The best places to live in Rome
With so many beautiful areas and suburbs in Rome, expats are spoilt for choice when it comes to choosing a neighbourhood to stay in. On the other hand, sometimes too many options can make finding accommodation even more difficult.
Remember to be especially mindful of your transport situation and how you’ll get around when selecting an area, as some neighbourhoods have little access to public transport, while others have virtually no parking.
Below are some of the best areas and suburbs in Rome.
Young and lively areas in Rome
Many young expats or expats with young children prefer to stay as close to the city centre as possible. This is especially true for those staying in Rome for a short period of time. Being in the centre allows you to get the most out of your time in Rome, and some of the frustrations that go along with living here can be easily overlooked in the short term.
Trastevere
Trastevere is by far the most popular choice for young expats. This picturesque area ‘across the Tiber’ retains a village atmosphere despite being part of the historic centre, hence its popularity. There is always something going on here, and the wealth of bars, restaurants and cafés means you’ll never be without something to see and do. Although this area is trendy, colourful and central, it can become noisy at night, and parking is difficult to find. There isn’t a nearby metro station, so you might need to make do with the tram or bus.
Prati
Prati is another popular choice among expats. Located northeast of the Vatican and on the same side of the river as Trastevere, this neighbourhood is within easy reach of the heart of Rome, either by foot or public transport. Prati has many good restaurants, although the nightlife is not as lively as in Trastevere and Testaccio. That said, Prati boasts some of Rome’s best and most versatile shopping opportunities. While the area is filled with tourists, this potential downside is offset by its position close to Rome’s historic centre.
Testaccio
Testaccio was once one of Rome’s working-class districts. The neighbourhood was once famous for its slaughterhouse, which has now become a modern art museum. Its proximity to Trastevere and the rest of the historic centre has made it popular among young professionals and expats alike. Testaccio can feel a little grittier than other areas – residents often claim they live in the ‘real Rome’. It is also the city’s nightclub district, with edgy bars and street food. Although Testaccio is less expensive than Trastevere and Prati, it is somewhat less picturesque.
Areas in Rome for families
For those relocating with family in tow, the best place to live is on one of Rome’s famous hills. The following neighbourhoods are particularly ideal for expats with children and families.
Aventino
This is the only quiet area in the historic centre, making it ideal for those who want a central location without the associated chaos. Some of Rome’s largest and most important medieval churches can be found here, as well as some of the Eternal City’s best views. The area has a substantial expat community thanks to its proximity to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN, as well as several international schools. The area is peaceful, centrally located, and culturally rich, but it also lacks nightlife, has fewer restaurants and is pricier than Monteverde and Balduina.
Monteverde
Situated on Gianicolo Hill, behind Trastevere, Monteverde is the ideal place for expats with families. Away from the hubbub of the historic centre, families often choose this leafy neighbourhood, which is full of parks, including Rome’s largest landscaped public park, Villa Pamphili. Parking is much easier to find here, but you probably don’t need a car. The area provides the advantage of being close to many good restaurants and schools, but Monteverde is hilly – getting around on foot or by bicycle can be somewhat challenging.
Balduina
This peaceful neighbourhood is just up the hill from Prati, northwest of the historic centre. You can easily walk to Prati and the Vatican from here, although getting to the historic centre can be a hassle without a car. The apartments are more modern and spacious than other parts of town, and many have large terraces with sweeping views. The area is quiet and easy to park in, but furnished apartments are rare. There aren’t many restaurants or shops nearby, and Balduina is not as well connected by public transport as other areas.
Best area in Rome for art lovers
Historic centre
For artists and art lovers, the only place to live in Rome is in the historic centre, which is somewhat compact – unlike comparable areas in other major European capitals. Within this nucleus are a few particularly inspiring quarters, such as the areas around Via Giulia, Via Margutta, Via Coronari, the Jewish Ghetto, and Monti.
These Roman neighbourhoods will make you feel like you’re living in a postcard, and there’s always something going on, but it can be inconvenient in the long term.
For one, it is almost impossible to own a car here. Although traffic is limited to residents for much of the day, obtaining resident permits to drive is notoriously difficult. Parking in these areas is also minimal. The best mode of transport to use in this area is a bicycle or scooter, but expats should keep in mind that cycling or riding in Rome can be hectic and sometimes dangerous.