Buying and Living in Milan and Surrounds

Milan, Italy's fashion and financial capital, is a city where history, style, and innovation converge. Known for its cutting-edge design, world-class dining, and iconic landmarks, Milan is an exciting place to live. Whether you choose to settle in its vibrant city center or explore the tranquil towns and countryside nearby, Milan and its surrounding areas offer a wealth of lifestyle options for professionals, families, and retirees alike.

The Appeal of Milan
Milan is much more than a global hub for fashion and business; it’s a city steeped in culture and history. The breathtaking Duomo di Milano, Leonardo da Vinci’s masterpiece The Last Supper, and the historic Teatro alla Scala are just a few examples of its cultural treasures.

Milan combines a cosmopolitan lifestyle with Italian charm. Its neighborhoods are diverse, offering everything from bustling urban hubs to quiet, residential enclaves. The city’s robust economy attracts international professionals, while its schools, universities, and healthcare systems ensure a high quality of life for families.

For those who appreciate the finer things, Milan is unparalleled. From luxury shopping in the Quadrilatero della Moda to Michelin-starred dining, the city offers endless opportunities to indulge. Its location in northern Italy also makes it a gateway to the Alps, Lake Como, and the Ligurian coast.

Living in Milan: Central Districts vs. Suburbs
Milan’s neighborhoods, or quartieri, each offer unique characteristics.

Central Milan
Living in the heart of Milan means being immersed in the city’s vibrant energy and historic beauty.

Centro Storico: Home to landmarks like the Duomo, GalleriaVittorio Emanuele II, and La Scala, this area offers a mix of historical apartments and modern luxury residences. Property prices here are among the highest in Milan.
Brera: Known for its bohemian charm, Brera is an artistic neighborhood filled with galleries, boutique shops, and quaint cafés. It’s popular with creatives and those seeking a refined lifestyle.
Porta Nuova: A modern district with skyscrapers like the Bosco Verticale, Porta Nuova is a hub for young professionals and those who prefer contemporary living.
Navigli: Famous for its canals and vibrant nightlife, Navigli offers a mix of historic charm and trendy vibes, making it popular among students and young couples.
Living in central Milan provides easy access to cultural attractions, dining, and shopping. However, it comes with higher property prices, smaller spaces, and a bustling environment.

Suburban Milan
The suburbs of Milan provide a quieter, more spacious lifestyle while remaining well-connected to the city center.

CityLife: A modern, eco-friendly development with parks, luxury apartments, and shopping. It’s ideal for families seeking a contemporary suburban feel.
Bicocca: A residential and academic area with more affordable housing, Bicocca is popular with students and young families.
San Siro: Known for its famous football stadium, this area offers larger homes and green spaces, making it appealing for families.
Sesto San Giovanni: A former industrial area now undergoing redevelopment, Sesto San Giovanni offers affordable housing with excellent transport links to central Milan.
Living in the suburbs often means larger homes, lower property prices, and a quieter lifestyle. These areas are particularly attractive to families and those looking for a break from the fast pace of central Milan.

Living Beyond Milan: Surrounding Areas
For those who want even more space or a more picturesque setting, the towns and countryside surrounding Milan provide attractive alternatives.

Popular Towns Around Milan
Monza: Just 15 kilometers from Milan, Monza is known for its beautiful park and historic city center. It offers a quieter lifestyle with excellent schools and amenities.
Como: Located on the shores of Lake Como, this picturesque town combines stunning natural beauty with a relaxed, upscale lifestyle. It’s perfect for those who want to escape the city while staying within commuting distance.
Pavia: A historic university town south of Milan, Pavia boasts cobblestone streets, ancient architecture, and a peaceful atmosphere. It’s an affordable option for families and retirees.
Bergamo: A city of two halves, Bergamo combines the medieval charm of its upper town (Città Alta) with the modern conveniences of its lower town (Città Bassa).
Living outside Milan offers more space, scenic surroundings, and often lower property costs. Many of these towns are connected to Milan by train, making them ideal for commuters.

Buying Property in Milan and Surrounds
In Milan
The Milan property market is highly competitive, with prices varying significantly by neighborhood. Central areas like Brera and Porta Nuova are among the most expensive, while suburban neighborhoods like Bicocca and Sesto San Giovanni offer more affordable options.

Milan is an attractive destination for foreign buyers, especially those seeking investment opportunities in luxury or rental properties. However, additional costs such as notary fees, taxes, and agency commissions should be factored into the budget.

In Surrounding Areas
Properties in towns like Monza, Como, and Pavia are generally more affordable and offer a wider range of options, from historic villas to modern apartments. These areas are particularly appealing to families and retirees seeking a quieter lifestyle.

Transportation: Connecting Milan and Beyond

Milan’s strategic location and excellent transport infrastructure make it easy to live and work across the region.

Airports
Milan is served by three airports—Malpensa, Linate, and Orio al Serio—offering domestic and international flights. These make Milan an accessible base for business and leisure travel.

High-Speed Trains
Milan is a major hub for Italy’s high-speed train network, with connections to cities like Rome, Florence, and Venice. The city is also connected to European destinations such as Paris and Zurich via high-speed rail.

Public Transport
Milan’s public transportation system includes an extensive metro, tram, and bus network, making it easy to navigate the city and its suburbs. Commuter trains connect Milan to nearby towns, ensuring seamless access for residents living outside the city.

Practical Considerations
Cost of Living
Milan is one of Italy’s most expensive cities, with housing accounting for the largest expense. Dining, transportation, and cultural activities are generally affordable, particularly when compared to other European cities like London or Paris.

Healthcare
Italy has a high-quality healthcare system, and Milan is home to some of the country’s top hospitals and medical facilities. Both public and private healthcare options are available to residents.

Education
Milan offers a range of educational opportunities, from international schools catering to expat families to prestigious universities such as Bocconi and Politecnico di Milano. The surrounding towns also boast excellent schools, making them appealing for families.

Conclusion
Whether you’re drawn to the vibrant energy of central Milan, the family-friendly charm of its suburbs, or the picturesque beauty of its surrounding towns, the Milan region offers a diverse range of lifestyles. With its strong economy, excellent transport links, and cultural richness, Milan is not just a place to live—it’s a place to thrive. For those looking to buy property and settle in Italy, Milan and its surrounds provide an unbeatable combination of style, opportunity, and quality of life.