Back in 1990, Milan ranked a lowly 39th in an annual quality of life index of Italian cities. In 2018, it had risen to top spot, and last year it maintained its number one ranking according to Sole 24 Ore’s authoritative survey.
The financial daily highlighted Milan’s business-friendly environment, public services and leisure options, while stressing that its qualities went far beyond merely openness to business and employment.
Its top ranking was also attributed to the city’s sensitivity towards environmental issues, for providing residents with an increasing number of smart services, and for offering one of Italy’s most lively range of leisure and cultural amenities and services.
The 30th annual survey included a larger number of quality of life indicators, rising from 48 to 80 (covering such aspects as career prospects and cultural wealth) and offering a comprehensive overview of life in 107 towns and cities throughout Italy.
The top 10 (in order) were:
- Milan
- Bolzano
- Trento
- Aosta
- Trieste
- Monza and Brianza
- Verona
- Treviso
- Venice
- Parma
Italy’s second most populated city, home to its stock exchange and the country’s fashion capital, Milan rated especially highly in four of the survey’s six categories: wealth and consumption (second); environment and public services (fifth); business and work (first); and culture and leisure (third). The other main categories were justice and security and demographics and society.
Commenting on the results, Telegraph Travel’s Milan expert Kiki Deere said, “It is Italy’s most cosmopolitan city, with a modern central district dominated by skyscrapers and a pretty historical quarter lined with palazzi (palaces) – each harbouring wonderful hidden courtyards.”
Writing on Facebook, Milan mayor Beppe Sala said he was “happy and proud” of the result, but also noted there were areas where more work was required: extending these benefits to a larger portion of citizens, not only in the city centre but also the suburbs; and making ongoing improvements to gas emission levels and real estate options for middle and low-income households. “We register a lack of flats for rent at affordable prices, but on this I would like to point out that €12-13 billion in investments in real estate are incoming.”
To discover more about why Milan offers such an exceptional lifestyle, check out our Area Guides.