Sesto Fiorentino

Just north of Florence, this substantial town is home to nearly 49,000 residents, making it a genuinely lived-in community rather than a tourist pocket. You’ll find a real local character here, with the everyday rhythms of Italian town life rather than the atmosphere of a retirement haven designed specifically for expats.

A practical consideration for those planning to settle here: there is no train station in Sesto Fiorentino itself, so you’ll need to arrange alternative transport for getting around the region. Florence’s excellent rail connections are nearby, but they’ll require a journey into the city. Similarly, if finding an English-speaking GP is important to you, it’s worth noting that this hasn’t been confirmed as available locally, so you may need to look into healthcare options in Florence or arrange for medical support through other channels.

The town’s size means you’ll have access to proper shops, services, and facilities. Proximity to Florence offers cultural richness and urban amenities while Sesto Fiorentino itself maintains a quieter, more residential feel. It’s a reasonable choice if you’re comfortable with some planning around transport and healthcare, and if you value being part of an established Italian community over being based in a tourist-focused area.