Reggio di Calabria
Calabria · Reggio Calabria

Reggio di Calabria

168,800 residents · 215,000 within 5 km · 18 m above sea level

71Quality of life
64Infrastructure
75Economy

What Reggio di Calabria is actually like

Reggio di Calabria, nestled in the toe of Italy's boot along the Strait of Messina, is an appealing destination for expats and retirees seeking a blend of culture and natural beauty. The city boasts a lively promenade with stunning sea views, ancient Greek and Roman ruins, and the renowned National Archaeological Museum, home to some of the most significant artifacts from Magna Graecia. Local Calabrian cuisine offers a rich culinary experience, characterized by fresh, regional ingredients and traditional dishes. Despite its many attractions, living in Reggio di Calabria comes with challenges. The healthcare system ranks lower than average, which could be a concern for retirees. Additionally, while the city is walkable and the air quality is commendable, infrastructure improvements are still underway. However, the warm climate, community-focused lifestyle, and proximity to beautiful beaches make it a compelling choice for those looking to settle in a culturally rich environment.

How Reggio di Calabria is built

Post-war expanded comune

Pre-war 17%Mid-century 73%Modern 10%
Settlement pattern
Compact
3% of homes scattered in the countryside
In town 97%Dispersed 3%
Condition
60%
Ageing stock — 40% needs work
Good / excellent 60%Poor / mediocre 40%
Occupancy
73%
Mixed — 27% holiday or vacant
Main homes 73%Holiday or vacant 27%
Reggio di CalabriaMosorrofaPaviglianaTerretiSambatelloSan Giovanni di SambatelloTrunca
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 Reggio di Calabria

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

  • Soverato — Catanzaro · 8,500 residents
  • Castrovillari — Cosenza · 20,600 residents
  • Catanzaro — Catanzaro · 83,300 residents
  • Cosenza — Cosenza · 63,200 residents
  • Palmi — Reggio Calabria · 18,000 residents
  • Crotone — Crotone · 58,400 residents

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