For the first time in 34 years, the Sole 24 Ore's annual survey on the quality of life, based on 90 parameters not only economic, assigns the province of Udine the first place in the ranking, followed on the podium by Bologna and Trento. A result that rewards the leap forward of the Friulian city, twelfth in the last edition, after it had placed among the top ten only three times since 1990, namely in 2016, 2020 and 2021. On the other hand, the second and third places sound more like confirmations. The Emilian city had in fact won the 2022 edition, driven by its consistently high levels of education, which again this year saw it take the lead in the 'Demography, Health and Society' category, while Trento won the Sportsmanship Index and Urban Ecosystem 2023.
Bergamo, this year's Capital of Culture together with Brescia, rises to fifth place in the ranking of the most liveable territories, where it had only occupied eighth place in 1990, and takes the top spot in the 'Environment and Services' thematic ranking. Modena, seventh, also returns to a top ten position that it had only reached twice before: in 1999 and in 2022. More solid, on the other hand, is the placing at the top of the ranking of the province of Aosta, in fourth place. Also confirmed in the top ten are Milan, stable in eighth place compared to last year and first in the 'Business and work' category, and Florence, which, after occupying the podium in 2022, is sixth this year.
Also among the top ten was Monza and Brianza, which gained 14 positions and the top spot in the 'Wealth and Consumption' category thanks to good results in average household spending on durable goods and real estate data. While Verona, which had led it in both 2020 and 2021, closes the top ten, the absences of Trieste and Bolzano are particularly noticeable, dropping to twelfth and thirteenth position respectively.
As for the last twenty positions, they all belong to the Mezzogiorno, with Foggia returning to the black jersey after twelve years (it had been last in 2011 and 2002). Syracuse and Naples (105th, losing seven places) also rank among the bottom five. The other large metropolitan areas, on the other hand, remain substantially immobile, with Rome 35th (-4 steps), preceded by Venice (-12) and followed by Turin (36th) and Genoa (47th, down 20 positions).
Udine's is an extraordinary and unexpected result from afar, commented the first citizen of the capital of Friuli, Alberto Felice De Toni, who has been in office for eight months. "We were very gratified, in particular, to have come first in the quality of life for women. This shows, at a time when we talk a lot about feminicides, that having a very strong value system pays off,” he added.
Bologna's second place, noted its mayor Matteo Lepore, is “an important confirmation” but “the position can only be maintained over time by improving every year, listening to citizens’ criticism on welfare and the environment”. The deputy mayor of Trento, Elisabetta Bozzarelli, on the other hand, highlighted the widespread commitment of her fellow citizens to volunteering, “a way of caring for each other, for the community, and on this Trento has based its identity, its vocation and also its aspiration.”
Sala: eighth place is an excellent result for Milan
The eighth place achieved for the second consecutive year by Milan in Il Sole 24 Ore's classification on the quality of life in the Italian provinces “is an excellent result” that “confirms us for better or worse” said the mayor of Milan, Giuseppe Sala, in connection with the presentation of the ranking in Bologna.
"We are in a phase of profound transformation, cities are forced to change and this transformation," he noted, also brings a big contribution to the country" such as jobs, but also "issues" typical of large international cities such as security and the high cost of housing.
"These rankings are not to be taken as fool's gold," he continued, but as "tools for reflection" and this "confirms me in the work we are doing" such as on the issue of safety. “For us mayors, it is impossible not to be aware” of the city's needs, the issue is to propose “solutions appropriate to the historical moment,” he continued. The ranking therefore suggests, he concluded, that 'we are working on the right paths, but there is still a lot to do.
Ideas for renovating your home in Italy: tips and inspirations for every need
Buying a home in Italy and renovating it to suit your family's needs is a decision that should never be taken lightly. It’s all too easy to go from feeling overwhelmed to achieving complete satisfaction. This is because navigating the right approach to managing the renovation process without losing your sanity can be challenging. In this guide, we’ll offer simple ideas for renovating your home, breaking down each step you can take to turn your house into the home of your dreams.
How much money do you need to live comfortably in Italy?
Have you ever dreamed of settling down in the picturesque Tuscan countryside? Maybe you’re considering a career change with some of Milan or Rome’s top companies? Or perhaps you just want to spend your days sipping espresso and strolling through the ancient streets of Rome.
The Italian cities with the worst air quality according to Legambiente
The year 2030 is fast approaching, marking a significant shift in environmental sustainability within EU member states. Yet, according to Legambiente, there is still much to be done in Italy. The Mal'Aria 2025 report lists the worst Italian cities for air quality, identifying 25 cities that exceeded the legal limits for PM10 over the past 12 months. Here’s the list.
Flight bonus for Sicily and Sardinia in 2025: who Is eligible?
2025 brings good news for residents of Sicily and Sardinia, who will receive financial support to counter rising flight costs. In both regions, this bonus is becoming a permanent measure and includes a refund that varies depending on the region of origin and specific eligibility criteria. Let’s explore the details of this initiative and all the updates for the new year.
Do solar panels work in winter?
Will solar panels work in winter? This recurring question not only has an answer but is also accompanied by a series of tips to improve the efficiency of photovoltaic technology during the winter months. Experts from ENEA (Italy's National Agency for New Technologies, Energy and Sustainable Economic Development) have released a statement detailing various measures and good practices to adopt during the coldest season to maximise the performance of photovoltaic systems. Let’s find out more.
Tax incentives for foreign buyers in Italy
Italy has long been a dream destination for individuals seeking a blend of culture, cuisine, and scenic beauty. Beyond its lifestyle appeal, Italy offers a range of tax incentives for foreign buyers, making it an increasingly attractive location for international property investors. These incentives are particularly appealing to high-net-worth individuals and expatriates, offering substantial tax benefits and regional advantages.
