American preference for Italian locales: Insights into preferred Italian regions among U.S. residents, revealed on a map.
When in Italy, Where are the Yanks at? 🇮🇹 👋 Alexa Ahern
Got a question? Drop it here and let's chat all things Italy, American-style.
Italy's sun, sights, and scrumptious eats have long been a magnet for those seeking a new life overseas, with Americans diving headfirst into the gorgeous Italian landscape. But where do they all settle? Let's take a peek.
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From Venice to the Valleys, Italy boasts a unique blend of culture, history, and tasty treats that's hard to resist. But what about the Yankees? How many are lurking among the cobblestone streets and leaning towers? Let's dive in.
Officially Registered Yanks 🗒
According to the latest stats from Istat, there are currently16,534 American residents callng Italy home, making up around 0.3% of the country's total foreign population. While that might seem like a drop in the sea compared to other expat communities, these Yanks are still a force to be reckoned with.
Romanians vs Yanks 🇷🇴🇱🇮
Compared to the Romanians who number over a million, Americans may seem like a small fry. However, when it comes to native English speakers, the Yanks are the second-largest community in Italy, with 26,202 Brits taking the top spot.
A Northern Affair 🏰
It looks like our Yanks prefer the cooler climes and bustling metropolises of the north. Here's where they've settled down:
1️⃣ Lazio: With 3,022 Yanks calling it home, Lazio is home to the Italian capital, Rome.
2️⃣ Lombardy: Not far behind, Lombardy welcomes 2,744 proud Yanks, with Milan as its epicenter.
3️⃣ Tuscany: Known for its art heritage cities and stunning landscapes, Tuscany boasts 2,464 American residents.
4️⃣ Veneto: Iconic cities of Venice and Vicenza, where an American army base is located, draw 1,365 Yanks to the region.
5️⃣ Piedmont and Emilia Romagna round out the top spots with 934 and 896 Yanks, respectively.
Southern Less Appeal 🏜️
Italy's southern regions seem to not have quite the same draw for our American friends. With fewer job opportunities and less efficient public services likely being the main culprits, the numbers in these regions tend to be significantly lower.
1️⃣ Campania, home to Naples, has the most American residents, with 790 making the jump south.
2️⃣ Sicily is next with 701 Yanks, followed by Puglia with 518.
3️⃣ As for the rest of Italy's southern regions, numbers drop dramatically, with Basilicata and Molise barely scratching double digits.
The Least Yank-Friendly Region 🛫
If you're looking to avoid American accents, steer clear of the Aosta Valley, a small, sparsely populated region in the northwest corner of Italy, home to just 45 Americans. With a total population of 123,000, it's Italy's least populous region – so, no wonder it's also the least likely to hear American English.
Americans in Florence, Rome, and Milan Thrive 🏙️
While specific numbers for each city aren't available, a 2025 guide lists Milan, Rome, and Florence as among the top cities where Americans choose to live in Italy. These cities boast international environments, plentiful job opportunities, and vibrant expat communities.
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- The sun, sights, and food of Italy have long attracted Americans seeking a new life overseas.
- Italy has approximately 16,534 American residents, making up around 0.3% of the country's total foreign population.
- Compared to the Romanians, who exceed a million, Americans might seem few, but they are the second-largest community of native English speakers in Italy, with 26,202 Brits leading the pack.
- Lazio, home to Rome, is where 3,022 Yanks call home, followed closely by Lombardy with 2,744 proud Yanks, where Milan is centered.
- Tuscany, known for its art cities and stunning landscapes, hosts 2,464 American residents, while Veneto, iconic for Venice and Vicenza, attracts 1,365 Yanks, including those near an American army base.
- Piedmont and Emilia Romagna have 934 and 896 Yanks, respectively, rounding out the top spots for where Americans live in Italy.
- Campania, with its vibrant city Naples, has the most Americans in the Southern regions, followed by Sicily and Puglia.
- The Aosta Valley, a small, sparsely populated region in the northwest of Italy, is home to just 45 Americans, making it the least populous region and the least likely to hear American English. Americans in Florence, Rome, and Milan thrive in these international cities known for their vibrant expat communities, plentiful job opportunities, and dynamic environments.
