9 good reasons to live in Naples
When it comes to relocating to Italy, Naples often comes up as one of the favourite destinations when choosing a city to live in. Whether it's for its gastronomy, its heritage or its weather, the capital of Campania is attracting more and more expats from all over the world. It's only once you're here that you really understand the famous saying "See Naples and die", and the city has so much to offer that there's something for everyone. To help and motivate you, I'm Lisbob, the expat assistant, and I'd like to share with you my 9 good reasons for moving to Naples.
Weather
The south of Italy is renowned for being a sunny area, and Naples enjoys an ideal geographical position and takes full advantage of this. The weather is very mild throughout the year, and with over 2,300 hours of sunshine a year, it's hard to beat it. Even though winters can be a little rainy, this only lasts from December to February: the rest of the year you can enjoy outdoor activities at any time.
This climate is part of the Neapolitan way of life, with people spending a lot of time outdoors to enjoy the sunshine and mild temperatures. In summer, some days can be very hot, exceeding 35ºC, but this is not always the case. If you want to enjoy the sun then Naples is the ideal destination.
Gastronomy
How can you talk about Naples without mentioning its gastronomy? Famous the world over, Neapolitan food is rich in colour and flavour, thanks to the region's fertile volcanic soil and climate, as well as its age-old traditions and its relationship with the Mediterranean Sea.
Naples, of course, is the birthplace of pizza: invented in 1889 with tomato, mozzarella and basil as a nod to the Italian flag, it is perhaps the most famous dish in the world. But it's Neapolitan gastronomy in its entirety that deserves a place of honour: the various pastas and sauces will delight all gourmets, the coffees will wake up even the sleepiest and the baba au rhum, Neapolitans' favourite cake, will delight those with a sweet tooth.
When you move to Naples, you'll never be disappointed when it comes to eating.
Infrastructure
Naples is Italy's third-largest city and the most important in the south of the country. Its infrastructure is fairly modern and of a high standard, in no way inferior to that of other major Italian cities. Naples has an extensive metro network, with stations worth a visit in their own right, as well as numerous tram, bus and trolleybus lines. In recent years, the city has even benefited from a high-speed train that takes you to Rome in barely an hour, and the international airport connects Naples to many destinations around the world.
If you're looking for a lively city with a sunny climate, Naples could well be your ideal destination.
Its islands
Naples is a city bordered by the Mediterranean Sea and benefits greatly from it. Neapolitans can reach the various islands in the region thanks to the many connections offered by its port. They are called the islands of the Neapolitan Gulf, and each has its own identity. The closest is Procida, which is still a secret and is keen to remain so, and just beyond is the island of Ischia, with its magnificent beaches and vineyards as far as the eye can see. And last but not least, the most famous island of all: the mythical and legendary Capri.
If you love discovering the different islands and their secrets, then Naples could be just what you're looking for.
Before tackling the next point, let me remind you that the first and most important step to take before moving to Italy is to obtain your Codice Fiscale, your Italian tax number. Without it, it's impossible to work, find accommodation or open a bank account. I can do this for you, remotely and in just a few clicks. Check out my service by clicking here.
Nightlife
Neapolitan nightlife is renowned, and if you live in Naples you'll soon understand why. The city is very lively, with dozens of restaurants, bars and nightclubs to delight night owls. The chic and trendy Chiaia district with its wineries, the Piazza San Domenico Maggiore and the Piazza Bellini with its places open until late: Naples never sleeps and it's possible to have a good time at night.
And don't forget to visit the San Martino belvedere, with its breathtaking views over Naples, which is the ideal place for a drink with friends. Whether with friends or family, Neapolitan nightlife is an unmissable experience and part of the soul of the city.
Nature
Naples enjoys an ideal geographical position, with its proximity to nature and green spaces. The city is dotted with parks such as the REAL BOSCO DE CAPODIMONTE, Neapolitan's green lung covering 124 hectares, and the Virigilian Park, where you can admire the gulf and its islands.
Of course, Vesuvius offers unique hiking opportunities, but the region also boasts a number of national parks, including Cilento.
Finally, Naples boasts a number of nearby beaches, some with black volcanic sand, where you can soak up the sun and enjoy the mild Mediterranean temperatures. If you're looking for a city close to nature, Naples could well be your next destination.
Life is good in Naples
Its districts
Naples has a number of different districts, each with its own strong identity. Shaped over thousands of years, the 12th largest city in the European Union has many places that bear witness to Naples' history.
The historic centre of Naples, with its narrow streets and Baroque churches, will delight history buffs, while the Chiaia district, already mentioned, is a must for Neapolitan nightlife. Near the port, the San Ferdino district, with its San Carlo opera house and wide avenues, is the royal heart of the Kingdom of Naples. And last but not least, the Quartieri Spagnoli, the Spanish Quarter, is the best-known district in Naples, with its narrow, sloping streets and local inhabitants, but also its undeserved bad reputation. In short, if you live in Naples you can change atmosphere in no time at all.
Heritage
Naples is a city with almost 3,000 years of history, and despite wars and volcanoes, it has managed to preserve much of its heritage, some of which is listed by UNESCO. The city boasts over 400 churches and around thirty museums! You can visit the catacombs of San Gennaro, dating from the 2nd century AD, or explore the city's various archaeological sites. Lovers of ancient cultures can also visit Pausilypon, with its ancient theatre, or the longest Roman tunnel in the world.
Finally, not far from Naples is Pompeii, the Roman city unearthed from the ashes of the volcano Vesuvius, considered to be one of the most dangerous in the world. Expats and tourists in search of discovery will be delighted in this city of unique heritage.
Real estate
Although Naples has seen some difficult years, the capital of Campania seems to have seen the worst of it, and its property market is beginning to return to rising price levels. In 2014, the purchase price per m2 was €3,500, falling to €2,660 in November 2021. Since then, prices have started to rise again, and the city offers many opportunities for both living and investing.
Naples has a number of assets that are making more and more expatriates want to settle here, and tourists are always present, if not more so. In addition, the Campania region is one of the areas in Italy that benefits from tax exemptions, such as the impatriate status, with a tax reduction of up to 90%, which is the icing on the cake and another good reason to move there. I've prepared an article for you on this subject. Finally, there are even houses for 1 euro not far from Naples, so it could be the perfect place for your project!
I've given you my 9 good reasons for moving to Naples, there are of course others such as its architecture, its influences from all over the world and its people, but it would be difficult to cover everything in a single article, and everyone needs to discover their own good reasons for moving to Naples.