English If you’re considering spending your retirement years in Italy, it’s worth knowing which cities offer not just beauty and culture, but also a solid quality of life. According to a recent study by Il Sole 24 Ore, some of the best Italian cities for over 65 include Bolzano and Trento in Trentino-Alto Adige, Treviso in the Veneto region, and Como and Cremona in Lombardy. The ranking is based on a few key indicators like the use of medication for chronic illnesses, the amount of public spending dedicated to older residents, and the availability of healthcare professionals such as nurses and geriatricians.
But beyond the study, what is it really like to live in these cities? To get a better idea, we used our Town Explorer to gather in-depth data on each one.
Bolzano
As an Italian, I can confirm that Bolzano perfectly represents the kind of balanced, high-quality lifestyle many people over 65 are looking for. It’s located in Trentino-Alto Adige, one of the most efficient and forward-thinking regions in Italy. Over the years, it has heavily invested in green innovation, from advanced water purification (yes, the tap water is safe and clean) to a power grid that now gets more than half of its energy from renewable sources.
Living in Bolzano means being surrounded by clean air (it scores 90/100 for air quality), nature, and a calm but modern lifestyle. If there’s a downside regards property prices, which aren’t exactly low, with an average 100m² home costing around €460,000. And for those wondering about safety or natural disasters: earthquake risk is low to moderate, and overall it’s one of the safest areas in Italy.
Despite being tucked into the Alps, Bolzano is well connected, with an airport just 8 minutes from the city center and another in Verona just over an hour away.
The healthcare system is another strong point: the main hospital is just 12 minutes away, and the city performs above average in areas like cardiac care and treatment of fractures. There are some inefficiencies, like emergency response times and follow-up care after heart failure, but overall, the system is reliable. One helpful detail is that German is an official language here alongside Italian, which means you’ll definitely find medical staff who speak English fluently.
Outdoor lovers will be in heaven here, whether it’s hiking, biking, or just relaxing by the lake. One of the most striking spots nearby is Lago di Resia, a surreal lake famous for the bell tower rising from the water.
Christopher Fowler, Unsplash
Treviso
Treviso is truly a little gem: a small, elegant city that feels a bit like a mini Venice but without the crowds.
It also scores really high when it comes to healthcare, which is no surprise considering that the Veneto region ranks among the best in Italy for hospital quality. Here, you’re just a 6-minute drive from Ca’ Foncello Hospital, a well-equipped and reputable facility with thousands of skilled doctors.
Compared to Bolzano, property here is much more affordable: a 100m² home averages around €260,000, with much lower prices in the surrounding countryside, which is full of peaceful and well-connected towns. Treviso is also only about 40 minutes from Jesolo, a popular beach destination during the summer.
Getting around is easy and convenient. Treviso Airport is just 6 minutes from the city center and offers direct bus links, while Venice Marco Polo Airport (just 20 minutes away) provides access to a wide range of international destinations. Earthquake risk is moderate, nothing unusual for the area, and air quality is very good, scoring 82 out of 100.
When people say Treviso feels like Venice, they’re not exaggerating. The city center is crisscrossed by small canals and and there are plenty of bacari where you can have an aperitif. And if you enjoy wine, this is a dream location. The surrounding area, especially Conegliano and Valdobbiadene, is the heart of Prosecco production, and many local spots offer tastings that showcase the region’s world-famous sparkling wine.
Trento
Trento, also located in Trentino-Alto Adige, has a different but equally appealing vibe. It’s a university city – organized, clean, and slightly more dynamic thanks to its student population, yet still quiet.You’ll find a mix of locals and international residents here, and English-speaking professionals are common. That said, finding a rental property can be a bit more challenging, but if you’re looking to buy, expect to pay around €330,000 for a 100m² home.
The nearest hospital is just six minutes away, and healthcare services in the region remain among the best in Italy.
In terms of transportation, the city is very well connected. Bolzano’s airport is about a 30-minute drive, and Verona’s international airport is just 40 minutes away. The main train station offers both local and high-speed connections to major cities.
Natural risk factors are low: the area has moderate to low earthquake risk and minimal flood risk, making it a safe and secure place to live. The surrounding nature is a major draw, especially for those who enjoy active living; from hiking around Lake Tovel in the Adamello Brenta Park to mountain biking near Monte Bondone or skiing in the Dolomites, outdoor options are plentiful and easily accessible year-round.
Como
Chances are you’ve already heard of Como, one of the most desirable spots in northern Italy thanks to its lake and mountain views. It’s also one of the best-connected cities in this list, with Milan Malpensa Airport just 30 minutes away. There are three local train stations, all within 5 minutes’ drive, and Switzerland is right next door—Chiasso is just half an hour away.
Living in Como does come at a cost: a 100 m² house here will set you back around €300,000. Because of the higher prices, some people look at nearby alternatives like Varese (more urban but less charming) or Lecco (quieter, with a more “mountainous” feel).
Healthcare is solid, with Ospedale Generale Valduce only 3 minutes away. Hospital care tends to outperform broader regional metrics, but some areas, like readmission rates, need improvement. The area is safe, with a low flood risk and moderate to low earthquake risk. And of course, the surroundings are spectacular: the lake, the Alps, nearby forests, and green spaces all make Como a great place to enjoy the outdoors without ever leaving home.
Cremona
Cremona is a smaller city with around 70,000 residents, located in Lombardy near the border with Emilia-Romagna. It’s close to Parma and Piacenza, two cities well known across Italy for their excellent cuisine. The city itself has a relaxed, small-town atmosphere that appeals to those seeking a quieter lifestyle.
One of the biggest draws here is affordability. A 100 m² home costs around €140,000, significantly less than in the other cities. But, you’ll need a car to get around comfortably. The closest airports are Montichiari (30 mins), Parma (40 mins), and Milan Linate (45 mins). There are also three train stations in town with decent local connections, though longer trips often require at least one change.
Healthcare in Cremona is fairly efficient. While there’s room for improvement in managing readmissions after heart attacks and responding quickly to bone fractures, the system is strong in handling urgent cardiac cases. The region performs well in administering time-sensitive interventions like coronary procedures.
Final thoughts
It’s easy to see why these five cities were ranked among the best places to live for people over 65 in 2025. Each of these cities offers something different depending on what you’re looking for, be it nature, culture, connections, or cost of living. But across the board, they combine solid healthcare, safety, and access to great food and scenery. If you’re considering a move to Italy in this stage of life, these cities are definitely worth a closer look.
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