Italy, with its rich culture, connectedness, and family-oriented lifestyle, is an excellent place for families to settle. However, choosing the right city is crucial for ensuring a comfortable and enriching experience for the whole family.
This article explores some of the best places to live in Italy for families, focusing on key factors such as education, healthcare, safety, and family-friendly attractions.
Bologna
Bologna, often overlooked by tourists, is a hidden gem for families looking to live in Italy.
Education: Known as “La Dotta” (The Learned One), Bologna is home to the oldest university in the Western world. The city boasts excellent public and private schools, including several international schools offering curricula in English.
Parks and Recreation: The city has numerous parks, with Giardini Margherita being the largest. This sprawling park features playgrounds, a small lake, and plenty of space for picnics and outdoor activities.
Healthcare: Bologna’s healthcare system is top-notch, with the Sant’Orsola-Malpighi Polyclinic being one of the largest hospitals in Italy.
Family Attractions: The Museum of the History of Bologna offers interactive exhibits perfect for children. The Carpigiani Gelato Museum is a unique, family-friendly attraction where kids can learn about the history of gelato and even make their own.
Safety: Bologna has a relatively low crime rate compared to other major Italian cities, making it a safe option for families.
Learn about buying property in Bologna
Florence
Florence, the capital of Tuscany, offers families a perfect blend of culture, history, and modern amenities.
Education: Florence has several reputable international schools, including the International School of Florence and the Canadian School of Florence.
Parks and Recreation: The Boboli Gardens offer a vast green space for families to enjoy, while the nearby Cascine Park is perfect for picnics and sports activities.
Healthcare: The city is home to several excellent hospitals, including the Meyer Children’s Hospital, renowned for its pediatric care.
Family Attractions: Florence is a living museum, with attractions like the Leonardo da Vinci Museum offering interactive exhibits for children. The nearby Pinocchio Park in Collodi is a magical place for younger kids.
Cultural Exposure: Living in Florence provides unparalleled exposure to art and history, with world-class museums like the Uffizi Gallery offering special programs for children.
Learn about buying property in Florence.
Turin (Torino)
Turin, the original Italian capital, is often overlooked due to its location in the northwest corner of Italy, but undoubtedly deserves a place on our list for best places to live in Italy for families.
Education: The city has a strong educational system, including international schools like the International School of Turin.
Parks and Recreation: Turin boasts numerous parks, with the expansive Parco del Valentino along the Po River being a favorite among families.
Healthcare: The city’s healthcare system is well-regarded, with hospitals like the Regina Margherita Children’s Hospital providing excellent pediatric care.
Family Attractions: The National Museum of Cinema, housed in the iconic Mole Antonelliana, is a fascinating destination for all ages. The nearby Zoom Torino, an immersive zoological park, is perfect for animal-loving families. From Turin, you are just an hour or two away from endless skiing and hiking spots in the Alps, or you can drive the same distance south toward the beach in Liguria.
Safety: Turin has seen significant urban renewal in recent years, contributing to improved safety and quality of life.
Milan
While often considered a business hub, Milan is an international city and offers numerous advantages for families, including quality schooling in English and connectivity with the rest of Europe and abroad.
Education: Milan hosts several prestigious international schools, including the American School of Milan and Sir James Henderson British School.
Parks and Recreation: Despite its urban image, Milan has beautiful parks like Parco Sempione, which houses the Civic Aquarium and the Torre Branca for panoramic city views.
Healthcare: Milan is home to world-class medical facilities, including the renowned Policlinico Hospital.
Family Attractions: The city offers a plethora of family-friendly museums, including the Leonardo da Vinci National Museum of Science and Technology. The nearby Leolandia amusement park is a hit with younger children.
Cultural Opportunities: Families can enjoy world-class performances at iconic venues like La Scala opera house, which offers special programs for children.
Padua (Padova)
Padua, in the Veneto region, is a smaller city that offers a high quality of life for families. It is our personal favorite in terms of best places to live in Italy for families due to its comfortable size, charm and authenticity.
Education: Thanks to the presence of The University of Padua, one of the oldest in the world, Padua maintains a more youthful vibrancy due the student population. The city also has international school options for younger children.
Parks and Recreation: The Orto Botanico, the world’s oldest academic botanical garden, is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a wonderful place for families to explore.
Healthcare: Padua’s healthcare system is excellent, with the University Hospital of Padua being a leading medical center in Italy.
Family Attractions: MUSME, the Museum of the History of Medicine, offers interactive exhibits that are both educational and entertaining for children. The nearby Butterfly Arc, Europe’s largest butterfly house, is a magical experience for kids.
Safety: Padua is generally considered a safe city, with a lower crime rate compared to larger Italian cities.
Wrapping Up
Each of these cities can offer a quality Italian lifestyle and unique advantages for families, from educational opportunities to enriching cultural experiences and outdoor activities. The choice, of course, depends on your family’s specific needs and preferences. If you are considering moving to Italy with your young family, at Dolce Living, we are happy to support with research on potential locations so that you make the best choice for your family.
References:
European Reference Network. (n.d). Meyer children’s hospital florence. European Reference Network. https://endo-ern.eu/reference-centre/meyer-childrens-hospital-florence/
YESMilano (n.d). Top 4 museums for children in milano. YESMilano. https://www.yesmilano.it/en/see-and-do/itineraries/top-4-museums-children-milano
