Elevation

[?] Elevation of a city refers to the height above sea level at which the city is located, measured in meters.
71

Population

[?] This is a town's official population, measured each year by the national statistics authority.
89100

Real Population (5km)

[?] Our "Real Population" metric reflects more accurately a town's real size by including inhabitants in the immediate vicinity of the town's official borders.
178100

Air Quality Rating

[?] Based on PM10, PM2.5, NO2, SO2, and ozone levels. Higher scores indicate cleaner air.
90

Region

Toscana

Walkability

Walker’s Paradise

Housing availability

[?] Based on total number of properties (sale and rent) classifies housing availability into five categories: low, relativel ylow, medium, relatively high and high.
High

Avg Download Speed (Mbps) / Avg Upload Speed (Mbps)

96
/ 50

Climate Description

Cool winters, warm summers, year-round rain, ample sunlight, occasional light snow.

Pistoia

Toscana

Historic town with medieval architecture, accessible to Florence, strong horticulture and ceramics industries.

Quality of Life Score

[?]Factors in air quality, amenities, walkability, population, and environmental risks. Higher scores suggest better living conditions.

78

Quality of Infrastructure

[?]Measures internet speed, healthcare access, airports, rail, and walkability. Higher scores mean better connectivity and essential services.

70

Quality of Economy

[?]Based on income, property prices, job availability, and population density. Higher scores indicate stronger economic conditions.

81

Summary

Pistoia, nestled in the heart of Tuscany, offers a compelling blend of history, culture, and modern amenities. This vibrant town, known for its exquisite architecture and rich artistic heritage, is conveniently located just 27 minutes from Florence, making it an easily accessible base for expatriates. Pistoia’s allure lies in its well-preserved medieval structures, such as the stunning Cathedral of San Zeno and the picturesque Piazza della Sala, alongside a dynamic local market scene.

While the town boasts a high walkability score, encouraging exploration on foot, it faces challenges typical of smaller urban centers, including limited healthcare options and occasional congestion in the historic areas. Nonetheless, the local industries, particularly in horticulture and ceramics, reflect longstanding traditions that enhance the community’s character. With excellent air quality and robust internet connectivity, Pistoia presents a practical choice for retirees seeking a culturally rich lifestyle amid Tuscany’s enchanting landscapes.

✅ Pros

– High air quality and pleasant climate year-round.
– Rich cultural and historical heritage to explore.
– Affordable living compared to larger Italian cities.
– Low unemployment rate promoting local job opportunities.
– Good healthcare facilities and access for residents.
– Well-connected transportation networks for easy travel.
– Quiet town atmosphere, less tourist congestion.
– Opportunities for community integration and local friendships.
– Attractive surrounding landscapes and nature activities.

❌ Cons

– Limited nightlife options for socializing after dark.
– Smaller selection of international cuisine compared to larger cities.
– Healthcare quality could be improved for better services.
– Internet speeds may not meet all remote work needs.
– Less educational facilities for higher learning opportunities.
– Public transportation can be infrequent during off-peak hours.
– Limited expat community may hinder social integration.
– Local dialect may pose communication challenges for newcomers.
– Cultural events may not appeal to all tastes.
– Not a bustling city, which may feel too quiet for some.

Pistoia Demographics

Population

[?] This is a town's official population, measured each year by the national statistics authority.

89100

Real Population (5km band)

[?] Our "Real Population" metric reflects more accurately a town's real size by including inhabitants in the immediate vicinity of the town's official borders.

178100

Births Per 100 Deaths

40.0

Population Data Source

ISTAT,2023

Estimated Unemployment Rate

Touristy Index

[?] Calculation of tourist density index for the city, comparing its total tourist number to the overall average tourist number of the region relative to its own population.The index indicates how a location’s tourist density compares to the average, with values above 100 representing higher-than-average density and values below 100 representing lower-than-average density.

Not Touristic

Income per capita (2023)

[?] This is an estimation of average income per resident for this town, based on 2023 data from the Italian Ministry of Finance.

23000

Income rank in Italy (2023)

[?] This is a ranking of the town's average income per resident, against the full list of townships in Italy.

1754 out of 7901

Infrastructure and Connectivity

Closest Airport

Name

Amerigo Vespucci (Florence)

Connectivity Score

[?] Measures travel time and service quality of nearby airport stations. Higher scores mean better transport access.

6

Driving Time

27min(s)

Amerigo Vespucci Airport, also known as Florence Airport, is situated near Florence, Italy, serving as an essential international gateway in the Tuscany region. It handles over 3 million passengers annually, offering connectivity to a variety of European destinations such as London, Paris, Amsterdam, and more, with seasonal routes to cities like Lyon and Olbia. As a focus city for airlines such as Vueling and Volotea, the airport is well connected through a light-rail link and buses to central Florence, making it accessible for travellers exploring the vibrant city and its surroundings.

2nd Closest Airport

Name

Galileo Galilei (Pisa)

Connectivity Score

[?] Measures travel time and service quality of nearby airport stations. Higher scores mean better transport access.

7

Driving Time

43min(s)

Galileo Galilei Airport, situated in Pisa, Italy, is the 10th busiest airport in the country, having served over 5 million passengers in 2023. It operates as a focus city for Ryanair and provides connections mainly across Europe, with notable destinations including London, Paris, and Amsterdam. The airport is known for its budget-friendly options, with a single terminal providing both domestic and international flights, and is conveniently linked to Pisa Centrale railway station via the Pisa Mover shuttle service.

3rd Closest Airport

Name

Guglielmo Marconi (Bologna)

Connectivity Score

[?] Measures travel time and service quality of nearby airport stations. Higher scores mean better transport access.

7

Driving Time

60min(s)

Guglielmo Marconi Airport, located in Bologna, Italy, approximately 6 km from the city centre, serves as a vital transport hub in the Emilia-Romagna region. With nearly 10 million passengers in 2023, it ranks among Italy’s busier airports, connecting travellers to over 100 destinations, including major cities like Amsterdam, Frankfurt, and Dubai. Key routes facilitated by airlines such as Ryanair and Wizz Air include domestic flights to Catania and international connections to Tirana and Madrid, with the longest direct route being to Dubai. The airport’s connectivity is enhanced by a monorail to Bologna Central Station, making it easily accessible for both domestic and international travellers.

Closest Rail

Name

Stazione di Valdibrana

Connectivity Score

[?] Measures travel time and service quality of nearby rail stations. Higher scores mean better transport access.

4

Driving Time

4min(s)

Train service at Stazione di Valdibrana is provided on the Pistoia-Porretta line. It connects to key destinations such as Pistoia and Porretta Terme, with trains primarily operated by Trenitalia. Departures from Valdibrana occur roughly every hour. The station features mainly regional services, with no high-speed trains operating through this station.

2nd Closest Rail

Name

Stazione di Corbezzi

Connectivity Score

[?] Measures travel time and service quality of nearby rail stations. Higher scores mean better transport access.

4

Driving Time

10min(s)

Train service at Stazione di Corbezzi includes several rail lines operated predominantly by Trenitalia. Key destinations that are directly connected by train include Pistoia (approximately 17 minutes travel time), Porretta Terme (approximately 29 minutes), and Bologna Borgo Panigale (approximately 9 hours). There are about six trains per day to each of these destinations. In terms of frequency, trains operate roughly every two to four hours, with notable variations depending on the route. The station primarily accommodates regional trains, and while high-speed services are not specifically detailed, the majority of routes are regional only.

3rd Closest Rail

Name

Stazione di Pistoia Ovest

Connectivity Score

[?] Measures travel time and service quality of nearby rail stations. Higher scores mean better transport access.

7

Driving Time

13min(s)

Train service at Stazione di Pistoia Ovest includes several regional train lines. Key destinations connected by direct trains from the station are Florence, Montecatini Terme-Monsummano, Pistoia, Bologna Centrale, Firenze Rifredi, and Rome Fiumicino Airport. The primary operator of these services is Trenitalia, with some connections also offered by Italo for long-distance journeys. Train departures typically occur at a frequency of about 10-12 times per day to major destinations such as Florence and Bologna. The station offers regional train services primarily, with limited high-speed options available for certain routes, ensuring a mix of travel speeds depending on the destination.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Within 10km

Auto Repair Shops

47

Bars

64

Cafes

32

Cinemas

14

Dentists

58

Golf Courses

3

Gyms

59

Health Clinics

81

Hiking Trails

21

Historical Sites

290

Libraries

9

Museums

35

Parks

47

Pharmacies

34

Restaurants

105

Shopping Centres

24

Supermarkets

90

Spas

30

Beach

Name

Renai - Lotto 1

Driving Distance

42mins

Water Quality Rating

1 - Excellent

Mountain Resort

Name

Corno alle Scale - Lizzano in Belvedere

Driving Distance

70mins

Healthcare

Healthcare Score

[?] Evaluates hospital/clinic access, drive time to care, and regional quality rankings. Higher scores mean better healthcare.

46

Nearest Hospital Name

Ospedale San Jacopo

Drive Time to Nearest Hospital

11 minutes

Hospitals and Clinics Within 10km

25

Local Public Healthcare Provider

AZIENDA USL TOSCANA CENTRO

Healthcare Quality Description

In this area of Tuscany, the local health services perform commendably against national standards across various indicators. The overall healthcare quality is notably high, while local hospital care is more moderate. Heart attack readmissions are efficiently managed, contrasting with slower response times for bone fracture treatments. Breast cancer surgery increasingly utilises minimally invasive techniques, and post-operative stays are generally brief. Response to acute myocardial infarction could improve, and readmissions after heart failure are close to average. These factors collectively provide a mixed yet promising healthcare landscape relevant for those evaluating a move to the region.

Safety

Seismic Zone (risk of earthquakes)

[?] Official seismic zones classify areas based on earthquake risk.

Moderate Earthquake Risk

Road Accidents Rate per 10k Inhabitants

[?] Calculation of road accidents per 10,000 people based on the number of deaths and injuries registered in roads for year 2022 for the city.

18

Percentage of Population at Landslide Risk

[?] Percentage of the population in high or moderate landslide risk zones. Higher values indicate greater environmental risk.

16

Percentage of Population at Flood Risk

[?] Percentage of the population in high or moderate flood risk zones. Higher values indicate greater environmental risk.

46

Car Insurance Price Index

[?] The car insurance price index is a measure of how a city's average car insurance premium compares to the national average, expressed as a percentage. A value of 100 indicates that the city's premium is equal to the national average. Values above 100 show higher premiums, while values below 100 show lower premiums.

130.935

Housing & Property Market

Housing availability

[?] Based on total number of properties (sale and rent) classifies housing availability into five categories: low, relativel ylow, medium, relatively high and high.

High

Property Prices per m²

[?] Calculation of property sale prices per square meter for apartments, houses in the city. Median (50th Percentile): The midpoint price, where half the values are above and half below. First Quartile (25th Percentile): The price below which 25% of properties fall. Third Quartile (75th Percentile): The price below which 75% of properties fall.

First Quartile

1264

Median

1813

Third Quartile

2220

Connectivity & Digital Access

Walkability Description

Walker's Paradise

Avg Download Speed (Mbps)

96

Fast Download Speed (Mbps)

139

Slow Download Speed (Mbps)

35

Education

Avg Schools Ranking (All Criteria)

[?] This ranking shows in which decile the town's public schools fall while looking at all the indicators provided by the Italian Ministry of Education for the most recent available year. Note that figures are only provided by the ministry at the school catchment area level, and therefore several schools may be grouped together.

Bottom 50%

Avg Schools Ranking (Standardised Tests)

[?] This ranking shows in which decile the town's public schools fall while looking the students' results in national standardised tests. The data is provided by the Italian Ministry of Education for the most recent available year.

Top 50%

Counts of School

Climate & Weather

Precipitation

[?] Based on daily climate data for precipitation from OPEN-METEO this parameter indicates how a city's annual precipitation compares to others in terms of percentage, with values ranging from 0 (lowest) to 1 (highest). For example, a percentile rank of 0.75 means the city's total precipitation is higher than 75% of other cities.

Average (41st-50th percentile)

Sunshine

Above Average (51st-60th percentile)

Snowfall

Somewhat Low (21st-30th percentile)

Min Annual Temperature (°C)

[?] This parameter represents the monthly average of daily minimum temperatures for January, based on data from OPEN-METEO.

1.6

Max Annual Temperature (°C)

[?] This parameter represents the monthly average of daily minimum temperatures for January, based on data from OPEN-METEO.

29.8

Climate Description

Pistoia, situated in northern Italy, features a climate that balances cool winters with warm summers comfortably. The town sees a fair amount of rainfall distributed throughout the year, ensuring lush, vibrant landscapes. Sunlight in Pistoia is ample, providing residents and visitors with plenty of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors in clear weather. The winter months occasionally bring light snowfall, adding a picturesque quality to the area's medieval architecture and gardens. Temperature variations offer a pleasant range, from cool to moderately hot, which supports diverse local flora and enhances the town's appeal for those seeking a temperate European climate.

Annual Temperature Chart (Min)

Climate data provided by Open Meteo, based on 2010–2022 averages.

Annual Temperature Chart (Max)

Climate data provided by Open Meteo, based on 2010–2022 averages.

Sunny Days By Month

Climate data provided by Open Meteo, based on 2010–2022 averages.

Environmental & Air Quality

Classifications

PM10

[?] PM10 levels indicate Good air quality at 0–20 µg/m³, Fair at 20–40 µg/m³, Moderate at 40–50 µg/m³, Poor at 50–100 µg/m³, Very Poor at 100–150 µg/m³, and Extremely Poor at 150–1200 µg/m³.

Good

PM2.5

[?] PM2.5 is Good if PM2.5 levels are between 0–10 µg/m³, Fair between 10–20 µg/m³, Moderate between 20–25 µg/m³, Poor between 25–50 µg/m³, Very Poor between 50–75 µg/m³, and Extremely Poor between 75–800 µg/m³.

Good

NO2

[?] NO₂ levels are considered Good at 0–40 µg/m³, Fair at 40–90 µg/m³, Moderate at 90–120 µg/m³, Poor at 120–230 µg/m³, Very Poor at 230–340 µg/m³, and Extremely Poor at 340–1000 µg/m³.

Good

SO2

[?] SO₂ levels indicate Good air quality at 0–100 µg/m³, Fair at 100–200 µg/m³, Moderate at 200–350 µg/m³, Poor at 350–500 µg/m³, Very Poor at 500–750 µg/m³, and Extremely Poor at 750–1250 µg/m³.

Good

O₃

[?] For O₃, the air is Good at 0–50 µg/m³, Fair at 50–100 µg/m³, Moderate at 100–130 µg/m³, Poor at 130–240 µg/m³, Very Poor at 240–380 µg/m³, and Extremely Poor at 380–800 µg/m³.

Fair

Air Quality Rating

[?] Based on PM10, PM2.5, NO2, SO2, and ozone levels. Higher scores indicate cleaner air.

90

Air Quality Description

Pistoia, nestled in the heart of Italy, offers an appealing environment for those considering a serene retirement lifestyle. The town’s air is predominantly clean, with particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide levels consistently rated good. While all major pollutants fall within satisfactory limits, ozone levels occasionally tip into fair territory, reflecting seasonal variations typical to the region. This establishes Pistoia as a viable choice for expatriates prioritizing healthful living, amidst its rich historical tapestry and vibrant local culture. The air quality here supports outdoor activities, from casual strolls in its lush gardens to more vigorous pursuits in the surrounding Tuscan landscape.

Pistoia, nestled in the heart of Italy, offers an appealing environment for those considering a serene retirement lifestyle. The town’s air is predominantly clean, with particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide levels consistently rated good. While all major pollutants fall within satisfactory limits, ozone levels occasionally tip into fair territory, reflecting seasonal variations typical to the region. This establishes Pistoia as a viable choice for expatriates prioritizing healthful living, amidst its rich historical tapestry and vibrant local culture. The air quality here supports outdoor activities, from casual strolls in its lush gardens to more vigorous pursuits in the surrounding Tuscan landscape.

Town Descriptions

Getting There

Pistoia benefits from proximity to Florence’s Amerigo Vespucci Airport and Pisa’s Galileo Galilei Airport, providing essential air connectivity. The town is served by two train stations, both providing basic rail services. Major roads include the A11 motorway, facilitating regional travel and access to nearby cities.

Getting Around

Local Cuisine

Pistoia, situated in Tuscany, boasts a rich culinary scene marked by traditional dishes and a variety of dining options. The local cuisine is characterized by dishes such as Castagnaccio (a chestnut cake), necci (chestnut flour pancakes), and Maccheroni sull’anatra (Macaroni with duck ragout). Other notable dishes include Carcerato, a soup with stale bread and veal entrails, and seasonal offerings like Pappa col pomodoro, a bread and tomato soup. The region also emphasizes ‘cucina povera’, featuring simple yet flavorful dishes utilizing local vegetables. The dining options in Pistoia reflect both local traditions and international influences, with popular dining spots in pedestrianized squares offering diverse choices from Italian classics like pasta and pizza to international options. Notably, Pistoia is recognized for its Slow Food movement and has a vibrant café culture centered around wine bars and casual eateries. As for Michelin-starred venues, Pistoia is home to one Michelin-starred restaurant, enhancing its reputation as a culinary destination.

Shopping Overview

Shopping options in the area are diverse and cater to various needs. The main shopping streets, including Via Cavour and Via Orafi, feature a mix of clothing and leather boutiques. Supermarkets provide essential groceries, while bustling markets in Piazza del Duomo and Piazza della Sala offer local produce and goods. Additionally, larger shopping centres are accessible nearby, enhancing the retail experience with a variety of national and international brands.

Neighborhoods

Green Areas and Parks

Pistoia offers various green spaces and outdoor activities. The Giardino Zoologico di Pistoia is a notable zoological garden featuring a diverse collection of animals. For art enthusiasts, Villa Celle hosts a unique fusion of modern art within a park setting. Hikers can explore the Parco Avventura Doganaccia, which provides activities such as zip lining among tree canopies, while the Parco delle Terme di Montecatini offers rejuvenation through its thermal spas. Additionally, Il Cammino di San Jacopo is a popular hiking trail reflecting the area’s rich religious heritage, integrating cultural exploration with physical activity.

✅ Pros

– High air quality and pleasant climate year-round.
– Rich cultural and historical heritage to explore.
– Affordable living compared to larger Italian cities.
– Low unemployment rate promoting local job opportunities.
– Good healthcare facilities and access for residents.
– Well-connected transportation networks for easy travel.
– Quiet town atmosphere, less tourist congestion.
– Opportunities for community integration and local friendships.
– Attractive surrounding landscapes and nature activities.

❌ Cons

– Limited nightlife options for socializing after dark.
– Smaller selection of international cuisine compared to larger cities.
– Healthcare quality could be improved for better services.
– Internet speeds may not meet all remote work needs.
– Less educational facilities for higher learning opportunities.
– Public transportation can be infrequent during off-peak hours.
– Limited expat community may hinder social integration.
– Local dialect may pose communication challenges for newcomers.
– Cultural events may not appeal to all tastes.
– Not a bustling city, which may feel too quiet for some.

FAQs

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