What People Say About Living in Modena

Modena is a mid-sized city located in Emilia-Romagna, a region in northern Italy, known for its high quality of life. If I were asked which region makes me feel most welcomed by the locals, I would probably say this one. In fact, this city is attracting more and more expats, both students and professionals, also thanks to its strong economy, excellent food, and strategic location between Bologna and Reggio Emilia.

But what’s it really like to live here? We’ve combined local insights with data to give you a clearer picture.

Life in Modena: What People Say

People living in Modena often describe it as a well-balanced city, small enough to feel manageable, but large enough to offer everything you need.

“It’s located in one of the most prosperous regions of Italy, and you can really feel a sense of well-being. The transportation connections are excellent, and there’s an incredible amount of history and culture. Naturally, the food is fantastic too. The city center is beautiful.” – Christian A.

“We moved from South Africa to Modena 2 years ago. It took us over a month to find an apartment, but we love it here. Our daughter rides her scooter to school and there are tons of family activities. Modena has everything we need without the chaos of a big city.” – Karen M.

Modena is a city rich in culture, which is why it has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1997. It’s the birthplace of Ferrari, traditional Italian balsamic vinegar, and home to Osteria Francescana, one of the best restaurants in the world. This means that there are plenty of job opportunities, especially in the automotive and food industries:

“It’s a city with heart. People are friendly even if they don’t speak English. The work opportunities are good, especially in the automotive and food sectors.” – Giovanni S.

Transport and Connectivity in Modena

Modena’s location is pretty good for travel throughout Italy. From the main train station, you’ll find both regional and high-speed trains. You can reach Milan in about 1h30 and Bologna in just over 25 minutes, making much of the north easily accessible. For central and southern destinations, instead, a quick change in Bologna usually gets you where you need to go, like Rome (2h50) or Naples (4h).

“Public transport between cities works very well. From Modena, you can reach Bologna International Airport in 30 minutes by train. Within Modena, biking or walking works best.” – Roberto T.

Besides the train + Marconi Express combo (around 40 minutes total), there are also daily direct shuttle buses to Bologna Airport. They leave from several points around Modena, such as the train station, Viale Caduti in Guerra, Largo Garibaldi, Stazione Piccola, and Terminal Gottardi and take about 50 minutes.

If you’re thinking of living in a nearby town, though, keep in mind that public transport isn’t always reliable:

“If you live and work in Modena, public transport or biking is fine. But if you commute between nearby towns, you’ll probably need a car.” – Filippo P.

Where to Find a Home in Modena: Housing and Cost of Living

Housing in Modena, especially in and around the historic center, is in high demand. Prices for both renting and buying tend to be medium-high compared to other similarly sized Italian cities. Here’s an overview table to give you an idea of the pricing:

The historic city center, as well as in all major cities, comes with slightly higher rental and purchase prices, but for many, it’s worth it. It’s a lively, walkable area full of shops and restaurants, which is the reason why it’s particularly popular with university students and young professionals. However, keep in mind that parking can be tough, and older buildings may lack modern features like elevators or central heating.

For a quieter, more residential vibe, many locals recommend neighborhoods like Buon Pastore, Morane, Sant’Agnese, Madonnina, Rosselli, Giardini, Amendola, and Zona Musicisti. These areas, mainly in the southern and eastern parts of Modena, are known for being safe, green, and family-friendly, with good access to parks, schools (including Montessori and Reggio Emilia-inspired options), and everyday services. They’re still within biking or walking distance from the center, but prices tend to be slightly more affordable than downtown.

That said, living in areas like Bruciata, Crocetta, and the train station area may not be ideal, as they are often reported to be less safe, particularly at night.

Challenges of Living in Modena

Despite its many positives, Modena does have a few challenges. An important point to consider is that housing supply is limited. Several expats have noted that finding a flat can take weeks and often requires compromise, so buying may be a more stable option:

“Modena is definitely less touristy than Verona, but finding homes for rent is a nightmare. You’d be better off buying if you’re planning to stay long term.” – Rossella S.

Another potential “challenge,” depending on your lifestyle, is the nightlife. Modena is quieter compared to larger cities, so younger expats looking for a lively social life can find it a bit underwhelming:

“If you want to have fun, you need to go to Bologna, but it depends on your standards; mine are quite high.” – Roberto T.

Another thing to consider is safety. While Modena isn’t a large city, so it’s all relative, some residents have recently mentioned incidents of vandalism and theft in the area.

Modena by the Numbers: Key Data

• Quality of Life: High (88/100)
• Air Quality: Excellent (88/100)
• Safety: Moderate to Low Earthquake Risk
• Healthcare: Pretty good
• Internet Speed: Fast (average of 207 Mbps)
• Rent: Affordable – about 
• Transport: Good. It’s connected by bus, train, and flights. A car isn’t essential for daily life if you live in the city center.
  • Airport: Reggio Emilia Airport (25 min.), Guglielmo Marconi, Bologna (32 min.), Giuseppe Verdi, Parma (37 min)
  • Train Stations: Stazione di Modena Piazza Manzoni (5 min), Stazione di Modena (5 min), Stazione di Formigine (15 min)

For more detailed information about Modena and its services and infrastructure, visit the Magic Towns city profile.

Is Modena Right for You?

✅ Pros:

• Good healthcare services for residents
• High walkability and biking friendliness
• Strong local economy with plenty of job opportunities
• Well-connected for travel both within Italy and internationally
• Rich cultural and historical heritage to explore and enjoy

⚠️ Cons:

• High rent and limited housing availability
• Mixed reviews on safety in central areas
• Internet connectivity may not be the best
• Public transport can be unreliable outside the city center

Final Thoughts

Modena is a great balance if you’re looking for a peaceful town that’s well-connected, offers job opportunities, and is away from the usual tourist crowds. Of course, like any city, it has its downsides, such as relatively high prices and the challenge of finding housing, but with a little patience, these are issues that can be worked around.

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