Florence is a lively, magnetic city, continually crisscrossed with people, art, history and ideas. But it is also a city where, if you know your way around, you can find quiet corners, slower-paced residential neighborhoods, quiet oases just minutes from the crowded domes and storefronts of the historic center. For those who want to move to Florence or buy a home without giving up a serene and well-served setting, the good news is that there is no shortage of possibilities. You just need to know where to look.
Oltrarno and San Niccolò: authentic peace beyond the Arno.
The Oltrarno is perhaps the area that most embodies the secret soul of Florence. Across the river, the streets become narrow, artisan stores follow one after another, and tourists, though present, seem to slow down. In particular, San Niccolò represents a small hamlet in the heart of the city: authentic, cozy, with a lively but discreet community. Here you live with views of historic gardens and hills, while still being able to walk or bike to the center in a few minutes. It is the ideal neighborhood for those who want to feel the heart of Florence without being subjected to its noise.
The Cure, Rifredi and Campo di Marte: daily life at the right pace
Moving northeast, one encounters neighborhoods such as Le Cure, Rifredi, and Campo di Marte. Le Cure is one of the most beloved by families and workers: quiet, well-served, with a local market and a square that preserves the community dimension. Rifredi is home to hospitals, schools, large green areas, and more spacious properties that tend to be more affordable than the center. Campo di Marte, on the other hand, is residential but dynamic, with a wide range of stores, services and schools, without the tourist overcrowding. It is ideal for those looking for a home for long-term living without sacrificing greenery and quality of life.
San Marco, Sant’Ambrogio, Santa Croce: historic heart, quiet corners
Even within the perimeter of the historic center one can find areas to breathe. Some of the streets of San Marco and Sant’Ambrogio, for example, while central, are defiladed, immersed in more relaxed atmospheres, populated by residents, students and small neighborhood businesses. Santa Croce, if one avoids the beaten streets, offers surprising glimpses of silence and intimacy, often overlooking interior courtyards and private gardens. Those who want the beauty of historic buildings and the opportunity to experience Florence on foot can also consider these micro-areas, aware, however, that tranquility must be sought carefully, street by street.
Fiesole and Monterinaldi: between the city and the hills
Those who have the possibility of living a little higher up, outside the urban perimeter but in close connection with it, may find in Fiesole or Monterinaldi a perfect solution. Here you can breathe pure air, enjoy the view of the city, and live in contact with greenery. Fiesole, with its historical identity and hilly layout, is ideal for those looking for villas or independent apartments surrounded by nature. Monterinaldi, more intimate, is popular with those who want an elegant and private setting just a few minutes’ drive from the center. Both areas offer tranquility without straying too far from Florentine life.
Coverciano and Gavinana: residential and well served
Among the more upscale residential neighborhoods, Coverciano and Gavinana stand out for their balance of livability and convenience. Coverciano is elegant, quiet, known for its tree-lined streets and middle-class atmosphere. It is well connected, close to schools, supermarkets and green areas, and has always been considered a “safe” neighborhood in which to put down roots. Gavinana, further south, is another popular area for families: ample availability of services, schools, public transportation, and proximity to the Arno and parks makes daily life more relaxed. Both neighborhoods lend themselves to a domestic life of sustainable rhythms and neighborhood relationships.
Choosing the right neighborhood: a matter of lifestyle
Choosing a neighborhood to live in is never just a matter of budget or square footage. It is a decision that touches our lifestyle, the way we want to wake up in the morning, move, work, and meet others. Those looking for tranquility in Florence have a variety of options: from hidden historic neighborhoods to residential areas surrounded by greenery. The advice is to visit areas at different times of the day, talk to those who live there, observe the details.
