Best Neighborhoods for Families in Florence

Florence, is a city rich in history, culture, and charm. For expats and digital nomads with families, choosing the right neighborhood is crucial for a smooth and enjoyable living experience. Here are eight of the best neighborhoods for families to live in Florence.

Santo Spirito

Santo Spirito is a vibrant and historic neighborhood, perfect for families who want to immerse themselves in Florentine culture. Families can enjoy leisure time in the beautiful Piazza Santo Spirito, where kids can play, and parents can relax at one of the many surrounding cafes. The area is home to several parks, schools, and cultural attractions like the Basilica di Santo Spirito. The Oltrarno Library offers a wide range of books for children and adults alike.

Location: South of the Arno River, in the historic center of Florence.

Real Estate: Average rental price of a 2-bedroom apartment is around 1,000 EUR and a 3-bedroom around 1,500 EUR. Purchase prices vary, but expect to pay approximately 3,000 EUR per square meter.

International Schools: The French Institute (Lycée Victor Hugo) is nearby, offering a bilingual curriculum from kindergarten to high school.

Where to Eat: Trattoria Giovanni, Osteria Santo Spirito, and Volume are family-friendly options with delicious local cuisine.

Interesting History: The neighborhood is home to the Basilica di Santo Spirito, designed by Filippo Brunelleschi.

Parks: Giardino delle Rose and Boboli Gardens are nearby, offering beautiful green spaces for families to enjoy.

San Niccolo

San Niccolo is a charming, family-friendly neighborhood known for its artisan workshops and tranquil atmosphere. Families can enjoy walks along the Arno River or visit the iconic Piazzale Michelangelo. The area is home to several schools and parks, making it an excellent choice for families.

Location: Southeast of the historic center, along the Arno River.

Real Estate: Average rental price of a 2-bedroom apartment is around 900 EUR and a 3-bedroom around 1,400 EUR. Purchase prices are approximately 2,800 EUR per square meter.

International Schools: The International School of Florence (ISF) is nearby, offering an international curriculum from preschool to grade 8.

Where to Eat: Fuori Porta, La Beppa Fioraia, and Zeb are popular family-friendly restaurants in the area.

Interesting History: The neighborhood is home to the historic San Niccolo Tower, part of the ancient city walls.

Parks: Giardino delle Rose and the scenic Piazzale Michelangelo are popular among families.

San Frediano

San Frediano is a lively and authentic neighborhood, perfect for families seeking a genuine Florentine experience. The area is filled with local markets, parks, and cultural attractions. Families can enjoy visits to the Natural History Museum and the beautiful Cascine Park.

Location: West of the historic center, along the Arno River.

Real Estate: Average rental price of a 2-bedroom apartment is around 950 EUR and a 3-bedroom around 1,450 EUR. Purchase prices are approximately 2,700 EUR per square meter.

International Schools: The Newton International School is nearby, offering a bilingual curriculum from preschool to middle school.

Where to Eat: Trattoria Cammillo, Ristorante Ricchi, and Simbiosi are popular family-friendly restaurants in the area.

Interesting History: The neighborhood is home to the historic Porta San Frediano, part of the ancient city walls.

Parks: Cascine Park is the largest public park in Florence, offering plenty of green space for families to enjoy.

San Marco

San Marco is a culturally rich neighborhood, home to many of Florence's famous museums and galleries. Families can enjoy visits to the Accademia Gallery, home to Michelangelo's David, or relax in the beautiful Giardino dei Semplici. The area is also home to several schools and parks.

Location: Northeast of the historic center.

Real Estate: Average rental price of a 2-bedroom apartment is around 1,100 EUR and a 3-bedroom around 1,600 EUR. Purchase prices are approximately 3,200 EUR per square meter.

International Schools: The Canadian Institute of Florence is nearby, offering an international curriculum from kindergarten to grade 12.

Where to Eat: Trattoria ZaZa, Ristorante Accademia, and La Ménagère are popular family-friendly restaurants in the area.

Interesting History: The neighborhood is home to the historic San Marco Church and Museum.

Parks: Giardino dei Semplici is a beautiful botanical garden, perfect for families to explore and enjoy.

Santa Croce

Santa Croce is a vibrant and historic neighborhood, known for its beautiful architecture and lively markets. Families can enjoy visits to the famous Santa Croce Basilica or relax in the Piazza Santa Croce. The area is also home to several schools and parks, making it an excellent choice for families.

Location: East of the historic center.

Real Estate: Average rental price of a 2-bedroom apartment is around 1,000 EUR and a 3-bedroom around 1,500 EUR. Purchase prices are approximately 3,000 EUR per square meter.

International Schools: The European International School is nearby, offering an international curriculum from preschool to high school.

Where to Eat: Trattoria Arà è Sud, Osteria dell'Enoteca, and Il Cernacchino are popular family-friendly restaurants in the area.

Interesting History: The neighborhood is home to the historic Santa Croce Basilica, where many famous Italians are buried.

Parks: Piazza Santa Croce is a popular gathering spot for families, with plenty of space for kids to play.

Isolotto

Isolotto is a modern and residential neighborhood, perfect for families seeking a quieter pace of life. The area is home to several parks, schools, and sports facilities, making it an excellent choice for families with children. The beautiful Parco dell'Anconella offers plenty of green space for families to enjoy.

Location: South of the historic center, along the Arno River.

Real Estate: Average rental price of a 2-bedroom apartment is around 850 EUR and a 3-bedroom around 1,300 EUR. Purchase prices are approximately 2,500 EUR per square meter.

International Schools: The International School of Florence (ISF) has a campus nearby, offering an international curriculum from preschool to grade 8.

Where to Eat: Trattoria Isolotto, Ristorante La Pentolina, and Pizzeria Isolotto are popular family-friendly restaurants in the area.

Interesting History: The neighborhood is home to the historic Villa Strozzi, a beautiful example of Renaissance architecture.

Parks: Parco dell'Anconella is a large public park, offering plenty of green space for families to enjoy.

Campo di Marte

Campo di Marte is a modern and residential neighborhood, known for its sports facilities and green spaces. Families can enjoy visits to the Stadio Artemio Franchi or relax in the beautiful Giardino dell'Orticultura. The area is also home to several schools and parks, making it an excellent choice for families.

Location: Northeast of the historic center.

Real Estate: Average rental price of a 2-bedroom apartment is around 900 EUR and a 3-bedroom around 1,400 EUR. Purchase prices are approximately 2,800 EUR per square meter.

International Schools: The International School of Florence (ISF) has a campus nearby, offering an international curriculum from preschool to grade 8.

Where to Eat: Trattoria Da Teo, Ristorante Il Guscio, and Pizzeria Campo di Marte are popular family-friendly restaurants in the area.

Interesting History: The neighborhood is home to the historic Stadio Artemio Franchi, the stadium of the Fiorentina football team.

Parks: Giardino dell'Orticultura is a beautiful public garden, perfect for families to explore and enjoy.

Rifredi

Rifredi is a residential and family-friendly neighborhood, known for its parks and cultural attractions. Families can enjoy visits to the beautiful Parco di San Donato or explore the historic Fortezza da Basso. The area is also home to several schools and sports facilities, making it an excellent choice for families.

Location: North of the historic center.

Real Estate: Average rental price of a 2-bedroom apartment is around 800 EUR and a 3-bedroom around 1,200 EUR. Purchase prices are approximately 2,400 EUR per square meter.

International Schools: The International School of Florence (ISF) has a campus nearby, offering an international curriculum from preschool to grade 8.

Where to Eat: Trattoria Da Burde, Ristorante Il Borghetto, and Pizzeria La Divina are popular family-friendly restaurants in the area.

Interesting History: The neighborhood is home to the historic Fortezza da Basso, a fortress built in the 16th century.

Parks: Parco di San Donato is a large public park, offering plenty of green space for families to enjoy.

Le Cure

Le Cure is a charming and residential neighborhood, perfect for families seeking a quieter pace of life. The area is home to several parks, schools, and cultural attractions, making it an excellent choice for families with children. The beautiful Parco delle Cascine is nearby, offering plenty of green space for families to enjoy.

Location: Northeast of the historic center, along the Mugnone River.

Real Estate: Average rental price of a 2-bedroom apartment is around 850 EUR and a 3-bedroom around 1,300 EUR. Purchase prices are approximately 2,600 EUR per square meter.

International Schools: The International School of Florence (ISF) has a campus nearby, offering an international curriculum from preschool to grade 8.

Where to Eat: Trattoria Le Cure, Ristorante La Giostra, and Pizzeria Le Cure are popular family-friendly restaurants in the area.

Interesting History: The neighborhood is home to the historic Villa Le Cure, a beautiful example of Renaissance architecture.

Parks: Parco delle Cascine is a large public park, offering plenty of green space for families to enjoy.