Piacenza

Located in the Emilia-Romagna region, this town of around 103,000 residents offers a substantial urban centre with the amenities and services you’d expect from a properly sized Italian city. The population size means you’ll find good shopping, dining, and cultural facilities without the overwhelming crowds of Italy’s major tourist destinations.

For practical considerations, accessing healthcare here requires some planning. While medical services are available, there is no confirmed English-speaking GP, so you’ll need to either develop Italian language skills for medical appointments or arrange translation support. This is worth factoring into your decision if healthcare access is a priority.

The absence of a train station is a significant practical limitation. You’ll need alternative transport arrangements, whether that’s a personal vehicle, local buses, or relying on nearby towns with better rail connections. This could affect your ability to travel easily throughout Italy or to major airports without considerable advance planning.

That said, the town provides a genuine Italian living experience at a more manageable scale than larger cities. It’s a place where you can establish a real community life rather than existing in a tourist bubble. Consider your transport needs and language confidence carefully before choosing to retire here.