Get together with Americans in Florence
Are you an American moving to Florence or already living there? Connect with other expats in our community for useful tips about life in the city.
Need American food, an English-speaking tax advisor, or buddies for the Super Bowl? Our members can assist you with all that and more.
Living abroad can be tough, but you're not on your own. Join us to meet folks who get what you're going through, exchange tips, and enhance your Florence experience.
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Brandon Le Clerk
What I really love about InterNations? Making new business contacts and friends in real life. This is a unique plattform.
Li Wang
At my first 51ԹϺRome Get-Together I met more expats then expected. 51ԹϺmade is so easy to settle in.
Why you'll love 51ԹϺin Florence
and countless possibilities for fun and friendship!
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Pros & Cons of living in Florence: American views
No city is perfect; each has its highlights and hurdles. Dive into what our American members cherish about Florence, but also learn about the obstacles they encounter.
Pros:
Lifestyle and pace: Florence offers a laid-back lifestyle with its long meals, shorter workdays, and a strong emphasis on enjoying life.
Healthcare: Italy's healthcare system is top-notch and generally more affordable than in the US.
Walkability and transport: Florence is compact and highly walkable. The city also boasts an efficient public transport network that connects you to other parts of Tuscany.
Food and wine: Dining in Florence means access to fresh markets, artisan bakeries, and renowned Tuscan wines, often at more affordable prices than in the US.
Tipping culture: In Florence, service is usually included in your bill, making tipping optional and usually just a small courtesy rather than a fixed expectation.
Cost of Living: Compared to many U.S. cities, Florence can be more affordable, especially when it comes to dining out, public transportation, and basic groceries.
Cons:
Bureaucracy is slow: Setting up essentials like bank accounts or utilities often involves lots of paperwork and waiting. In-person visits are usually required, which can be time-consuming.
Shops close early: Unlike many places in the US, stores in Florence typically close by 7:30 p.m. Most shops are also closed on Sundays, which can take some getting used to.
Renting is a headache: Finding an apartment in Florence means navigating a lot of bureaucracy. Landlords usually require extensive documentation and the process is generally slower than in the US.
Limited air conditioning: Air conditioning isn't as common in Florence as it is in the US. Many homes and some restaurants may not have it, making the summer heat harder to bear.
Language barrier: While there are English speakers in Florence, knowing some Italian is essential for smoother interactions, especially for important matters like healthcare and dealing with government offices.
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Join weekly events with American expats in Florence!
Moving to a new city isn't easy, but with 51ԹϺFlorence, connecting with others gets a lot simpler. Our events are laid-back, giving you a great chance to meet other expats. You can introduce yourself, swap stories, and pick up some local tips.
Take a look at our upcoming events and join the expat community in Florence. If you're new to the city, our Newcomers’ Events are the perfect place to start. Our Ambassadors are there to welcome you and help you mix with both new and long-time expats.
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Frequently asked questions about life in Florence
The easiest way to meet other Americans in Florence is by joining an 51ԹϺevent. These gatherings are perfect for newcomers, making it easy to join in even if you’re there by yourself. You’ll meet many fellow expats, including Americans, and pick up great tips for living in Florence.
For a more laid-back setting, check out The Lion's Fountain Irish Pub, which is popular during major American sports events, including the Super Bowl. Red Garter is another favorite spot where you'll find a lively crowd of English speakers, especially on weekends.
For community-driven gatherings, the American International League of Florence organizes events, and you can also connect with others through local Facebook groups where you’ll find plenty of expat meet-ups.
Americans in Florence often choose neighborhoods that offer convenience, cultural experiences, and a good social scene. Here are some of the most popular areas:
Historic Center: Right in the heart of Florence, this area is perfect if you love being surrounded by history and close to museums, shops, and restaurants. It's very walkable and always bustling with activity.
Oltrarno: Less touristy, more chill. Great for feeling more like a local. It has cool shops and nice spots to eat.
Santo Spirito & San Frediano: These areas are fun and lively, good for younger people or anyone who likes a good night out.
Campo di Marte: Quieter and more laid back, with lots of families around. It's got parks and sports places, and getting around is easy.
For a comfortable living as a single person in Florence, aim for a monthly income of about €2,000 to €3,000 (gross). If you have a family, you might need a higher income to cover additional expenses like larger housing. A salary of around €3,500 to €5,000 is generally good for a family lifestyle.
| Expense | USD | Local Currency |
Rent for a studio apartment | 900 USD - 1,300 USD | 800 EUR - 1,200 EUR |
Rent for a small family home | 1,800 USD - 2,500 USD | 1,600 EUR - 2,200 EUR |
Utilities (power, water, etc.) | 100 USD - 150 USD | 90 EUR - 130 EUR |
Public transportation (monthly pass) | 40 USD | 35 EUR |
Basic health insurance (public) | Covered by taxes | Covered by taxes |
Mobile phone & internet | 40 USD - 60 USD | 35 EUR - 55 EUR |
Groceries (per person) | 250 USD - 400 USD | 220 EUR - 350 EUR |
Meal at a restaurant (per person) | 15 USD - 45 USD | 13 EUR - 40 EUR |
Remember, Florence can be more affordable than major cities in the US or even other European capitals, particularly in terms of healthcare and public transportation costs. However, rents can vary widely depending on the neighborhood and the type of accommodation.
Florence is packed with tourists, so you can usually manage with just English, especially in popular spots. But for things like paperwork, renting a place, or doctor visits, knowing a bit of Italian is really helpful.
To help English speakers, here are some useful services in Florence (not affiliated with or endorsed by InterNations):
General practitioner (GP) |
They offer home medical care with English-speaking doctors in Florence. |
**ٱԳپ ** |
Dentist with English-speaking staff, central location. |
Urgent care | 24/7 access to English-speaking doctors, and you can get prescriptions online. |
**Immigration assistance ** | 24/7 access to English-speaking doctors, and you can get prescriptions online. |
Tax advisor | Experts in dealing with the complexities of both the Italian and US tax systems for expatriates. |
**Instant interpreting service ** |
If you need quick help with Italian, they can connect you to a speaker instantly over the phone. |
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Our Global Partners
Discover hobbies together in Florence!
Looking to meet people and try new things in Florence? 51ԹϺGroups are a great way to connect with other expats and have some fun. Our groups are run by friendly leaders and have all sorts of events every month, like movie nights, hikes, and dinners.
Here are some groups you might like in Florence: Aperitivo Group for casual drinks, Last Minute Group for unplanned fun, Cinema and Theatre Group for movie and play lovers, Hiking and Weekend Trips Group for exploring outdoors, and Food and Wine Lovers Group for those who enjoy good eats and drinks. Whatever you're into, you’ll find a group that's right for you. Come join us, make new friends, and enjoy your hobbies!
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Enjoy the international experience with InterNations
We’re not just active in Florence — 51ԹϺoffers lively communities in most of Italy’s major cities. If you’re travelling or moving to another city in Italy, check out our American communities in Rome, Bologna, Milan, Venice, or Genoa. But that’s not all: If you’re in the mood for a night out while travelling further abroad, we have communities in over 420 cities worldwide. Browse all 51ԹϺCommunities.
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American expats in Italy
Other Nationalities in Florence
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