Lucca
Toscana

Lucca

89,000 residents · 213,800 within 5 km · 17 m above sea level

82Quality of life
74Infrastruktur
80Economy

What Lucca is actually like

Lucca, nestled in the heart of Tuscany, offers expats and retirees a unique blend of history and contemporary living. The town boasts well-preserved Renaissance walls, inviting visitors to stroll along its pedestrian promenade. Its charming streets are lined with cafes, restaurants, and shops, fostering an active social scene. Known for its rich cultural heritage, Lucca hosts various festivals and concerts, enhancing the expat experience. The local cuisine, featuring exquisite wines and olive oil, reflects the region's agricultural traditions. Although Lucca provides a relaxed lifestyle with a lower cost of living compared to major Italian cities, some challenges may arise. Basic local knowledge of Italian facilitates deeper integration, and while healthcare quality is generally good, it can be variable across services. Overall, Lucca’s vibrant community and beautiful setting create a rewarding environment for those seeking a slower pace of life amidst cultural richness.

How Lucca is built

Mixed-fabric comune

Pre-war 47%Mid-century 37%Modern 16%
Settlement pattern
Compact
5% of homes scattered in the countryside
In town 95%Dispersed 5%
Condition
86%
Some wear — 14% needs work
Good / excellent 86%Poor / mediocre 14%
Occupancy
82%
Lived-in year-round — 18% holiday or vacant
Main homes 82%Holiday or vacant 18%
LuccaPiaggionePiazzanoPiazza di BrancoliAquileaPonte della MaddalenaCorte Pardi
Historic coreEstablishedPost-warModernRuralSparsely built

Building age, condition and occupancy from the ISTAT census (2011), by census section. Occupancy is shown as one honest split — the 2011 census does not reliably separate holiday homes from vacant ones.

Towns like Lucca

Closest matches in Toscana on quality of life, infrastructure and economy.

The rest of the Lucca profile — cost of living, healthcare, climate, broadband, schools and the full pros & cons — is behind a free account.