Thousands of years of ad hoc expansion makes travelling around Rome feel as though you’ve stepped into the world’s most fascinating maze. The Colosseum, the Pantheon and the Roman Forum hark back to the days when this historic city was the hub of the Roman Empire and the capital of the world. Over 900 churches provide unique insights into the history of Christianity through the centuries. Baroque statues and sculptures line the streets of Italy’s Eternal City. With so much to take in, a short stay isn’t enough for many. So, if you’re thinking of moving to Rome to truly get to grips with this magnificent city and make it your home, here’s what to expect.
Despite its beauty, life in Rome is not without its challenges. The lack of planning in the city’s design can make it difficult to navigate at times and bureaucracy in Rome can make simple tasks like securing accommodation or school places for children similarly labyrinthine. However, for many expats this is a small price to pay to live somewhere with such rich cultural, historical and artistic heritage.
Being a capital city means the pace of life in Rome is somewhat quicker than elsewhere in Italy. Though Rome is a very Mediterranean experience – the food, architecture and climate are typically so – the busy streets are a far cry from the relaxed way of life you might expect. Rome is Italy’s most populous city, with 2.9 million inhabitants reported in the 2014 census, and this high population density makes for a busy atmosphere.
The economy in Rome offers opportunities for work in the technology, communications, banking and electronics sectors. Tourism, however, remains the number one industry. The job market in Rome is relatively challenging and expats without a solid grasp of the Italian language will be at a disadvantage going up against a tight-knit local community.
Despite such a high population density, property prices in Rome are generally less than other major European capital cities such as Paris, London, and Stockholm – which saw the largest property price rises of anywhere in the EU in 2015. An average three bedroom apartment in the city will cost around 2,020 EUR (£1596) per month to rent. To buy, apartments in the city centre cost on average 9,121 EUR (£7205) per square meter or, outside the centre, 4,087 EUR (£3229) per square meter. What’s more, as Cadogan Tate reported in a recent article, Rome was the most searched-for city to buy property abroad in 2015, which suggests property prices could rise in the years to come.
Expats moving to Rome are sure to appreciate what this historic city has to offer. Despite practical challenges at times, the sheer beauty of the city’s architecture, climate, and people will be enough to justify your decision to move here. From picturesque piazzas to tasty trattorias, you’ll never run out of treasures to discover.
If you are looking into moving from London to Rome, Cadogan Tate are here to help and advise you. From your initial enquiry to unpacking at your new home, we are here to assist you every step of the way.
Information correct at time of publication.