Choosing where to buy a home in Italy is about much more than falling in love with a view or a charming village. For those arriving from abroad, it is often a life-shaping decision: it influences the pace of your days, the quality of public services, safety, access to culture, and that everyday sense of well-being.
This is precisely why Il Sole 24 Ore’s Quality of Life Report has become a reference point for international buyers over the years. It is not a tourist ranking, but an in-depth analysis of Italian provinces, based on concrete indicators that measure what life is really like in different parts of the country. The 2025 edition, the 36th since the survey began in 1990, paints a clear picture: Italy is a country with many “souls”, where quality of life can vary significantly from one area to another. Understanding these differences helps anyone dreaming of a home in Italy make more informed, confident choices
Where is the best place to live in Italy today?
In 2025, the province of Trento returns to the top of the overall ranking, followed by Bolzano and Udine. An all-Alpine podium that reflects a growing focus on the environment, efficient services, safety, and quality infrastructure. These provinces are ideal for those seeking a home surrounded by nature, without giving up the comforts of a modern lifestyle.
Alongside these Alpine locations, several major cities are also moving up strongly. Bologna remains at the top of the ranking, while Milan is back in the top ten. Florence, steady in 36th place, continues to attract those looking for culture, art, and a unique historical setting. Rome, which has climbed 13 places compared to 2024, offers a mix of professional opportunities, cultural life, and metropolitan services.
Cities such as Genoa and Turin stand out for the quality of their public services and overall livability, while in the northeast, Treviso, Verona, and Brescia combine historic centres and natural surroundings with access to modern infrastructure. There are also positive signals from the south. Cagliari remains the highest-ranked southern province, ideal for those seeking the sea, a mild climate, and a good balance between daily life and leisure. Naples, Palermo, and other historic southern cities offer unique cultural settings, attractive property markets, and lifestyles that many foreigners appreciate for their authenticity and warmth. This variety shows that in Italy, quality of life is not tied to a single way of living. You can choose the tranquillity of the mountains, the vibrancy of big cities, the beauty of historic towns, or the charm of the coast, and find your own balance between services, well-being, and lifestyle.
What these figures mean for those looking to buy a home in Italy
For anyone observing Italy from abroad and considering buying a home, the Quality of Life ranking is much more than a set of statistics. It is a useful compass for understanding where people live best today, and which areas can genuinely offer a good balance between well-being, services, and lifestyle. Three key messages emerge from the data.
More well-being, fewer compromises
Provinces such as Trento and Bolzano show that living in an extraordinary natural setting does not mean sacrificing comfort and services. Efficient healthcare, modern infrastructure, environmental awareness, and a strong perception of safety make these areas ideal for those looking for a second home to enjoy for long periods of the year, or for those considering a permanent move to Italy. Here, daily life flows at a balanced pace, far from stress yet well connected to the rest of Europe.
Major cities in transformation
The 2025 results highlight how cities such as Bologna and Milan are strengthening their role not only economically, but also socially and culturally. A wide range of urban services, vibrant cultural life, and professional opportunities make these cities increasingly attractive to international buyers who want to live in dynamic, well-connected environments with rising standards of living.
An invitation to look beyond the beaten track
Although the top ten is dominated by the north, the data also suggests that it is worth broadening your horizons. Less well-known provinces, well-connected smaller towns, and inland areas with a strong social fabric can offer a high quality of life at more affordable prices. These are places where time seems to pass more slowly, yet without giving up essential services, a favourable climate, and an authenticity that many foreign buyers appreciate more and more.
Quality of life and lifestyle: a personal choice
Il Sole 24 Ore’s ranking does not point to a single ideal destination, but rather highlights Italy’s extraordinary diversity. Some people dream of a home surrounded by mountains, others prefer the energy of a city that is alive all year round, and others still seek the warmth of a smaller community, perhaps not far from the sea or countryside.
For international buyers, the real value of this data lies in the chance to make an informed choice: to look beyond the most famous places and discover areas that combine quality of life, good services, and interesting property opportunities.
Italy continues to offer many different ways to live well. Finding the one that reflects your idea of “home” is the first step towards truly feeling part of this country.
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