Looking for American Expats in Florence?

Thinking about moving to Florence as an American? These pros and cons come from the InterNations Expat Insider survey, in which thousands of expats around the world share what they like and don't like about life abroad each year. Country-level percentages aren't broken out for Florence, so the points below reflect what US American expats there wrote in their own words.

• The food and culture are the heart of it. Americans rave about the cuisine, art, architecture, and history — a city where beauty is part of daily life.

• The pace and quality of life win people over. A slower, more enjoyable rhythm, and eating and living healthier than in the US, come up again and again.

• It feels safe and hospitable. Americans describe warm, kind residents and a genuine sense of safety.

• Nature and travel are close. Sea, mountains, and countryside are all within reach, with easy train travel across Italy and Europe.

• Bureaucracy is the biggest gripe by far. Americans describe slow, disorganised government processes — from visas to everyday admin — as a constant battle.

• Locals can be hard to get close to. Some describe grumpy service and locals who are flaky or closed to real friendship.

• Housing is expensive and scarce. Finding a place is hard, and there are countless written and unwritten rules to navigate.

• Work and pay disappoint. Americans mention poor work ethics, low pay, and the sense that you'll never get rich there.

For Americans, Florence offers extraordinary food, art, beauty, and a slower, healthier, safer way of life. The trade-offs are heavy bureaucracy, scarce housing, and a job market that won't make you rich. It rewards those who come for the lifestyle rather than the career.

Remember, Florence can be more affordable than major cities in the US or even other European capitals, particularly in terms of healthcare and public transportation costs. However, rents can vary widely depending on the neighborhood and the type of accommodation.

We’re not just active in Florence — InterNations offers lively communities in most of Italy’s major cities. If you’re travelling or moving to another city in Italy, check out our American communities in Rome, Bologna, Milan, Venice, or Genoa.    But that’s not all: If you’re in the mood for a night out while travelling further abroad, we have communities in over 420 cities worldwide. Browse all InterNations Communities.