Where to Live in Milan [best neighborhoods]

Brera

Welcome to Milan’s ultimate artistic and historic neighborhood, where cobblestone streets meet art galleries, and every corner feels like a postcard. If you’re wondering why there are so many artists around, well, blame the students from the Academy of Fine Arts ^[1] who keep the creative energy alive.

CityLife

Probably the most iconic modern district in Milan’s recent history, where the city’s skyline was completely redefined by three futuristic skyscrapers: the Twisted, the Straight, and the Curved (yes, those are their actual names). CityLife is one of Milan’s top luxury real estate districts, featuring high-end residential skyscrapers and a strong investment potential. In 2024, property prices here average €10,000 per sqm, making it a prime location for international buyers.

But CityLife isn’t just about jaw-dropping architecture—it's also home to luxury residential buildings, sleek office spaces, and an enormous park that’s a treat for the eyes.

Fun fact: This is where I sold a penthouse for over €4 million to an international buyer. Not bad, right?

Porta Venezia

Sitting in Milan’s northeast, Porta Venezia is all about **convenience and connections**—great public transport, endless amenities, and the lush Indro Montanelli Gardens for when you need a break from city life. It’s also partially home to Corso Buenos Aires, Milan’s shopping mecca. Expats love it, and honestly, it’s easy to see why.

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Pagano

Not the first name that comes to mind if you’re new to Milan, but probably the best-connected neighborhood in the entire city. From Pagano, you’re just a short stroll away from Sforza Castle and the Arena Civica, both surrounded by massive green spaces perfect for jogging or lazy afternoon walks.

And yes, this is where sciüra Maria lives—with her tiny, perfectly groomed dog and her impeccable Milanese style.

Porta Garibaldi

Another neighborhood that has undergone **major redevelopment**—and it shows. Porta Garibaldi is now one of Milan’s most desirable areas, packed with amenities, well-connected, and a hotspot for nightlife. Corso Como? Always buzzing. Piazza Gae Aulenti? Pure architectural eye candy. If you love city life at full speed, this is your place.

Porta Romana

Named after the ancient gate that once led straight to Rome, this area is famous for its fashion boutiques, vibrant nightlife, and classic Milanese elegance. And if that’s not enough, by 2026 it will host the Olympic Village for the Milan-Cortina Winter Games^[2]—so expect prices (and interest) to skyrocket.

Sant’Agostino

Recently revamped, this area now boasts 7,000 square meters of urban renewal, featuring 87 giant trees, hundreds of shrubs, and plenty of seating areas. Oh, and if you love a good bargain, every Tuesday and Saturday this neighborhood hosts one of Milan’s largest street markets—shop like a local!

Buenos Aires

Let’s be honest—Corso Buenos Aires needs no introduction. It’s Milan’s **shopping paradise**, stretching for over 1.2 km and packed with over 350 stores. Located just 15 minutes from the Duomo, it’s one of the city’s liveliest districts, buzzing with energy from morning to night. Restaurants, bars, nightlife—you name it, it’s here.

Lambrate

Once an industrial hub, Lambrate is now a **creative and dynamic** area on the rise. The old factories? Gone. Instead, you’ll find a vibrant community, great public transport, and **Parco Lambro**, the green lung of the district. Definitely a neighborhood to watch!

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Maggiolina

Welcome to Milan’s ultimate residential district—peaceful, well-connected, and packed with amenities. But don’t be fooled by its quiet, linear charm. Just down the road, you’ll hit Piazzale Maciachini, where cultures mix, the energy is high, and the international vibe is unmissable. A perfect blend of calm and chaos, all within walking distance!

Navigli

One of Milan’s most famous and unmistakable neighborhoods, Navigli gets its name from the twin canals that run through it. But let’s be real—it’s famous for something else: it’s the beating heart of Milanese nightlife. Bars, pizzerias, restaurants, trattorias, exclusive clubs—if you want to see Milan come alive, this is the place to be. Yes, drinks cost a little more here, but hey, it’s all part of the experience!

Ripamonti

Once upon a time, Ripamonti was just another forgotten industrial district. But guess what? A major facelift has turned it into one of Milan’s most modern and eco-friendly neighborhoods. The area is named after the long Via Ripamonti, stretching south of Porta Romana’s rail yard. Watch this space—Ripamonti is on the rise!

Chiesa Rossa

Chiesa Rossa’s most iconic landmark? The white towers of Gratosoglio, a throwback to 1960s Milan. This neighborhood is well-connected to the city center and attracts a mix of artists and students. And if you need a green escape, the Parco Agricolo Sud Milano is just around the corner. Still a bit under the radar, but that’s part of its charm!

Bicocca

Located on Milan’s northern outskirts, Bicocca is a fascinating mix of modern and older residential complexes. But its real claim to fame? Big business.

This neighborhood is home to some of the world’s largest corporations, including Siemens, Pirelli, and Deutsche Bank. Oh, and let’s not forget—it’s also home to Milan’s second major university, UniBicocca^[3]. Translation? Lots of students, lots of professionals, and a solid investment opportunity.

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Cascina Merlata

Way out in northwest Milan, Cascina Merlata gets its name from a 17th-century farmhouse that’s still standing today. Thanks to a massive urban redevelopment project, this area is being transformed into an eco-friendly residential paradise. By the time it’s done, over 15,000 residents will call this district home. A real "from past to future" kind of transformation!

San Siro

Yes, San Siro is famous for its legendary Giuseppe Meazza Stadium—but this neighborhood is so much more. It offers a mix of high-end residential areas, lush green parks, and top-tier amenities. And if you love diversity, this is the place for you—San Siro is home to over 85 nationalities, making it one of Milan’s most multicultural districts. Who said football was the only international thing about this place?

How to Choose the Best Neighborhood to Live in Milan

Not that I want to be overly patriotic about the city that has completely won me over, but Milan is overwhelmingly safe. Saying that “you can’t go wrong anywhere” in the city is far from an exaggeration.

With most Milanese neighborhoods offering a similar level of security, I firmly believe that other factors play a bigger role when my clients decide where to live in Milan.

Of course, these factors vary from person to person—there’s no universal formula—but some motivations keep coming up over and over again.

So, let’s break it down. Here are the six key variables that will help you find the perfect Milanese neighborhood for you.

1] No More Than 500 Meters from a Metro Station

In a city where traffic can turn your commute into an odyssey, public transport is a necessity for millions. And since Milan’s metro is fast, efficient, and reliable, it makes sense that one of the top priorities is having a metro stop within 500 meters of home.

Besides making the daily commute less of a nightmare, it’s also the golden ticket to moving around the city without getting stuck in endless traffic jams.

Post-pandemic, people have realized that spending two hours a day just to go back and forth from work is insanity. Who wants that?

2] Proximity to a Park

No matter the district, everyone wants to live near a green space. It’s a must-have for families with young children, a paradise for fitness enthusiasts who prefer morning runs over gym treadmills, and an oasis for older residents looking to escape the summer heat under the shade of a tree rather than cranking up the AC at home.

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3] Availability of New Constructions

Millennials and Gen Z buyers love new builds, and honestly, they’re not wrong. Yes, older properties may seem like a bargain, but 9 times out of 10, they require a full-scale renovation, which ends up eating away at those “savings.”

On top of that, new constructions are designed with energy efficiency, sustainability, and modern living standards in mind. And let’s not forget—almost all of them come with a balcony, terrace, or a garden. And in Milan, outdoor space is pure gold.

4] Future Growth Potential of the Neighborhood

Many buyers are making smart, forward-thinking decisions when choosing where to live.

Right now, several Milanese neighborhoods are undergoing major redevelopment projects. And while some of these areas will only fully bloom in a few years, savvy buyers are already investing in them today.

The most famous example? Porta Romana, where the 2026 Winter Olympics Village is being built. But other areas—like Cascina Merlata, Scalo Farini, and many more—are also undergoing an impressive transformation.

5] Peace & Quiet

Of all the things homebuyers look for, peace and quiet is probably the most universal. Young, old, party-goers, or homebodies—everyone ultimately wants to live somewhere calm and relaxing.

Fortunately, most Milanese neighborhoods fit the bill. Even San Siro, which you’d think would be a madhouse, remains peaceful on days when there’s no match at the Giuseppe Meazza Stadium.

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6] Proximity to Essential Services

This one ties back to being near a metro station. It’s not just about commuting to work—it’s about the daily routine: kids going to school, grocery shopping, hitting the gym, grabbing a coffee on the go.

The perfect home is one where all your daily needs are within a 15-minute radius—whether by foot or public transport.

FAQ

What is the best area to live in Milan for expats?

The best area to live in Milan for expats depends on lifestyle preferences, budget, and proximity to work or international schools. Some of the most popular neighborhoods for expatriates include: Brera, CityLife, San Siro, Porta Nuova and Porta Garibaldi.

Which Milan neighborhood is best for families?

Milan offers several family-friendly neighborhoods with green spaces, top international schools, and excellent amenities. The best areas for families include: CityLife, San Siro, Magenta & Pagano.

What are the most expensive neighborhoods in Milan?

Milan is home to some of Italy’s most prestigious and expensive neighborhoods, offering luxury properties, exclusive amenities, and a high standard of living. The most expensive districts include: Quadrilatero della Moda (Fashion District), Brera, CityLife, Magenta & Pagano, San Babila & Duomo, Porta Nuova.

Is Milan a good city for real estate investment?

Yes, Milan is considered one of the best cities in Europe for real estate investment, offering strong property value growth, high rental demand, attractive return on investment (ROI), International appeal, and a favorurable investment climate. That’s why investing in Milan real estate is a smart choice.

Conclusion

The only way to cover all of Milan’s promising neighborhoods was to keep things short and sweet. If I had really wanted to go into full detail, we’d be looking at a PhD thesis instead of an article.

I personally love the bite-sized approach—quick, engaging, just like taking "shots" of information. A nod to that old-school Milanese slogan, "Milano da bere," that was all the rage a few decades ago.

At the end of the day, Milan is the city of opportunities, with real estate options that cater to every kind of lifestyle. Now, it’s up to you to find the perfect neighborhood that fits your dreams.

Elena Manzhos: Mother of two beautiful children, wife, and real estate agent for over 15 years. More than 20 years ago,  I moved to Italy from Eastern Europe. I have always had a deep-seated passion for houses; as a child for the Barbie house, and now as a real estate professional, my love for luxurious properties is unwavering.
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