Brescia

This substantial city in northern Italy has a population of around 195,000, offering the services and amenities you’d expect from a significant urban centre. You’ll find the infrastructure of a proper Italian city, though potential residents should note that there is no train station within the town itself, which could affect travel plans and connections to other areas.

One practical consideration for healthcare is that an English-speaking GP has not been confirmed in Brescia, so you may need to work with Italian-speaking medical professionals or spend time locating English-language medical support. This is worth investigating further if language barriers are a concern for you.

The town’s substantial size means you won’t lack for shops, restaurants, and cultural institutions, and the local economy is active. However, the absence of a train station is a significant factor to weigh against the convenience of living in a larger Italian city. Before committing to retirement here, it would be wise to spend time exploring the town and clarifying the healthcare situation, particularly regarding English-speaking medical care. Getting a real sense of daily life and testing out the practical aspects of living here will help you make an informed decision.