Northern Italy continues to outperform the rest of the country in the 2025 Quality of Life rankings published by Il Sole 24 Ore. Bolzano, Gorizia, and Lecco top the lists for seniors, young adults, and children, respectively.
Bolzano takes second spot for young adults but is absent from the top 5 for children. Not one city is present in the top five for the three demographic groups. Trento is the only other city to feature twice in the top five (4th – children and 3rd – seniors).
The Quality of Life by Age Group report from Il Sole 24 Ore serves as a vital guide to understanding the challenges faced by a country grappling with a demographic crisis. It highlights the urgent call for a generational pact that aims to invest in Italy’s development and future.
Top Cities by Demographic Group
- Seniors (Over 65): Bolzano leads the rankings, followed by Treviso and Trento. The province of Alto Adige stands out for its low consumption of chronic disease medications, high social spending for the elderly, and a rich network of libraries.
- Young Adults (18–35): Gorizia ranks first for the second consecutive year, thanks to its cultural scene, university, and job market improvements. Bolzano, Cuneo, and Trieste complete the top four in this category.
- Children: Lecco, Siena, and Aosta occupy the top three positions, with Lecco excelling in sports facilities, school performance, and low crime rates against minors.
Challenges in southern Italy and metropolitan areas
Conversely, southern provinces dominate the lower end of the rankings. Trapani ranks last for elderly well-being, while Caltanissetta is at the bottom for children’s welfare. Southern provinces make up 19 of the bottom 20 spots in the children’s index, 15 in the elderly index, and 10 in the young adults’ index.
Metropolitan cities such as Rome (107th), Naples (104th), Milan (101st), and Turin (90th) also rank poorly for young adults, largely due to high rents consuming over 35% of average incomes.
Emerging Trends
The report highlights several emerging trends.
- Youth Unemployment: Decreased from 13.4% to 11.8% in 2024.
- Housing Costs: Stable rents account for 22.4% of income, but affordability remains a concern.
- Family Dynamics: The average age at first child continues to rise, reaching 32.6 years.
- Elderly Care: An increase in the consumption of antidepressant and chronic disease medications, coupled with a rise in life expectancy of 21.2 years at age 65.
While northern regions continue to lead in quality-of-life indicators, challenges persist in southern provinces and metropolitan areas. Particularly concerning are housing affordability and youth well-being.
