When you start dreaming about moving to Italy, it’s easy to imagine sun-drenched piazzas, fragrant morning coffee, and those long, chatty dinners that stretch late into the night. But once the fantasy starts meeting reality, the choice between northern and southern Italy can feel surprisingly tough. 

There’s no one-size-fits-all when deciding where to live in Italy. You’ll hear plenty of lively debate among locals themselves about what really makes each corner of the country tick. Each half of the boot has its own pull—whether it’s the way people spend time together, the rhythm of daily life, or even little things like how early the shops open.