Living in Rome?

Question

Anyone here living in Rome?

I'm a Dutch woman with an Italian boyfriend and we are considering moving there in a few year's time by which point I hope to have at least reasonable fluency in Italian.

It's the most beautiful place I've ever seen plus I am a great fan of good espresso but I do realise being on holiday is not the same as actually living there so I'm looking for people with experience of living in this city and I would like to hear the good and the bad. Does anyone regret moving there and why? Or was it the best decision of your life? Was it hard to find a job? Will bureacracy drive me insane? Any firsthand experience welcome.

Thanks.

Answer 1

Oh I'm going to Rome on Saturday with my Dutch boyfriend and we're going to stay at his sister's who is married to an Italian man.Coincidence huh? They live in Rome 15 years now I think...I suppose they're happy about it.I don't know any more details I'm afraid.I wish you the best of luck!

Girl from Ireland! :)

Answer 2

I am an American who has been living in Rome for a very long time. As much as I may get frustrated with living here at times, I know I would never really like to live anywhere else! Rome does that to you. It will always be a love/hate relationship. The city is simply beautiful, and you never tire of just how amazing it is. There is a lot to do here, so it's hard to get bored. However, on a more practical side, well paid jobs are hard to come by, and rent has skyrocketed in the past few years, so be prepared. It is a crowded city, too much traffic, so-so public transportation. Things are improving though from an organizational point to view, but compared to the standards you are probably used to  in Holland, the famouse Italian "red tape" you have to go through to get things done will look a bit crazy to you.

And, yes, very good point about Catholic interference. The Vatican and the Pope are in Rome and it is a bit "cumbersome", definitely an influence on the city as a whole.

Answer 3

I have been in Rome a lot of times and i know it is one of the most beautiful places in the world that i have been..i have friends there and i know that its not too hard to live in Rome..but still if you move the beginning its always hard for everyone...

Good Luck

Answer 4

hi!I'm an italian girl and even if I don't live in Rome, I think that I can try giving you an answer. my country is really beautiful, full of art and beauties. but it is not so easy as it could seem to live here. bureaucracy is very slow and not efficient, cultural progress is limited and the Vatican's Church has an huge influence above all the citizens. on the other way the people in south and centre italy are very friendly and nice... you have to choose... for example I made my decision... once attending the college, I'll go to Germany, which is more civilizated than Italy.

Answer 5

IF your Dutch... and used to that lifestyle.... get ready for some serious CHANGE in lifestyle as well as the way things work....Us Italians may be wierd to other cultures... but you will definitely will enjoy and learn to embrace us.. you'll see!!

Happy moving......

Answer 6

I have lived there for 2 years. Rome is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. You should definitely give it a try. Especially if you love art Rome will be your dream place. For the job part when I lived there I was a student in middle school. So I didn't need to get a job. :) But Italian language is easy to learn if you live there and You can easily gain accent by putting some effort on it. I would definitely move there. Italian people are also really hospitable and kind. You can always find some people who can help you with everything. :)

Good luck!

Answer 7

ok.. so, we're the total opposite.. i'm an italian boy and i would love to live in the netherland..unluckily i live in turin and not in rome, if not we could have changed living place.. however.. i'm really interested of move to the netherland and i even looked for some job.. according to you, is difficult find a job there? I have a techical aeronautic diploma and actually i'm working as employee in a company who build aircratf for the air force.. well sorry if i've told you half story of my life, but maybe if you have some suggestions, could you send me an e.mail?

now i think i'm gonna answer at your questions.. well, i dont think will be difficult for you finding a job, expecially if your boyfriend is italian...however there are a lot of agency  who has the role of find a job for people.. the most famous (the one who has found for me my actually job) is called "manpower", you can visit its website on www.manpower.it or www.manpower.com.. then maybe it'll be a bit difficult for you get used to our life style, but i dont think will be so hard.. i have a lot of dutch friend and i really get along with them...and dont worry, i dont think bureacracy will drive you insane.. ehhe..

ciao, and good luck!

doei!