What People Say About Living in Pescara

Pescara is a lively and modern city on Italy’s Adriatic coast, arguably one of the most well-rounded in the region. In fact, it offers everything from beaches to nearby mountains, excellent transport links and events organized throughout the year. Its airport serves as a key hub for the entire region and the city’s various train stations make it an ideal place for both locals and expats, allowing them to travel and get around with ease.

But what’s it really like to live here? We’ve gathered local insights and paired them with data to give you a clear picture.

Life in Pescara: What People Say

People who live in Pescara today describe it as a well-balanced city. It’s lively, with events happening throughout the year, but also peaceful, offering the relaxing benefits of coastal living.

“Pescara is the perfect place to live if you love both the beach and the mountains. You can spend the morning at the sea and be on the slopes in just under an hour!” – Pam P.

“I lived here for a couple of years and now I’m moving back. It’s a city with a lively atmosphere, great for families and young people alike. The beach, good schools, and restaurants make it feel like a home away from home.” – Bea D.

“I grew up in Pescara and even though I moved to Montesilvano, I find myself back in Pescara all the time. It’s the perfect city for daily life: great public transport, clean air, and it’s safe. I love the lively downtown area in the evening.” – Tony M.

Transport and Connectivity in Pescara

This is definitely one of the city’s key strengths. In fact, many expats who choose to live here see the airport as a convenient link to their home countries, making it easier to visit family and return home.

“Pescara Airport is increasingly becoming a key travel hub for Abruzzo and central Italy, thanks to a steady rise in passenger traffic and continuous improvements in its services. Despite its modest dimensions, the airport provides all the essential amenities, including bars, restaurants, duty-free shops, and car rental services. One of the most notable developments is the recent runway expansion, which now allows for long-haul flights. This has opened up new travel opportunities, enabling passengers to reach more distant destinations without the need for stopovers in larger airports.” – Grazia D. C.

You can reach the airport by the “Pescara Air Link” service, which connects Pescara Central station (located in the city center) to the airport. However, note that this service operates only during certain hours, typically in the morning (7:30 AM to 12:30 PM) and evening (6:30 PM to 12:30 AM) on weekdays, and in the evening (6:30 PM to 12:30 AM) on public holidays. Outside of these hours, you can take the regular buses or a taxi.

As for the main station, it offers both regional and high-speed trains, making it an excellent option for those who need to travel between various cities.

“The train station is very close to the center. You can easily get to Rome or Ancona for day trips or weekend getaways.” – Tony M.

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

Housing in Pescara is relatively affordable compared to other Italian coastal cities, with rent prices for one-bedroom apartments in the city center ranging between €600–800 per month. Here’s an overview table to give you an idea of the pricing:

Data elaborated from Immobiliare.it

The choice of area, as usual, depends on your needs and budget. The historic city center, including Pescara Vecchia, is definitely a great option if you want to be near the train station and enjoy all the city’s services, including nearby beaches – though prices tend to be higher.

“If you want to be close to the sea and all the action, this city center is perfect. But, if you prefer more peace and quiet, there are plenty of residential areas just a short distance away.” – Pam P.

Porta Nuova is another great option: centrally located, quieter and generally more affordable.

For a more relaxed and residential vibe, neighborhoods such as Colli-Ospedale or San Silvestro ( a hillside area south of the city) offer tranquility while still being within easy reach of the city center. While these areas aren’t located by the sea, they’re well connected to the center and tend to offer more options for larger homes with gardens.

It’s also important to be aware of recent reports of rental scams in the area. Fraudsters, often posing as real estate agents, have been known to contact prospective tenants and ask for an advance payment of €130 in exchange for help finding a property. This scam is particularly common during the busy summer months, so always be cautious – never transfer money before visiting the apartment in person.

Challenges of Living in Pescara

While Pescara offers a high quality of life, there are a few challenges to keep in mind.

As a popular holiday destination, Pescara sees a significant influx of tourists during the warmer months, resulting in crowded beaches and busier streets. The most common issue is traffic congestion, although this is less of a problem if you choose to live in the city center. Additionally, while the climate is typical of the Mediterranean, the high humidity in summer can make the heat feel more intense.

“During the summer, the beaches can be packed with tourists. It’s not always ideal if you’re looking for a quiet day at the sea. But the rest of the year is fantastic, especially for outdoor activities like hiking or skiing.” – Tony M.

Healthcare is another area that draws mixed opinions. Regional healthcare services have been a topic of debate for years, with some residents expressing dissatisfaction and even opting to seek medical care outside Abruzzo. However, growing public concern and recent protests have brought more attention to the issue, raising hopes for future improvements.

Lastly, while the local job market supports industries such as tourism, education and healthcare, it may not be ideal for professionals in highly specialized fields like tech, finance or international business. That said, Pescara remains a great option for remote workers and those seeking a balanced lifestyle.

Pescara by the Numbers: Key Data

Here’s a breakdown of some useful data for those considering life in Pescara:

• Quality of Life: High (81/100)
• Air Quality: Really good (92/100)
• Safety: It has a moderate to low earthquake risk, very low landslide risk and a normal road accident rate.
• Healthcare: Score of 59, suggesting room for improvement in services.
• Cost of Living: Affordable compared to other coastal Italian cities, though costs can rise with proximity to the sea.
• Rent: €600-800/month for central one-bedroom apartments.
• Internet Speed: Good, with an average download speed of 232 Mbps.
• Transport: Good train and airport connections
  • Airports: Abruzzo Airport, Pescara (7 min.), Raffaello Sanzio, Ancona (76 min.), Ciampino, Rome (91 min.)
  • Train Stations: Stazione di Pescara Porta Nuova (3 min.), Stazione di Pescara Centrale (5 min.), Stazione di Chieti Madonna delle Piane (11 min.)
  • Public Transport: Good, with buses throughout the city. However, having a car may be necessary for those living outside the city center.

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

Is Pescara Right for You?

✅ Pros:

• Beautiful coastal views and proximity to mountains
• Lively city center with numerous bars, restaurants, and shops
• Strong community spirit and easy social integration, with a good number of expats
• Reliable transport links including the airport and train stations
• Good air quality
• Excellent opportunities for outdoor activities, including skiing, hiking, and beach sports

⚠️ Cons:

• Can become crowded during tourist season, particularly in the summer
• Public transport outside the city center is less accessible
• Healthcare services could be improved
• There are job opportunities, though they are not as varied as those in major cities

Final Thoughts

Pescara offers a great balance between city life and nature. Its location, with both the sea and mountains nearby, along with events organized throughout the year, makes it an interesting place to live. The city, of course, faces challenges, especially in healthcare and high tourist traffic during peak seasons. However, the overall quality of life remains high, particularly for those looking for a peaceful yet active lifestyle along Italy’s Adriatic coast.

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