Florence, Italy Report of what it's like to live there - 09/15/07
Personal Experiences from Florence, Italy
Background:
1. Was this post your first expatriate experience? If not, what other cities have you lived in as an expat?
Seoul, Korea; Berlin, Germany.
2. How long have you lived here?
Just over 2 years.
3. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
State Department spouse.
4. Travel time and best routes to this city from Europe or the US:
No direct flights here from the U.S., but Pisa is the closest airport with such flights, and an hour's drive away, or connect in Paris or Frankfurt directly to Florence. Total time: 9-12 hrs.
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
The consulate itself houses all officers and their families, adequately and in the center. Otherwise most expat families live in the nearby Tuscan countryside. Often houses and flats have smaller rooms and fewer of them than in America, but it's Tuscany!
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
In this way it is very American here. With a car you can get to large supermarkets with everything you could need as well as dry cleaners, etc., at the same location. I don't find it more expensive to run the house than in DC. In the center there are many small grocery stores and lovely local shops for all your needs.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
In fact, it's the opposite: storage is at a minimum here, and you can buy what you need, so anything that's iffy should go in storage.
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
There are McDonald's around, but with so much great Italian food, why bother.
Daily Life:
1. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
Available and good, about 10 Euros an hour, usually.
2. Are credit cards widely accepted and safe to use locally? Are ATMs common and do you recommend using them? Are they safe to use?
Everywhere.
3. What English-language religious services are available locally?
Several churches have English services, in a small variety of denominations. The non-English Protestant churches are welcoming to those who want to join in.
4. English-language newspapers and TV available? Cost?
Yes, papers and magazines (usually British) are around in the center. Sky network satellite dishes are available for reasonable cost.
5. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
In the center, many people speak English, but outside and locally in shops one needs some Italian. The more you know, the more you can access the real Italy, like everywhere.
6. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
Lots of cobblestone streets and infrequent ramps, but you do see many varying abilities about town, so everything is possible.
Transportation:
1. Do you drive on the right hand side of the road or the left?
Right.
2. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
Very safe and as affordable as anyplace in Europe.
3. What kind of car do you recommend bringing to post, given the terrain, availability of parts, burglary/carjacking risks, etc.? What kind of car do you advise not to bring?
Terrain is at times questionable, but the real issue is width. Driving and passing on the many roads that are about 1 1/2 lanes wide are tough. I suggest a modest-sized car or small SUV. But one does see about everything here, and I get by in my Honda Oddyssey. Drivers are quite assertive here, so get ready.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
In the center, DSL is easy to get and not too costly. The further into the countryside you get, the more likely you'll have dialup.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
Everyone uses one at all times in all places.
3. What is the best way to make phone calls back home?
There are many calling card options for cheap minutes to the States, but many people use a DSL calling service.
Pets:
1. Quality pet care available (vets & kennels)?
Good vets locally; one American vet who does home visits. I've heard of good kennels too.
Employment & Volunteer Opportunities:
1. What types of jobs do most expatriate spouses/partners have? Locally based or telecommuting? Full-time or part-time? Can you comment on local salary scales?
Not sure.
2. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
Health & Safety:
1. Pollution index (Good, Moderate, Unhealthy, or Very Unhealthy)?
Pretty good.
2. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
None, use common sense.
3. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
Good medical care with many English-speaking professionals.
4. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
Usually very pleasant temperatures. It is humid and hot in summer, but the mountains and sea are within an hour's drive. Winter is chilly and at times cold, but rarely freezes. We had snow the Christmas before last, but it melted in a day.
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
The International School of Florence has had mixed reviews over the years, but has changed administrations and I have a good feeling that it will be more academically challenging and better organized in the future. Note: at least a third of the students are locals, so it is a not totally international (read: American) feeling, though all classes are in English.
2. What accommodations do schools make for special-needs kids?
3. Are preschools available? Day care? Are these expensive? What has been your experience with them, if any? Do the schools provide before- and/or after-school care?
There is a preschool at ISF, which seems very good (my kids are older), and many people send their little ones to local daycare/preschool programs, which are everywhere and tend to be of very high quality, and in Italian only.
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
Pretty large, with the addition of MANY college students doing their study abroad here each year.
2. Morale among expats:
Mostly high. Many people come here for a year and never leave. Really, I know many people with this story.
3. What are some typical ways to socialize, either with local people or with other expatriates? Are there groups or clubs that you can recommend?
I find through the school expats and Italians make social connections but otherwise it's hard to break in to the set networks. Lots of eating out and going to other places (towns, villas, historical sites)to eat out.
4. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
I think everyone can find something to love about Florence; there a big variety of social outlets here.
5. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
I believe so, yes.
6. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
Not that I've observed.
7. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
Get a guidebook and a restaurant guide, and you may never want to leave. Museums, churches, history, hiking, skiing, beach...need I go on?
8. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
Leather goods, designer clothes and bags, pottery and mosaic are specialties in this area.
9. Can you save money?
In fact, yes. Food is simple and fresh (always cheaper). Any good, local restaurants are quite cheap. But if your tastes wander to the Prada side, forget about it!
Words of Wisdom:
1. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
Yes.
2. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
Saggy clothes.
3. But don't forget your:
Guides for visiting and eating.
4. Do you recommend any books or movies about this city/country for those who are interested in learning more?
There are many books written about Florence and Tuscany, as well as movies. But in the end, it may be better to just come and find what is special to you about this place...I'm sure you'll find something.
5. Do you recommend any books or movies about this city/country for those who are interested in learning more?
There are many books written about Florence and Tuscany, as well as movies. But in the end, it may be better to just come and find what is special to you about this place...I'm sure you'll find something.
