Pros and Cons of Living in Florence

"Italians love to be outdoors and there are often outdoor markets and festivals to go to. Italians dress very well and they are amusingly stylish and make for great people-watching at any time. Small shops are great for establishing a regular rapport with owners. A medieval building with modern decor inside is always amusing. Florence is a place where you can walk around and actually picture what life could've been like in medieval times. The countryside is beautiful and definitely picturesque. The wine is fantastic and sitting in cafes can be a leisurely past time. Sitting in ancient piazzas and seeing beautiful works of art can be breath taking. I do like the shopping here as well," replied an expat in Florence.

"Expats in Florence appreciate the city's rich history and culture, which is evident in its stunning architecture, art, and cuisine. They also enjoy the relaxed pace of life, with plenty of opportunities to explore the city's many parks, gardens, and outdoor markets. The friendly locals are also a major draw, with their warm hospitality and willingness to share their culture with visitors. Additionally, the city's vibrant nightlife and diverse range of cultural events make it a great place to live and explore," remarked one in Florence.

"Expats in Florence often find the language barrier to be the most challenging aspect of the local culture. As Italian is the primary language spoken in Florence, many expats find it difficult to communicate with locals and to understand the nuances of the language. Additionally, expats may find the Italian lifestyle to be quite different from their own, as Italians tend to take a more relaxed approach to life and work. This can be difficult for expats who are used to a more structured and fast-paced lifestyle. Finally, expats may find it difficult to adjust to the Italian bureaucracy, which can be complex and time-consuming," said a person living in Florence.

"Most Florentines are not friendly and do not care for foreigners. Nothing here has to be as difficult as they actually make it. If it's not Italian, it's not as good. Italians have a lot of pride in themselves and are some of the most arrogant and racist people I have ever met. They are also the most self-centered I have ever encountered....Italy starts with I! If there is a line, one will always jump to the front and ask questions, etc. There is no consideration if there are people waiting behind them, they will take their time to get their stuff done first (b/c it's all about them :0)) Itlians are VERY loud and unaware of when they are yelling in your ear or on their phones in a contained public space (ie bus, office, etc.). There are museums, cafes, restaurants and shopping; however, after a month or two, the novelty wears off. I prefer big cities and a wide variety of entertainment options. Florence doesn't have this," explained one expat living in Florence.