Rome — the Eternal City — is one of the most fascinating places in the world to call home. With a population of around 2.8 million, it’s Italy’s vibrant capital, where ancient ruins stand beside trendy cafés, world-class art museums, and bustling markets. For expats, digital nomads, and retirees seeking an Italian lifestyle filled with history, culture, and sunshine, Rome offers something truly special.

This guide explores the best areas to live in Rome for foreigners, based on lifestyle, budget, safety, transport connections, and community atmosphere. Whether you dream of waking up to a view of the Colosseum or prefer a quiet green neighborhood with local markets and international schools, Rome has a neighborhood that fits your version of la dolce vita.

Rome is not just Italy’s political capital — it’s also a cultural, culinary, and spiritual hub that attracts people from all over the world. Expats are drawn to its combination of affordable living (compared to other major European capitals), rich heritage, Mediterranean climate, and easy access to the rest of Europe.

The city offers a variety of housing options, from centuries-old apartments in the historic center to modern buildings in suburban districts. Public transportation is extensive, with metro lines, trams, and buses connecting most parts of the city. Rome’s main airport, Fiumicino (Leonardo da Vinci International Airport), makes international travel simple.

English is widely spoken in tourist and expat-heavy neighborhoods, but learning Italian enhances both your daily life and social connections. The Italian lifestyle emphasizes community, great food, and a slower pace of life — all things that make living in Rome feel deeply fulfilling.

Living in Centro Storico, or Rome’s historic center, is like stepping into a living museum. This area is one of the best neighborhood in Rome for first-time expats. The neighborhood is home to iconic landmarks such as the Pantheon, Piazza Navona, Campo de’ Fiori, and the Trevi Fountain. Narrow cobblestone streets, Renaissance buildings, and charming piazzas create a romantic and timeless setting for those living in Rome city center.

Centro Storico is ideal for professionals, couples, and retirees who want to live in a historic setting surrounded by culture. Everything you need is within walking distance — cafés, boutique shops, museums, and restaurants line every street. While this area is among the most expensive in Rome, many expats find the experience worth it for its location and atmosphere.

Accommodation here typically consists of historic apartments with character, high ceilings, and ornate details. Parking is limited, and the area can be noisy and crowded, especially during tourist season. However, for those who love being in the middle of everything, there’s no better place to live.

Across the Tiber River lies Trastevere, one of Rome’s most beloved and picturesque neighborhoods. It is known for its colorful buildings, ivy-covered walls, and lively piazzas. Living in Trastevere, Rome, embodies the bohemian spirit of old Rome. It’s particularly popular with young professionals, artists, and digital nomads who want a balance of nightlife, charm, and authenticity.

Trastevere’s narrow lanes are filled with trattorias, wine bars, artisan shops, and local markets. On weekends, Piazza Santa Maria becomes a gathering spot for locals and expats alike. Despite its popularity, Trastevere retains a strong sense of community, and its slightly off-center location keeps it quieter than the tourist-heavy areas of the historic center.

Trastevere apartments for expats range from renovated studio apartments to stylish lofts, often in centuries-old buildings. The area has good public transport connections via tram and bus, and you can walk into central Rome in about 20 minutes.

Trastevere is the best area to stay in Rome long term. It is perfect for expats who want a local feel with international accessibility, making it one of the best neighborhoods in Rome for foreigners who love character, culture, and convenience.

Located just north of the Vatican, Prati is a refined neighborhood known for its wide, tree-lined streets, neoclassical buildings, upscale shopping, and the best area in Rome for families. It’s a favorite among families, professionals, and retirees seeking a safe, polished part of Rome.

Prati feels more like a modern European district than the chaotic historical core. It’s home to excellent restaurants, international schools, and quiet residential streets. Via Cola di Rienzo, one of Rome’s best shopping avenues, runs through the area, and the Vatican Museums are within walking distance.

Housing in Prati consists mainly of spacious, well-maintained apartments in elegant buildings. Because you are living near Vatican Rome, prices are moderate to high, but the quality of life is excellent. The neighborhood is clean, well connected by metro and bus lines, and has a reputation as one of the safest in Rome.

For expats moving with children or anyone seeking a peaceful, organized, and upscale environment, Prati is one of the best areas to live in Rome.

Just a short walk from the Colosseum, Monti is one of the coolest neighborhoods in Rome and one of the most vibrant districts. This area attracts creative professionals, expats, and digital nomads with its mix of hip cafés, vintage boutiques, and artisan workshops.

Monti offers a unique blend of old and new — historic buildings with a young, artistic vibe. Some consider it the best area for expats in central Rome. The neighborhood is filled with charming courtyards, independent shops, and excellent restaurants. Piazza della Madonna dei Monti is the beating heart of the district, where locals gather for evening drinks and conversation.

Despite being in central Rome, Monti has a relaxed, village-like feel. Monti Rome apartments for rent tend to be smaller but stylish, often with exposed brick walls and rooftop terraces. Public transport is excellent, with the Cavour metro station providing quick access to other parts of the city.

Monti is ideal for expats who want to live close to Rome’s main attractions but still enjoy a trendy, community-driven neighborhood.

If you want to experience genuine Roman life without the crowds, living in Testaccio Rome is the place to be. Once a working-class district, it has evolved into a lively, culturally rich neighborhood known for its food scene and local charm.

Testaccio is one of the most authentic neighborhoods in Rome. It is famous for its Mercato Testaccio, one of Rome’s best food markets, where residents buy fresh produce, meats, cheeses, and regional specialties. The area also offers great nightlife, with local bars and clubs that cater more to Romans than tourists.

Housing here is more affordable than in the city center, consisting mainly of mid-century apartments with plenty of space. The community is welcoming, and the area is well-connected by bus and metro to the rest of Rome.

Testaccio is especially popular with expats, food lovers, and younger professionals who want a local, laid-back atmosphere and excellent dining options at their doorstep.

Adjacent to Testaccio, Ostiense is one of Rome’s up-and-coming neighborhoods, known for its industrial-chic aesthetic and thriving creative community. Once a warehouse district, it’s now home to tech startups, art studios, and trendy restaurants. It is one of the most affordable areas in Rome for expats.

Ostiense attracts young professionals, students, and digital nomads who appreciate its affordability and urban vibe. The area is filled with street art, cafés, and the iconic Gasometro structure, which has become a symbol of the neighborhood’s transformation. It is becoming known as one of the cool neighborhoods in Rome, Italy.

Apartments in Ostiense are typically modern and affordable, making it one of the best areas in Rome for budget-minded expats. It’s also home to Roma Tre University, giving it a youthful, energetic atmosphere.

With easy metro access (Piramide station) and proximity to the city center, living in Ostiense, Rome is a fantastic choice for those seeking a dynamic, evolving part of the city that still feels local.

Located southwest of the historic center, Monteverde offers a quiet residential atmosphere and one of the best green areas to live in Rome. It’s popular with families, retirees, and professionals looking for tranquility while staying close to central Rome.

Monteverde is divided into two main areas: Monteverde Vecchio (the older, more elegant section) and Monteverde Nuovo (the more modern part). The highlight is Villa Doria Pamphili, Rome’s largest public park — perfect for morning runs, picnics, and family outings.

Housing in Monteverde includes spacious apartments and villas, many with terraces or garden views. The area has a good selection of international schools and local amenities, making it one of the top family neighborhoods in Rome.

Monteverde combines natural beauty, safety, and convenience — ideal for expats who want to enjoy the best of both worlds: city life and suburban comfort.

Perched on one of Rome’s famous seven hills, Aventino (Aventine Hill) is one of the city’s most elegant and peaceful neighborhoods. It’s an oasis of calm, offering panoramic views and luxurious residences.

Aventino is particularly favored by diplomats, executives, and high-income expats who appreciate exclusive areas in Rome, Italy, and proximity to both Testaccio and the city center. The area is filled with embassies, historic villas, and gardens. It is considered one of the top luxury neighborhoods in Rome.

The famous Orange Garden (Giardino degli Aranci) and the “Keyhole of Rome” at the Knights of Malta are local attractions offering some of the best views in the city. Apartments here are typically spacious and upscale, with higher rental prices reflecting the area’s prestige.

For expats seeking a quiet, safe, and luxurious environment, Aventino is among the most exclusive areas in Rome, Italy, to live in.

Choosing the right area in Rome depends on your lifestyle, budget, and priorities. If you want historic beauty and energy, Centro Storico and Trastevere offer an unbeatable atmosphere. For families or those seeking calm and safety, Prati, Monteverde, or Aventino are top choices. Meanwhile, Monti, Testaccio, and Ostiense appeal to younger expats and digital nomads seeking creativity, culture, and affordability.

Wherever you decide to settle, living in Rome means embracing the rhythm of Italian life — savoring your morning espresso at a corner café, shopping at open-air markets, and taking evening strolls past monuments that have stood for millennia.