologna and Florence would both be good choices. Bologna has more college age people bc of the university, and Florence as someone else mentioned has more Anglo Saxon/ expat community. Also, check out Sicily, I loved it BUT it has less public transportation, people speak a different dialect of Italian and Sicilian, and less English is spoken, but cost of living is much cheaper and the atmosphere is better imo.
fuckmylifeupfml@reddit
As a native italian who lived in two of the city you mentioned, let me help deciding. Firstly, I do not reccomend moving to Rome. While it's undeniably beautiful and steeped in history, I have to warn you that the city can be incredibly chaotic and overwhelming at times. The traffic, noise, and sheer volume of tourists can make day-to-day life quite challenging. Moreover is not very clean, especially during tourist peak season.
If you're keen on experiencing the charm of Italy without the chaos, I'd highly recommend considering Florence or Bologna instead.
Florence is a fantastic choice because not only is it aesthetically stunning with its art and architecture, but it also has a sizeable Anglo-Saxon community. You'll find it much easier to adapt and integrate into the local lifestyle, as there are plenty of English-speaking expats and services available. The city has a more laid-back atmosphere compared to Rome, making it a lovely place to explore and live in. Moreover you will be living in Tuscany which is overall the best (imho) region in Italy. Tuscany is basically a independent country, with one of the best health care in Italy (and in the world), you can travel every weekend to any setting you want(sea, mountain, hills etc...).
On the other hand, Bologna is an absolute gem in the heart of Italy. It's vibrant, youthful, and boasts a thriving modern culture. As a university town, it attracts a diverse community of students and professionals, creating a lively and dynamic environment. The food in Bologna is incredible, and it offers a perfect blend of historical charm and contemporary amenities. Compared to Florence, is way less touristic, and consequently much cheaper. Emilia Romagna is a stunning region as well, with many activities available to do.
Both Florence and Bologna are well-connected by public transportation, so you can still easily travel and explore the rest of Italy, including Rome, whenever you wish.
TransRational@reddit
I lived in Naples for four years. Some of the best years of my life. I know it's not on your list, but if I were you i'd consider it. People talk about it being a rough city, dirty and I wont deny some parts can be. But if you have good situational awareness you'll be fine. Naples has SUCH an amazing history. I don't even know where to begin.. some of my favorite places; taking the hydrofoil to Ischia (forget about Capri it's a tourist trap), Ischia has a castle!, the Sorento coast, underground ruins in the city (they go on forever, you need a guide), Mt. Vesuvius, Gladiator Ludus and Arenas and so much more. Nightlife is awesome. Food is amazing!!! Driving is like playing the videogame Crazy Taxi. It's just so much fun. The best part though, is the people. The people are god damn amazing.
Btw, Florence would be a 100% no go for me. Definitely feels small, but i'm a city boy. Beautiful, clean, lots of art and history. Rome is amazing, but best for weekend trips. Never stayed in Bologna, so no real opinion.
FarCommon408@reddit
Rome is beautiful but at the same time chaotic, public transport is shit, it gets dirty and not cleaned properly in some places so not easy to tell if you might like it or be overwhelmed by it. Florence is too touristic. Try other cities.
MotherofaPickle@reddit
Go visit each one.
ccx941@reddit
OP The question is will you have a personal transportation vehicle or take public transport?
kgargs@reddit
I’m personally in the “I love Rome” camp. It’s bustling with little secrets everywhere. Just super cool.
Florence has a lot more of a university town to it. Which can have its advantages too.
But I wouldn’t pass up Rome at your age.
Ella0508@reddit
Question 2, regarding Rome, is really appropriate to Florence. Many people live and work in Rome every day, but Florence is (from what I’ve heard from people who live there vs. friends who have lived in Rome) more overrun with tourists and study-abroad students than Rome. It’s getting like Venice: No one lives there anymore. I don’t know about Bologna. Rome has fabulous night life for young people, it won’t be overwhelming in size unless you feel a need to explore every neighborhood, and you’ll find a community. Thus, if I were advising you I’d say Rome. Good luck %- I’m sure you’ll have a fabulous experience wherever you land, as Italy is beautiful and amazing!