Elevation
[?]
Elevation of a city refers to the height above sea level at which the city is located, measured in meters.
59
Population
[?]
This is a town's official population, measured each year by the national statistics authority.
197100
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.
359700
Air Quality Rating
[?]
Based on PM10, PM2.5, NO2, SO2, and ozone levels. Higher scores indicate cleaner air.
96
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)
209
/ 115
Climate Description
Temperate climate: warm summers, cool winters, moderate rainfall, abundant sunny days.
Prato
Toscana
Cultural heritage, textile industry, diverse community, historical sites, and proximity to Florence define this town.
Summary
Prato, nestled in the heart of Tuscany, presents a unique blend of cultural heritage and modern living that appeals to foreign expats and retirees. This city is known for its rich textile industry, a vestige of its historic significance, which now integrates contemporary innovations. The strong community spirit is complemented by an increasingly diverse population, making it welcoming for newcomers. Key attractions include the majestic Prato Cathedral, historical sites like the Castello dell’Imperatore, and vibrant markets that reflect the town’s culinary traditions.
Despite its strengths, Prato has challenges that potential residents should consider. The public transport system is often criticized for its inefficiency, and while safety is generally acceptable, crime rates are higher than in other parts of Italy. However, the city’s excellent air quality and proximity to Florence, along with stunning countryside and beaches, offer compensations that many find appealing, creating a balanced lifestyle for those seeking a taste of authentic Italian life.
✅ Pros
– High air quality enhances outdoor living and well-being.
– Rich cultural and historical heritage throughout the town.
– Strong local community fosters integration and social connections.
– Affordable cost of living compared to larger Italian cities.
– Convenient transportation links to Florence and surrounding regions.
– Reliable healthcare services available in the area.
– Pleasant Mediterranean climate ideal for year-round outdoor activities.
– Diverse dining options showcasing regional Tuscan cuisine.
– Expanding educational facilities catering to various age groups.
– Moderate tourism adds vibrancy without overwhelming the town.
❌ Cons
– Healthcare quality could be better; services can be limited.
– Public transport may lack frequency during off-peak hours.
– Limited entertainment options for expats seeking vibrant nightlife.
– Internet connectivity can be inconsistent in some areas.
– Some may find the local dialect challenging to understand.
– Job opportunities may be scarce for non-Italian speakers.
– Local bureaucracy can be slow and frustrating to navigate.
– Weather can be quite hot during summer months.
– Shopping options may not rival larger cities’ variety.
– Cultural events might cater more to locals than expats.
Prato Demographics
Population
[?]
This is a town's official population, measured each year by the national statistics authority.
197100
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.
359700
Births Per 100 Deaths
60.0
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.
Some Tourism
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.
21200
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.
3348 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
18min(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
42min(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
52min(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 Prato Centrale
Connectivity Score
[?]
Measures travel time and service quality of nearby rail stations. Higher scores mean better transport access.
8
Driving Time
9min(s)
Train service at Stazione di Prato Centrale includes rail lines connecting Bologna to Florence and Viareggio to Florence. Key destinations accessible via direct trains from this station include Florence, Pistoia, Lucca, and Pisa. The primary train operator is Trenitalia, with Trenitalia providing frequent services that generally run every 30 minutes to an hour. Additionally, the station has a mix of high-speed and regional trains, catering to both long-distance travel and local connections.
2nd Closest Rail
Name
Stazione di Montale-Agliana
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 Montale-Agliana includes several regional train lines operated primarily by Trenitalia. Key destinations connected by direct trains from Montale-Agliana include:
– **Florence (Firenze Santa Maria Novella)**: Approximately 34 trains daily, with a travel time of around 34-43 minutes.
– **Prato Centrale**: About 45 trains daily, taking approximately 9 minutes.
– **Pistoia**: Roughly 39 trains daily, with a travel time of about 5 minutes.
– **Montecatini Terme-Monsummano**: Approximately 26 trains per day, taking roughly 17 minutes.
– **Prato Porta al Serraglio**: About 45 trains daily, with a travel time of around 6 minutes.
The frequency of departures is generally quite high, with trains to key destinations like Florence and Prato running every 30 minutes or so during peak times. There are no high-speed train services stopping at this station; the service is regional only, catering primarily to shorter-distance travel between local towns and cities.
3rd Closest Rail
Name
Stazione di Pistoia
Connectivity Score
[?]
Measures travel time and service quality of nearby rail stations. Higher scores mean better transport access.
7
Driving Time
17min(s)
Train service at Stazione di Pistoia is predominantly regional, connecting key destinations in Tuscany. The station is served by several rail lines, primarily the Viareggio–Florence line. Key destinations accessible via direct trains include Florence, Lucca, Pisa, and Bologna. The main train operator is Trenitalia, handling most of the regional services. Departures to nearby cities like Florence occur frequently, approximately 25 times a day, making it convenient for travellers. As for train types, Stazione di Pistoia primarily accommodates regional trains with no high-speed services available.
Infrastructure & Amenities
Within 10km
Auto Repair Shops
96
Bars
74
Cafes
36
Cinemas
19
Dentists
27
Golf Courses
4
Gyms
21
Health Clinics
37
Hiking Trails
13
Historical Sites
654
Libraries
18
Museums
71
Parks
175
Pharmacies
118
Restaurants
518
Shopping Centres
117
Supermarkets
149
Spas
154
Beach
Name
Renai - Lotto 1
Driving Distance
25mins
Water Quality Rating
1 - Excellent
Mountain Resort
Name
Corno alle Scale - Lizzano in Belvedere
Driving Distance
89mins
Healthcare
Healthcare Score
[?]
Evaluates hospital/clinic access, drive time to care, and regional quality rankings. Higher scores mean better healthcare.
46
Nearest Hospital Name
Nuovo Ospedale di Prato
Drive Time to Nearest Hospital
6 minutes
Hospitals and Clinics Within 10km
67
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 to Low 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.
36
Percentage of Population at Landslide Risk
[?] Percentage of the population in high or moderate landslide risk zones. Higher values indicate greater environmental risk.
3
Percentage of Population at Flood Risk
[?] Percentage of the population in high or moderate flood risk zones. Higher values indicate greater environmental risk.
28
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.
143.758
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
1764
Median
2143
Third Quartile
2635
Connectivity & Digital Access
Walkability Description
Walker's Paradise
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)
Climate Description
Prato, Italy, experiences a temperate climate with a distinct variety in seasons that promises comfort and variety to its denizens and visitors alike. Summers here are comfortably warm, reaching their peak heat moderately, while winters introduce a crisp chill occasionally accompanied by light snowfalls. The town enjoys a considerable amount of bright, sunny days throughout the year, infusing the historic landscape with vibrant light that highlights its architectural beauty. Rainfall is spread reasonably across the months, maintaining the lushness of the local vegetation without overwhelming the urban setting. Ideal for expats and retirees, Prato's climate presents a welcoming balance for those seeking refuge from more extreme weather conditions.
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.
96
Air Quality Description
Nestled in the heart of Tuscany, Prato offers a commendable air quality setting that appeals particularly to those considering relocation. The town maintains “Good” ratings in particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide levels, reflecting a clean and inviting atmosphere. This cleaner air is conducive to outdoor activities and supports an active lifestyle, a significant aspect for retirees and expats in choosing a location. However, ozone levels in Prato earn a “Fair” rating, suggesting occasional peaks that might concern very sensitive individuals or those with specific health conditions. Overall, Prato’s air supports a robust quality of life amidst its rich historical backdrop.
Nestled in the heart of Tuscany, Prato offers a commendable air quality setting that appeals particularly to those considering relocation. The town maintains “Good” ratings in particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide levels, reflecting a clean and inviting atmosphere. This cleaner air is conducive to outdoor activities and supports an active lifestyle, a significant aspect for retirees and expats in choosing a location. However, ozone levels in Prato earn a “Fair” rating, suggesting occasional peaks that might concern very sensitive individuals or those with specific health conditions. Overall, Prato’s air supports a robust quality of life amidst its rich historical backdrop.
Town Descriptions
Getting There
Prato enjoys robust connectivity, located near the A11 and A1 highways. The town is serviced by two train stations, offering good access to regional transport. Additionally, it is conveniently situated 18 minutes from Amerigo Vespucci Airport in Florence and 42 minutes from Galileo Galilei Airport in Pisa.
Getting Around
Local Cuisine
Prato, in the heart of Tuscany, boasts a rich culinary scene characterized by its traditional dishes such as Schiacciate, Mortadella di Prato, and Biscotti di Prato (Cantucci). The town is known for its desserts, highlighted by the Pesche di Prato and elaborate pastries crafted by renowned local patisseries. Dining options reflect both local flavors and international influences, while the presence of establishments such as the Michelin-starred Paca demonstrates a commitment to high-quality contemporary Italian cuisine. Overall, Prato provides a diverse array of dining experiences from casual eateries to fine dining, appealing to both local and visiting gastronomes.
Shopping Overview
Shopping in the area features a variety of options, notably outlet centres that offer direct access to factory goods, particularly in clothing and textiles. Numerous boutiques specialising in knitwear, cashmere, and accessories populate the region. There are also supermarkets providing everyday essentials. Additionally, traditional markets enhance the local experience, allowing consumers to explore fresh produce and artisan goods. This blend of commercial offerings caters to diverse preferences, making the shopping environment accessible and varied for all residents and visitors.
Neighborhoods
Green Areas and Parks
Prato, located in Tuscany, offers numerous green spaces and hiking opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. Key trails include the Sentiero delle Due Croci, a challenging 10.8-mile route, and the Poggio Monteferrato trail, which is moderately difficult over 5.4 miles. The Cammino di San Jacopo links Prato to Pistoia over 17 miles. Popular parks such as the Parco e Centro di Scienze Naturali di Galceti offer spaces for relaxation and nature exploration. Additionally, the city’s cycling paths such as the Pista Ciclabile Gino Bartali provide further outdoor activity options.
✅ Pros
– High air quality enhances outdoor living and well-being.
– Rich cultural and historical heritage throughout the town.
– Strong local community fosters integration and social connections.
– Affordable cost of living compared to larger Italian cities.
– Convenient transportation links to Florence and surrounding regions.
– Reliable healthcare services available in the area.
– Pleasant Mediterranean climate ideal for year-round outdoor activities.
– Diverse dining options showcasing regional Tuscan cuisine.
– Expanding educational facilities catering to various age groups.
– Moderate tourism adds vibrancy without overwhelming the town.
❌ Cons
– Healthcare quality could be better; services can be limited.
– Public transport may lack frequency during off-peak hours.
– Limited entertainment options for expats seeking vibrant nightlife.
– Internet connectivity can be inconsistent in some areas.
– Some may find the local dialect challenging to understand.
– Job opportunities may be scarce for non-Italian speakers.
– Local bureaucracy can be slow and frustrating to navigate.
– Weather can be quite hot during summer months.
– Shopping options may not rival larger cities’ variety.
– Cultural events might cater more to locals than expats.
FAQs
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