The regions of Italy: where to relocate

Italy's richest and most business-driven region and, by the community, the number one area for Russian speakers - there are more here than anywhere else. A high standard of living and salaries come bundled with the country's most expensive rent. It suits professionals and remote workers with income; in Milano itself it is hard on budgets and big families, but cheaper options sit nearby (Bergamo, the province).

The foot of the Alps: mountain beauty plus dynamic Turin - one of the country's top cities in business and startup rankings, noticeably cheaper than Milano. By the community Turin is often compared to St. Petersburg: parks, a calm pace, mountains and skiing nearby. A good option for families and remote workers who want a big northern city without Milano prices.

Not just Venice: also Verona, Padova, Lake Garda and dozens of historic towns, plus the Treviso province ("the land of prosecco"). Developed industry and tourism make Veneto one of the leading regions by economy; Austria and Slovenia are nearby. By the community it is a handy "base" for those who want the north but closer to the sea and Central Europe; English is widely used thanks to students and tourists.

One of the most balanced regions for relocation: a strong economy, high employment, convenient transport, good public services - and on top of that legendary cuisine (the home of parmesan and bolognese) and the motor valley with Ferrari, Lamborghini, Maserati. By the community the region usually ranks second after Lombardy for Russian speakers. A strong candidate if you need the combination of "work plus infrastructure plus community".

A favourite of many in the community: one of the country's mildest Mediterranean climates, an elegant coast, lively but not tourist-trampled towns - and yet the northern core and southern France right nearby. Genova is the only big city, the rest are small seaside towns (Savona, La Spezia, Sanremo). The main downside is an extremely tight rental market across the whole region.

An autonomous mountain region on the Austrian border: stunning Dolomites, prosperity, Christmas markets and German as the second official language in the Bolzano province. By the community it has the country's top standard of living and infrastructure, but the most expensive and scarce rent, especially with children, which is why many end up moving on. A choice more for the lifestyle (mountains, skiing, order) than for the diaspora.

The country's northeastern corner and a crossroads of Italian, Austrian and Balkan cultures: Austria and Slovenia are right nearby, the main cities are Trieste and Udine. By the community it is a calm, underrated region with northern infrastructure and more affordable prices than neighbouring Veneto; there are few Russian speakers here. A notable quirk is the strong winter bora wind in Trieste.

The country's geographic and political centre. Rome is the Eternal City, a huge tourist and transport hub with excellent infrastructure, yet noticeably cheaper than Milano. By the community the region is consistently in the top three for Russian speakers; beyond the ring road and in the Lazio towns living is much cheaper and a family budget genuinely works out, though Rome itself is chaotic (garbage, bureaucracy, a weak market for skilled work).

The cradle of the Italian language and the Renaissance: villas, olive groves, wine, cultural heritage - one of the most recognizable and touristy regions. By the community it is an important hub of the Russian-speaking community (usually fourth for fellow expats) and conveniently placed between the key cities of the north and centre. An added bonus people often note is the lenient local bureaucracy on registration.

The soul of Southern Italy: dynamic Naples (the country's third-largest city), distinctive Neapolitan culture, the island of Capri and the Amalfi coast. By the community Campania is in the top five for Russian speakers - one of the southern hubs of the diaspora; cheaper than the north, the locals are friendly, but its reputation for dirt and safety is mixed, and the market for skilled work is weak.

The "heel" of Italy and one of the most authentic southern regions: trulli houses, a rocky coast, baroque Lecce ("the Florence of the south"), the turquoise sea of Salento. By the community it has some of the lowest prices in the country and notably welcoming locals; the Russian-speaking community is sizeable by southern standards. Bari is popular for residenza elettiva. The downsides are slow bureaucracy and mostly manual work.

The largest island in the Mediterranean: volcanoes, ancient culture at the meeting of Italian, European and Arab worlds, magnificent beaches, baroque architecture. By the community it has very affordable housing and a warm climate, but work is scarce, summers locally hit 40, infrastructure is weaker than the north, and the Russian-speaking community is small. A realistic option more for remote workers and lovers of the south.