City
Areas
Como, Varese and Monza are all popular expat areas,
not only because of their beauty, but also because of their vicinity
to the headquarters of many companies, international schools,
and of course Milan.
Como
Located approximately 40 km from Milan and some 10 minutes from
the Swiss border, Como is one of the most beautiful towns in northern
Italy. Apart from the central part of the town, there are also
a number of smaller villages on the lake side where expats go
to live. The most convenient, and without a doubt, the most picturesque
way to move between central Como and its surrounding lake areas
is by ferry. Come is also home to The International School of
Como.
The
historical centre of Como is a popular area because of its recently
renovated houses and apartments. The streets in central Como are
quite narrow, so parking and driving may be difficult in certain
parts of the centre. Tavernola, just outside Como, is an attractive
residential area approximately 10 minutes by ferry and 20 miuntes
by bus from Como. Housing consists of villas with beautiful views
of the lake. There is also a large shopping mall also located
here.
Other
surrounding villages include Cernobbio, located north of Como.
Just like Tavernola, housing consists of villas. This is also
where the famous Villa D’Este is located, where international
conventions are held frequently, and is considered “one
of the most relaxing places in the world to conduct business at”.
Cernobbio is approximately 15 minutes by ferry and 25 minutes
by bus from central Como. Popular residential areas located further
inland, include Grandate, Muggiò, and Albate, with newly
built housing areas located in the hills around Como. A car is
necessary in order to reach these areas.
Monza
Located
only 15 km northeast of Milan is Monza, a popular residential
town for expats due to its vicinity to Milan and recreational
areas such as the Monza Park. The historical centre is mostly
a pedestrian area with recently renovated apartments and small
shops. Twice a week there is also a big outdoor market (Thursday
- Saturday). Bigger stores and supermarkets are also easily reachable
in a few minutes. North of Monza, toward Vedano al Lambro is a
nice and quiet area with big and modern apartments often with
gardens and terraces. On the slopes of the surrounding hills of
Monza, in areas popular among expats such as Lesmo, Correzzana,
and Camparada villas and high-standard apartments can also be
found. Several international schools are also located in Monza.
The city has also a shuttlebus service for reaching the International
School in Milano and the American School in Opera. All of these
locations are linked to the schools in Monza by private buses.
Varese
Some 60 kms northwest of Milan is Varese, an idyllic town located
between lakes and the mountain range close to the Swiss border.
Varese is well connected by train and by freeway to Milan. Many
expats choose to live in the historic centre of Varese where recently
renovated apartments of different sizes are available. The central
area is considered calm and a variety of shops and supermarkets
are available. The European School of Varese is also located here
and close by, on the other side of the border one can find the
American School in Switzerland. For those who prefer quieter areas,
outside Varese, there are the lake districts such as Casbeno and
Bobbiate, or the Valganna valley, where 4-5 bedroom villas with
garden are available.
