Pros and Cons of Living in Florence, Italy

Pros and Cons of Living in Florence

Last updated on Feb 01, 2023

Summary: The pros of living in Florence, Italy include its rich cultural heritage, stunning architecture, and delicious cuisine. Florence is also home to many world-renowned art galleries and museums, making it a great place to explore and learn. Additionally, the city is well-connected to other parts of Italy and Europe, making it easy to travel. On the other hand, the cost of living in Florence can be quite high, and the city can be quite crowded during peak tourist season. Additionally, the weather can be quite hot in the summer months, making it difficult to enjoy outdoor activities.

What are the pros and cons of living in Florence?

Expats, digital nomads and retirees living in Florence responded:

"I moved to Florence February, I just returned from seven weeks in the United States and I can't tell you the joy in coming back here. The food, the wine, walking around these beautiful streets and looking at the buildings and holiday lights. I find the Italians to be extremely warm, loving, and they carry a joy within them that I don't see any longer in the United States. Some things take more effort here. I am fortunate that I have a daughter here that knows the ins and outs and helps me accomplish the things I don't know how to do but I can tell you coming here might be the best thing I've done in a long time. Less pressure. Life is definitely more simple. Don't hesitate," said another expat in Italy.

"My wife and I chose Florence to live in and we are incredibly pleased with our choice. The food, the art, the shopping, the lovely people, the stunning countryside, the proximity to so many other parts of Italy through Trenitalia or Peretola, or discount air travel through Pisa make us very happy indeed. We are fortunate to be retired and can spend our days experiencing life in this most beautiful of cities. I have read other reviews where people have had complaints, and IMO the attitude one brings to the country is what one ends up with. Relative to Canada, government services take longer and the process is usually more convoluted, but frankly, who cares? Things still get done and there is pretty much always a work around for the short term. In any event, there is always a wonderful enoteca just around the corner to spend an hour or two in to take any edge off," remarked another expat in Florence.

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What do expats in Florence appreciate most about the local culture?

"I love the history, art, food, wine. The whole city and surrounding countryside are a feats for the eyes. And being so much closer to home as well really helps," explained one expat living in Florence.

"The under 40 are very supportive and helpful. Negotiating is easy. They all love to negotiate. Mostly they like to talk in circles, and never really get anywhere but they have been this way for years," said another expat in Florence.

What do expats find most challenging?

"Trying to accept that as long as I have an accent I will always be treated as a second rate citizen," remarked another in Florence.

"Getting virtually anything done here involving a municipality takes forever unless you have an in, So safe yourself time and aggravation and hire an Italian to help you with the needs of daily living (phone, electricity, visas, licenses, permits, etc.)," explained one expat.

About the Author

Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.