The ‘eternal city’ has enchanted visitors for centuries, if not millennia. For anyone looking to experience the heart of Italy, to walk streets where history was made, to eat some of the country’s most delicious dishes in their homeland and perhaps even to master the Italian language, this is the place to be be. But where are the best areas to live for overseas property buyers?

Best for a busy social calendar: Trastevere

The popular district of Trastevere is known for its many restaurants and bars.

The popular district of Trastevere is known for its many restaurants and bars.

This historic district is popular among younger expat couples who want to throw themselves fully into the Roman social scene. The area towards the Ponte Garibaldi is full of narrow streets lined with fantastic bars and restaurants. There is no metro connection, but, being so central, you can walk to much of the historic centre in under forty minutes.

Best for quiet in a central area: Aventino

The Aventino hill offers a quiet location right in the heart of the city.

The Aventino hill offers a quiet location right in the heart of the city.

Aventino, home to the famous Aventine Hill, is perfect for anyone wanting to be very central but still in peace and quiet. Although close to the bars of Tesaccio, being up on the hill means you feel quite removed from the hustle and bustle. Like most of Rome’s more expensive neighbourhoods, the public transport connections aren’t great, but there’s so much within easy walking distance. Plus, the green of Parco Savello is a welcome respite from the Roman summers.

 Best for families with school-age children: Ponte Milvio

The Ponte Milvio area is close to many reputable international schools.

The Ponte Milvio area is close to many reputable international schools.

As in many capitals, look for the embassy district and you’ll also find the international schools. Cassia and Ponte Milvio is a fantastic area therefore for families with school-age children, and, frankly, you’ll hardly need to leave. As well as the embassies and schools, it has plentiful shops and restaurants. There aren’t as many famous monuments as elsewhere, but it does mean its less of a tourist destination. The Sunday vintage market is also worth looking at. The bridge itself was made famous by the film Ho Voglia di Te, where a couple swore to eternal love by fastening a padlock over the Tiber.

Best for a piedàterre: Historic Centre

The Centro Storico is ideal for a holiday home or flat.

The Centro Storico is ideal for a holiday home or flat.

‘Old Rome’, the historic centre with its famous squares and countless monuments and ruins, from the Piazza Navona to the old Jewish Ghetto and more, is ideal for a small bolthole in Rome. If you’re not living here permanently, then the downsides of the centre – the tourist crowds or the difficulty of getting round by car – are far outweighed by being right in the middle of the Eternal City’s most evocative district. Stroll down through historic winding streets, explore monuments just a hop, skip and jump away from your flat. And, of course, sample endless delicious food at tiny trattorie and osterie wherever you turn.

Best for accessibility and convenience: Monti

Monti offers convenient access to the rest of the city without the need for a car.

Monti offers convenient access to the rest of the city without the need for a car.

Up-and-coming Monti has what many desirable locations in Rome don’t: excellent, convenient links to the rest of the city. The Termini train station is within walking distance, and you can take the metro at Cavour and the colosseum. It’s popular among expats in their thirties for its chic bars, artsy bookshops and tiny little pizzerias that seem to have been there forever. Unlike much of Rome, it is easier to find food from around the world here, too, with plenty of Chinese and Indian dining options, as well as some Japanese ones.

Best to be by the sea: Anzio

Anzio is popular for its beach and easy access to Rome.

Anzio is popular for its beach and easy access to Rome.

Rome itself isn’t on the sea, but you’re not far from the coast. The seaside town of Anzio is just 55 minutes by train from Termini Station, and has a good beach where you can enjoy the inviting waters of the Mediterranean. Popular among Romans is its harbour area, where many come to spend the day and have a relaxed lunch in one of the many cafés. If you want to explore Lazio further, you can take a ferry out to the islands of Palmarola, Ventotene and Ponza.

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