Bergamo, Italy

Retire in Bergamo, Italy

By Betsy Burlingame

Last updated on Apr 14, 2023

Summary: Retirees are attracted to Bergamo, Italy for its stunning scenery, vibrant culture, and excellent cuisine. The weather in Bergamo is mild, with temperatures ranging from the mid-30s to the mid-70s Fahrenheit in the summer and the mid-20s to the mid-50s Fahrenheit in the winter. There are several retirement communities in Bergamo, offering a variety of amenities such as swimming pools, fitness centers, and social activities. The cost of a nice two-bedroom home in Bergamo is typically around $200,000 USD, while a nice three-bedroom home can cost around $250,000 USD.

Italian For A While
Italian For A While
Italian For A While
Italian For A While

What is it like to retire in Bergamo?

"Bergamo is a beautiful city in northern Italy, and it is a popular destination for retirees. The city is known for its stunning architecture, and its old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There is an active expat community in Bergamo, and many retirees enjoy the city's cultural attractions, such as its many museums, galleries, and churches. There are also plenty of recreational activities to enjoy, such as hiking, biking, and golfing. The city also has a vibrant nightlife, with plenty of bars, restaurants, and clubs to explore," explained a retiree in Bergamo.

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What advice do overseas retirees have for others considering retiring abroad?

"Retiring abroad can be a great way to experience a new culture and lifestyle. Retirees in Bergamo recommend doing your research to make sure you find the right place for you. Make sure to consider the cost of living, the availability of healthcare, and the climate. It is also important to consider the language barrier and the availability of activities and amenities that you enjoy. Lastly, make sure to take the time to explore the area and get to know the locals," said one retiree in living in Bergamo, Italy.

What are the most challenging aspects of retiring in Bergamo?

"One of the most challenging aspects of retiring in Bergamo is the language barrier. Although many people in Bergamo speak English, the majority of the population speaks Italian, which can make it difficult for retirees to communicate with locals. Additionally, the cost of living in Bergamo is relatively high, which can be a challenge for retirees on a fixed income. Furthermore, the climate in Bergamo can be quite extreme, with cold winters and hot summers, which can be difficult to adjust to. Finally, the healthcare system in Italy can be difficult to navigate, especially for retirees who are unfamiliar with the system," said one retiree in Bergamo.

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What are the most rewarding aspects of retiring in Bergamo?

"Retiring in Bergamo offers a variety of rewarding experiences. The city is known for its rich cultural heritage, with a variety of historical sites and monuments to explore. The city also offers a vibrant nightlife, with plenty of restaurants, bars, and cafes to enjoy. The surrounding countryside is also beautiful, with rolling hills, vineyards, and lakes to explore. The climate is mild, with warm summers and mild winters, making it a great place to enjoy outdoor activities. The people of Bergamo are friendly and welcoming, making it easy to make new friends and enjoy the local culture," explained a retiree in Bergamo.

What are healthcare services like in Bergamo?

We asked retirees if they have access to good medical care in Bergamo. They wrote:

"Bergamo offers a wide range of healthcare services for its citizens. The city has a number of public and private hospitals, as well as a variety of specialized clinics and medical centers. The public healthcare system is managed by the Italian National Health Service (Servizio Sanitario Nazionale), which provides free or low-cost healthcare to all citizens. In addition, Bergamo has a number of private healthcare providers, offering a range of services from general practice to specialized care. The city also has a number of pharmacies, providing both prescription and over-the-counter medications," explained one retiree living in Bergamo.

How do I meet people in Bergamo?

When we asked people living in Bergamo about club and activities where newcomers can meet others, they responded:

"Expats in Bergamo often join local clubs and activities such as language exchange groups, sports teams, and cultural events. Expats can also meet people by attending local festivals, visiting cafes and restaurants, or joining a local church or volunteer organization. Additionally, many expats find it helpful to join online forums and social media groups dedicated to expats living in Bergamo," said a person in Bergamo.

What is life like in Bergamo?

When we asked people living in Bergamo what life is like and how people spend their time, they said:

"Bergamo is an attractive destination for expats and digital nomads due to its close proximity to Milan, its stunning natural beauty, and its vibrant culture. Expats and digital nomads in Bergamo can enjoy the city's rich history, its delicious cuisine, and its friendly locals. The city is well-connected to the rest of Italy and Europe, making it easy to explore the surrounding areas. The cost of living in Bergamo is relatively low, making it an affordable place to live. Expats and digital nomads in Bergamo can also take advantage of the city's excellent public transportation system, which makes it easy to get around. With its stunning scenery, vibrant culture, and affordable cost of living, Bergamo is an ideal destination for expats and digital nomads," said a person in Bergamo.

Italian For A While

Become ‘Italian for a While’ with IFA! Learn in Italy on a 1-week to 12-month program - open to students, young adults, graduates, digital nomads, professionals, groups, faculty-led programs, and more. Take courses at an accredited school while immersing yourself in the language, life, and culture among your international peers. Submit an inquiry with IFA to learn more.

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Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.

Italian For A While

Become ‘Italian for a While’ with IFA! Learn in Italy on a 1-week to 12-month program - open to students, young adults, graduates, digital nomads, professionals, groups, faculty-led programs, and more. Take courses at an accredited school while immersing yourself in the language, life, and culture among your international peers. Submit an inquiry with IFA to learn more.

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What do I need to know before retiring in Bergamo?

When we asked people what advice they would give someone preparing to move to Bergamo, they said:

"Before retiring in Bergamo, expats should be aware of the cost of living, which is higher than the national average. They should also research the local healthcare system and the availability of medical services. Additionally, expats should familiarize themselves with the local language, as English is not widely spoken in Bergamo. It is also important to research the local culture and customs, as well as the climate and weather patterns. Finally, expats should consider the availability of transportation, as Bergamo is not well-connected to other cities," said one retiree in living in Bergamo, Italy.

What type of recreational activities are there in Bergamo?

"Bergamo offers a variety of recreational facilities for visitors and locals alike. The Parco Faunistico Le Cornelle is a wildlife park with a variety of animals, including tigers, elephants, and giraffes. The Parco Avventura Bergamo is an adventure park with zip lines, rope courses, and other activities. The Parco dei Colli di Bergamo is a nature park with trails for hiking and biking, as well as a lake for swimming. The Parco delle Grotte di Bergamo is a cave park with a variety of caves to explore. The Parco delle Terme di San Pellegrino is a thermal spa with hot springs and pools. Finally, the Parco delle Acque is a water park with slides, pools, and other attractions," said one member in Bergamo.

Where will I buy groceries and do other shopping in Bergamo?

"Bergamo is home to a variety of shopping options for expats. One of the most popular grocery stores is Coop, which has several locations throughout the city. Coop offers a wide selection of fresh produce, meats, cheeses, and other food items. Additionally, there are several supermarkets, such as Carrefour, Esselunga, and Conad, which offer a variety of international and local products. For other shopping needs, Bergamo has a variety of stores, such as clothing stores, electronics stores, and home goods stores. Additionally, there are several markets, such as the weekly market in Piazza Matteotti, where expats can find fresh produce, meats, cheeses, and other items," explained one retiree living in Bergamo.

About the Author

Betsy Burlingame 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.

Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.

Italian For A While
Italian For A While

Become 'Italian for a While' - for students, young adults, graduates, digital nomads, and professionals! Live out your dreams in Italy while learning Italian and immersing in the language, life, and culture.
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Italian For A WhileItalian For A While

Become 'Italian for a While' - for students, young adults, graduates, digital nomads, and professionals! Live out your dreams in Italy while learning Italian and immersing in the language, life, and culture.
Learn More

Italian For A While
Italian For A While

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