I am planning a big move to Italy this fall, and I'm torn between which cities to move to. I lived in Italy before during college, and I was able to visit many Central and Northern Italian cities, such as Venice, Rome, and Florence, while living in the small Marche region city of Macerata.<BR><BR>Upon moving to Italy this second time, I am interested in living in a city that is low on tourists but heavy on culture, and is a decent enough size that job options will be available. I also hope to study there.<BR><BR>So far two of the cities I've thought about are Siena and Verona. I am leaning more toward Verona, but I have never visited either city. I have heard people rave about Verona, but I'm wondering if it is a very 'Italian' city? I know that northern cities start moving toward their Austrian and Switzerland neighbors in terms of culture, but I would really like to live in a true-Italian city. Siena is an option that appeals to me due to its proximity to Florence, another city that originally appealed to me, except for its problems in finding living spaces, its excessive tourism, and its cost of living.<BR><BR>Could I get some advice about both Siena and Verona? Is my gut-reaction that moving to Verona is a great idea a correct reaction, you think? Also, advice about other possible cities to live in would be helpful as well. My boyfriend and I (both of us will be moving there) are both young and not too concerned about having "career" jobs...waitressing or bartending are fine with us.<BR><BR>Thanks,<BR>Jackie<BR><BR>http://www.thelongtriphome.com

Jackie, <BR><BR>Verona sounds like a perfect choice! It is charming, prosperous, stylish,has character and culture, and is not overrun with tourists. <BR><BR>It is as truly Italian as Rome, Venice or Florence. If you want a taste of Veronese life, read Tim Parks' "Italian Neighbors" and "An Italian Education" .

Dear Jackie,<BR><BR>I too have spent lots of time in Italy and have lived both in Naples and in a small town in the Veneto (Feltre). I always thought that if I were to ever move back to Italy, this time it would be Verona! Why?<BR><BR>1) Although VERY culturally rich, it tends to be a little off the tourist trek (unlike Siena). Very good concerts, shows, plays, etc. come to Verona.<BR><BR>2) I have met only very friendly people there.<BR><BR>3) It is a beautiful city, with a great location. Lots of great places close-by. Great views of the moutains!<BR><BR>4) The Arena! <BR><BR>5) Seems so much more affordable (in terms of housing) than other big Italian cities-- Flo, Roma, Milano-- but I may just be imagining things. <BR><BR>In bocca al lupo! Either way, I am sure you'll love being there again. <BR><BR>Terra<BR>

Oh lucky you! <BR><BR>Check out www.slowtrav.com and www.slowtalk.com. They're non-commercial sites moderated by people who love Italy. Several regular contributors write from Italy, where they have moved.<BR><BR>Keep us posted on your plans!

I second the idea of asking the people at slowtalk.com for good advice. I think that Verona may be a good option, but based on your criteria I would also check out Lucca. Very Tuscan and cultured but less tourists. Look at this site for a start www.knowital.com

Jackie...<BR><BR>I've traveled to Italy over 30 times in the past 15+ years and lived in Verona for one of those years. You can't go wrong by selecting Verona. It's a very special mid-sized city with plenty of diversity and would be my choice to again relocate to.<BR><BR>Some specifics:<BR><BR>City feel . . . <BR><BR>Verona is very much an "Italian city". The cuisine, architecture, culture, etc are Italian. You don't get the Austian or Swiss influence until you get much further north of Verona . . . Trento, Bolzano, etc.<BR><BR>Culture,<BR><BR>In Verona, there's always a lot of art shows, concerts, plays, etc. The old roman ampitheater cut into the hillside north of town hosts outdoor concerts. There is also a symphony hall with a full slate of orchesteral and other shows. <BR><BR>Job Options . . .<BR><BR>Verona is s very prosperous city well situated in the northern industrial & agricultural area that runs along Autostrada A4 from Venice to Milan. You will certainly be able to find jobs of all levels in or around Verona. <BR><BR>Housing . . .<BR><BR>There's a large assortment of housing options in Verona from flats in the oldest part of the city (most expensive) to apartments in the zones surrounding the city (where most families live). There are many real estate offices throughout the city that have photos and descriptions of available properties displayed in their windows. <BR><BR>Tourist scene . . .<BR><BR>There are a lot of tourists in July/Aug due to the famous opera festival at the Arena . . . but there are tourists in virtually all other cities during this time of year. In other months, Verona is a much quieter city that you can walk and enjoy with ease. <BR><BR>Convenience . . . <BR><BR>Verona is well located, can be reached by air from the US (with a connection from Gatwick, Paris, Frankfurt, etc) and is a great place to "home base from" for trips to Venice, Florence, the Dolomite, the Lakes, the Adriatic coast, etc. <BR><BR>All in all . . . a great place to live!<BR><BR><BR><BR>

Wow--thanks for the responses. It seems like all-in-all Verona is a great choice! I will definitely also check out Lucca--i've heard good things about it, too, and i definitely want to read "italian neighbors" which i've heard good things about before, too. i will also take a look at the website mentioned.<BR><BR>i received a map of verona in the mail the other day, and it just took my breath away : seems like a beautiful city. i'm very excited and will keep you posted on the progress of our trip!<BR><BR>no one did mention anything about Siena, though. What are your thoughts on it?<BR><BR>Thanks a ton,<BR>Jackie

Since you didn't mention it, this must be something you've already taken care of, but just in case...<BR><BR>I'm assuming you both have work visas, otherwise it will be difficult for you to find any type of work. Or if you do get jobs, and get caught working illegally, you will be deported, and possibly never allowed to enter Italy again.<BR><BR>

Thanks for your concerns about work-visas, etc. Yes we've thought long and hard about that, and luckily my boyfriend has an opportunity with his work to telecommute, which was kind of a lifesaver. I plan to study with a student visa, plus I do some freelance work (as a graphic designer). If you have a student visa, you are able to work up to 20 hours a week in Italy legally.

http://www.zoomata.com/ has a lot of info about working in italy. thought it might be a good reference.