Living in Reggio Calabria
Reggio Calabria is the largest city and the seat of the Regional Council of Calabria, the southernmost region of Italy.It has about 170,000 inhabitants and a metropolitan area of over 560,000 people.
It is a vibrant and diverse city, with a long and rich history that dates back to the ancient Greek colonization.
It has been shaped by various cultures, such as the Romans, the Byzantines, the Normans, the Aragonese, and the Bourbons.
Living in Reggio Calabria as an expat can be an enjoyable and stimulating experience.
You can explore the beauty and charm of the city, its monuments, its museums, its cuisine, and its people.
However, you may also encounter some difficulties, such as the seismic risk, environmental issues, unemployment, and crime levels.
Reggio Calabria is located on the toe of the Italian Peninsula, on the western coast of the Calabria region.
It is separated from the island of Sicily by the Strait of Messina, where it has strong historical, cultural, and economic ties with the city of Messina.
Reggio Calabria is the main economic and transport center of southern Italy, as well as a major tourist and cultural destination, with many attractions, such as the National Archaeological Museum of Magna Graecia, the Cathedral, the Aragonese Castle, and the Lungomare Falcomatà.
It has a GDP of about €6 billion ($7 billion), making it the third-largest city in southern Italy in terms of economic output.
It is also one of the most densely populated cities in Italy, with about 710 people per square kilometer.
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What is Reggio Calabria like?
Reggio Calabria is a city of culture, creativity, and diversity, that reflects its ancient and modern identity.It is a city of contrasts, where tradition and innovation, elegance and energy, culture and fun coexist.
It is home to people from different origins, such as Calabrians, Italians, Greeks, Albanians, Jews, and Roma, who contribute to the city’s social and cultural diversity.
Reggio Calabria is also a city of art, music, literature, cinema, and gastronomy, with a lively and varied cultural scene.
It hosts many festivals and events, such as the Fata Morgana Film Festival, the Reggio Jazz Festival, the Bergamot Festival, and the Luci d’Artista.
Some of the most famous cultural attractions in Reggio Calabria are the Bronzes of Riace, the Pinacoteca Civica, the Teatro Comunale, the Museo del Bergamotto, and the Corso Garibaldi.
Climate
Living in Reggio Calabria means enjoying a Mediterranean climate, with mild winters and hot summers.In the winter, it’s cool and rainy, and you can see the snow-capped mountains across the Strait of Messina.
In the summer, it’s hot and sunny, and you can swim in the clear blue sea.
The spring and the autumn are warm and pleasant, with some showers and some breeze.
You can admire the flowers and the fruits, and visit the historical and cultural sites.
Reggio Calabria is very sunny and dry by Italian standards, but it still has some cloudy and humid days.
The weather can be influenced by the winds from the sea or the mountains, which can bring some variations in temperature and humidity.
Economy
Reggio Calabria is a major economic and transport center of southern Italy, as well as a cultural and tourist destination.It has a mixed and fragile economy, based on sectors such as agriculture, fishing, industry, commerce, services and public administration.
It is also a center for education and health care, hosting several universities, schools and hospitals, such as the Mediterranea University, the Academy of Fine Arts, and the Grande Ospedale Metropolitano.
Reggio Calabria faces many challenges for its development, such as the seismic risk, the environmental degradation, the unemployment and the crime.
According to the latest data, about 23% of the population in Reggio Calabria lives below the poverty line, and about 18% is unemployed.
The city also suffers from the influence of the 'ndrangheta, the Calabrian mafia, which controls many illegal activities, such as drug trafficking, extortion, money laundering and corruption.
The city authorities have implemented various policies and initiatives to improve the economic and social conditions, such as the urban renewal, the cultural promotion, the security and the justice.
Education
Reggio Calabria is an educational city, with a young and diverse student population.It has several public and private universities and colleges, offering a variety of courses and degrees, from law and economics to engineering and architecture.
Some of the most important and recognized academic institutions in Reggio Calabria are the Mediterranea University, the Academy of Fine Arts, the Conservatory of Music, and the Education Studiorum International University Center.
The city also has many schools, catering to the needs of local and expat families and children.
Some of the most popular and reputable schools in Reggio Calabria are the Liceo Classico Tommaso Campanella, the Liceo Scientifico Leonardo da Vinci, the Istituto Tecnico Commerciale Francesco Cuzzocrea, and the International School of Reggio Calabria.
Cost of living in Reggio Calabria
The cost of living in Reggio Calabria is similar to the national average, but lower than in other Italian cities, especially in the north.A family of four estimated monthly costs are €2,000 without rent, and a single person estimated monthly costs are €1,040 without rent.
Rent in Reggio Calabria is also reasonable, especially outside the city center.
For example, a one-bedroom apartment in the city center costs about €350 per month, while a three-bedroom apartment costs about €600 per month.
The prices of food, transportation, utilities, and entertainment are also close to the national average.
However, some items, such as gasoline, cigarettes, and alcohol, are more expensive due to higher taxes.
Is Reggio Calabria safe?
Reggio Calabria is a moderately safe city for tourists and expats, with a high crime rate compared to other major cities in Italy and Europe.However, some precautions are recommended, especially in certain areas and situations.
The most common crimes in Reggio Calabria are theft, robbery, assault, fraud and vandalism, which usually target the city center, the port, the railway station, the airport and the suburbs.
To avoid these risks, it is advisable to be alert and cautious, to keep your valuables hidden and locked, to avoid walking alone at night or in unfamiliar places, and to contact the police or the carabinieri in case of emergency.
Reggio Calabria is also affected by the presence of the 'ndrangheta, the Calabrian mafia, which can pose a threat to the public order and the security.
It is better to stay away from any involvement or contact with the criminal organizations, and to report any suspicious or illegal activity to the authorities.
Pros and cons of life in Reggio Calabria
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Scenic and lively city | Difficult and stressful city |
| Rich history and culture | Poor quality housing |
| Culinary delight | Unreliable and inefficient infrastructure and services |
| Pleasant and sunny climate | Dirty and polluted |
| Beautiful beaches | High crime rate |
| Friendly and vibrant city | Low work and opportunities |
| Language diversity | Conservative and traditional culture |
| Moderate cost of living | Low quality of education, healthcare, and social services |
Advantages of Living in Reggio Calabria
Overall, Reggio Calabria is a scenic and lively city, with a rich history and culture.You can admire its stunning waterfront promenade, the Lungomare Falcomatà, which offers panoramic views of the sea and the Sicilian coast, and is dotted with rare magnolias and exotic palms.
You can also visit its impressive collection of ancient Greek artifacts at the National Archaeological Museum of Magna Grecia, and see the famous Riace Bronzes, two statues of Greek warriors from the 5th century BC.
It is also a culinary delight, with fresh and tasty cuisine, influenced by Mediterranean and Calabrian flavors.
You can enjoy dishes such as swordfish, 'nduja, and bergamot, as well as Sicilian food thanks to its proximity to the island.
The city has a pleasant and sunny climate, with hot summers and mild winters.
You can also enjoy its beautiful beaches, such as Scilla and Bagnara, which are close to the city and offer clear water and golden sand.
The city has a lower cost of living compared to other Italian cities, which makes it affordable and attractive for expats and nomads.
Reggio Calabria has a dynamic and creative lifestyle, which allows you to enjoy the arts and culture of the city, and participate in its social and civic activities.
Disadvantages of Living in Reggio Calabria
Reggio Calabria can be difficult and stressful to live in.You can face challenges in finding quality housing, especially in the city center, where the buildings are old and poorly maintained.
You can also encounter problems with the infrastructure and services, such as water, electricity, internet, and public transportation, which are often unreliable and inefficient.
The city can be dirty and polluted, with litter, graffiti, and smog, which can affect your health and environment.
Reggio Calabria is generally safe to live in as an expat, but the crime rate is high due to the presence of the 'ndrangheta, and especially in some areas, you can encounter theft, scams, or violence.
You can also have trouble finding work and opportunities, as the economy is slow and unstable, and the unemployment rate is high, especially for young people and women.
Moreover, the city can have a conservative and traditional culture, which can be restrictive and oppressive, especially for women, LGBTQ+, and minorities.
In addition to that, compared to other parts of Europe, Reggio Calabria can have a low quality of education, healthcare, and social services, which can limit your access and options.
FAQs
What is Reggio Calabria like for foreigners?
Reggio Calabria is a charming and lively city, with a rich history and a stunning coastline.It is the largest city and the administrative capital of the Calabria region, located at the tip of the Italian peninsula, facing Sicily.
It is a great choice for expats who love the Mediterranean lifestyle, the warm climate, and the natural beauty.
Reggio Calabria offers many attractions, such as the National Archaeological Museum, the Riace Bronzes, the Cathedral, and the Lungomare promenade, as well as a vibrant food and music culture.
Living in Reggio Calabria as an expat can be both enjoyable and affordable.
You can benefit from the low cost of living, the friendly and hospitable people, and the variety of activities and events, but you also have to cope with the poor quality of public services, the lack of job opportunities, and the presence of organized crime.
Some of the best areas for expats to live in Reggio Calabria are the waterfront, the historic center, and the suburbs of Pellaro and Bocale.
What is Reggio Calabria like for students?
Reggio Calabria is a city that offers a stimulating and enjoyable environment for students.It is home to the Università degli Studi Mediterranea di Reggio Calabria, a public university that offers courses in architecture, engineering, agriculture, law, economics and humanities.
The university has about 15,000 students and 600 professors, and has several campuses, libraries, laboratories and facilities.
Reggio Calabria has a low cost of living for students, compared to other Italian and European cities.
The city can offer a lively and fun student life, with many opportunities to socialize, learn and have fun.
However, it also has some challenges and drawbacks, such as the difficulty in finding quality housing, the unreliability and inefficiency of the infrastructure and services, the high crime rate, and the low work and opportunities.
What is Reggio Calabria like for women?
Reggio Calabria is a city that faces many challenges and problems related to women’s rights and gender equality.Reggio Calabria has a high rate of female unemployment, especially among young women, who often have difficulties in finding a job or a career opportunity.
The gender pay gap is also significant, as women earn on average 20% less than men for the same work.
The access to education and training is also limited, especially for women living in rural areas or in disadvantaged conditions.
Reggio Calabria has a low level of female participation in politics and decision-making, as women are underrepresented in the local institutions and in the public administration.
The cultural and religious context is also often conservative and patriarchal, and women face discrimination and prejudice in many aspects of their lives.
Reggio Calabria has a high incidence of violence against women, both physical and psychological, which often goes unreported or unpunished.
The domestic violence, the sexual harassment, the stalking, the femicide and the trafficking are some of the most serious forms of violence that affect women in Reggio Calabria..
Despite the difficulties, Reggio Calabria also has some positive examples and initiatives that promote women’s rights and empowerment.
The Comune di Reggio Calabria, the Città Metropolitana, the Consiglio di Parità, the Associazione Il Cuore di Medea, the Società Reggina Calcio and other associations and organizations are involved in various projects and activities that aim to raise awareness, provide assistance, create opportunities and celebrate women’s achievements.
What is Reggio Calabria like for LGBTQ people?
Reggio Calabria is a city that still struggles with homophobia, transphobia and discrimination against LGBTQ people.The social and cultural context is often conservative and intolerant.
Reggio Calabria has few spaces and opportunities for LGBTQ people to express themselves and to find support and solidarity.
Despite the challenges, Reggio Calabria is one of the most LGBTQ friendly cities in Calabria, but not as open as other cities in Italy.
Is Reggio Calabria a poor city?
Reggio Calabria is a city that has a somewhat low level of economic well-being, compared to other provinces in Italy.The province of Reggio Calabria still faces some social and territorial inequalities, especially in the rural and mountainous areas outside of the main city.
Reggio Calabria has a high unemployment rate and struggles heavily with the lack of job opportunities, especially for young people and women, and the high rate of emigration.
Reggio Calabria’s economic growth has been modest and fluctuating, depending on the sectors of activity, such as tourism, services, industry, and agriculture.
Reggio Calabria’s development has been affected by the historical and political instability of the region, the presence of organized crime, and the environmental risks.
Reggio Calabria is one of the poorest cities in Italy, with a per capita GDP of 24,000 euros in 2017, which is slightly higher than the regional average of 23,000 euros, but much lower than the national average of 38,500 euros.
Is Reggio Calabria dirty?
Reggio Calabria still faces problems with trash collection and has a poor level of cleanliness outside of the main touristy areas.The city suffers from dirtiness and lack of infrastructure, with many parts of the city and beaches which are not well-maintained.
The city has been trying to improve its waste management system, but it is still far from satisfactory.
Residents often complain about the lack of civic sense and the inefficiency of the local authorities in dealing with the garbage issue.
These issues are especially noticeable outside of the more central areas of the city.
Is Reggio Calabria walkable?
Reggio Calabria is not very walkable, especially for people with disabilities or mobility issues.The public transport system is unreliable and traffic is really bad.
There are some efforts to create cycle lanes and a proposal for a subway system, but they are still unfinished.
The city’s main attractions are concentrated along the waterfront, which is a pleasant and scenic area to stroll, but the rest of the city is not very pedestrian-friendly.
Some sidewalks are narrow, uneven, or obstructed by parked cars or vendors.
The city also lacks green spaces and parks, which makes it less appealing for walkers.
