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San Lazzaro di Savena

Emilia-Romagna · Bologna · Italy

San Lazzaro di Savena

Emilia-Romagna town offers suburban tranquility, good healthcare, historic sites, and outdoor activities.

Quality of life 83 Infrastructure 65 Economy 89 Summer: Sweltering
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At a glance

32,700PopulationReal pop. 55,800
€3,600House price / m²
€28,200Income / capitaRank 24 out of 7901
317 MbpsAvg download
16 minTo airportGuglielmo Marconi (Bologna)
15 minTo hospitalSant'Orsola Malpighi-P. Soccor
59 mAltitude
Somewhat WalkableWalkability

About San Lazzaro di Savena

San Lazzaro di Savena, a charming town in Emilia-Romagna, offers a blend of suburban tranquility and proximity to the cultural hub of Bologna, just a short drive away. With a population of approximately 32,800, this town is well-equipped for expats and retirees, featuring a good healthcare system and high air quality, making it an appealing choice for those prioritizing well-being. Local attractions include historic sites, such as the Benedictine Monastery and the picturesque nature reserves that encourage outdoor activities.

While the town boasts a reasonable walkability score, some areas may require reliance on cars for commuting and access to wider amenities. The nearest beach, though a drive away, offers excellent water quality for those seeking sun and sea. San Lazzaro di Savena’s rich traditions in local cuisine and festivals add to its cultural appeal, enhancing the lifestyle of its international residents without the bustle of larger cities.

✓ Pros for expats

– High-quality healthcare services available to residents.
– Excellent air quality for a healthier lifestyle.
– Low unemployment rate ensures economic stability.
– Good transportation connections to Bologna and nearby regions.
– Rich cultural and historical heritage to explore.
– Opportunities for community integration and local engagement.
– Pleasant Mediterranean climate with mild winters.
– Sufficient educational facilities for all ages.
– Growing internet connectivity for remote work options.
– Close proximity to Bologna’s vibrant city life.

! Things to consider

– Limited nightlife options for socializing after dark.
– Smaller town means fewer cultural events compared to Bologna.
– Infrastructure may not keep pace with growing population demands.
– Some language barrier if not fluent in Italian.
– Cost of living can be higher than neighboring towns.
– Tourist presence may lead to crowded local attractions.
– Limited shopping options compared to larger cities nearby.
– Mild winters can still feel chilly for some residents.
– Internet connectivity still improving, not completely seamless yet.
– Local cuisine may not satisfy every palate preference.

Where is San Lazzaro di Savena

Getting there

San Lazzaro di Savena is well connected, situated near major roads including the Via Emilia and the A14 motorway, facilitating access to Bologna and beyond. Guglielmo Marconi Airport is the closest air travel option, complemented by local train services providing reasonable connectivity to the regional rail network.

Housing & cost of living

Lower range€3,150/ m²
Median€3,600/ m²
Upper range€4,071/ m²

Estimated cost of an 80 m² home: €288,000

Housing availability: Medium

Cost of living

San Lazzaro di Savena offers a mixed picture of affordability for expats and investors. While the town boasts low unemployment and a strong median income, the cost of housing can be steep. Potential residents should prepare for higher-than-average living expenses, particularly in rental markets, where even modest apartments can command premium prices. Despite these costs, the economic stability and low jobless rates suggest a robust local economy, making it a compelling choice for those seeking a balance of lifestyle and opportunity. Overall, affordability is moderate, requiring careful budgeting for housing and daily expenses.

Climate & weather

1°CMin year-round
31°CMax year-round
SwelteringSummer heat
Rainfall0.2%

Somewhat High (61st-70th percentile)

Above Average (51st-60th percentile)

Low (11th-20th percentile)

High (71st-80th percentile)

In San Lazzaro di Savena, Italy, expats and retirees will find a climate balanced between distinct seasonal variations and comfortable temperatures. The weather remains moderately warm in the summer, allowing for plentiful sunshine which facilitates a variety of outdoor activities and vibrant local life. Winters introduce a subtle, brief snowy period that brings a picturesque quality without causing significant disruption to daily life. Rainfall is consistent yet moderate throughout the year, ensuring the lushness of the local vegetation without the inconvenience of excessive wet periods. Overall, San Lazzaro di Savena offers a climate conducive to year-round living and cultural exploration for those enchanted by Italy’s charm.

Air quality & environment

Air quality rating:

PM10Good
PM2.5Fair
NO₂Good
SO₂Good
OzoneFair
Recycling rate55%

In San Lazzaro di Savena, the air quality predominantly aligns with reassuring standards. The town often enjoys a backdrop of clear skies, attributed to its "Good" classifications in both particulate matter (PM10) and nitrogen dioxide concentrations, which signify minimal atmospheric pollutants. However, a moderate presence of PM2.5 and ozone levels have been noted, classed as "Fair." These figures suggest a slight fluctuation in air purity, particularly in warmer months when ozone readings tend to peak. Nevertheless, the overall ambient air purity supports a comfortable lifestyle for both locals and relocating expats seeking a serene environment away from urban excess.

Healthcare & safety

15 minNearest hospitalSant'Orsola Malpighi-P. Soccor
92Hospitals ≤10km147 within 30km
Moderate to Low Earthquake RiskSeismic zone
€337Car insurance / yr
Public healthcare84
Physical access72.5
Territorial access57.2
Emergency response72.6
Population at flood risk36%
Population at landslide risk2%

Road accidents: 43.0 per 10k inhabitants.

AUSL Bologna covers Bologna city and its metropolitan area — Bologna, Imola excluded, the surrounding Bolognese hills and plain. Composite of 61/100, top decile nationally. Emergency response is exceptional (73); the heart-attack survival data is particularly strong. A solid urban catchment that genuinely earns its reputation, though again with the major university hospital (Sant’Orsola) sitting as an AOU outside the AULSS data.

Internet & connectivity

317 MbpsAvg downloadUp to 413 Mbps
197 MbpsAvg upload
YesRail in town

Transport & proximity

✈️ Airports

Airport Drive Score
Guglielmo Marconi (Bologna) 16 min 7
Reggio Emilia Airport (Reggio nell'Emilia) 43 min 1
Federico Fellini (Rimini) 54 min 4

🚂 Rail stations

Station Drive Score
San Lazzaro di Savena 7 min 8
Ca' dell'Orbo 10 min 8
Bologna Roveri 11 min 8
63 minNearest beachMarina Romea - 100 Ms Foce Lamone
94 minMountain resortPiane di Mocogno

What's nearby

328Restaurantswithin 10km · 683 in 30km
23Caféswithin 10km · 212 in 30km
69Barswithin 10km · 256 in 30km
203Supermarketswithin 10km · 503 in 30km
225Shopping centreswithin 10km · 384 in 30km
31Pharmacieswithin 10km · 68 in 30km
31Health clinicswithin 10km · 145 in 30km
44Dentistswithin 10km · 148 in 30km
44Gymswithin 10km · 137 in 30km
129Beauty & spaswithin 10km · 378 in 30km
59Parkswithin 10km · 160 in 30km
97Museumswithin 10km · 144 in 30km
102Cinemaswithin 10km · 143 in 30km
50Librarieswithin 10km · 80 in 30km
64Historical siteswithin 10km · 102 in 30km
60Hiking trailswithin 10km · 119 in 30km
2Golf courseswithin 10km
256Auto repairwithin 10km · 547 in 30km

Life in San Lazzaro di Savena

Neighbourhoods

– **Centro Storico**: The historic centre is characterized by its traditional architecture and serves as the cultural and administrative hub of San Lazzaro di Savena.

– **Borgatella**: Primarily residential with convenient access to public amenities.

– **Cicogna**: Known for its mixture of residential and artisanal areas, offering light industrial facilities.

– **Castel de’ Britti**: Set towards the outskirts, this area features more expansive properties and rural landscapes.

– **Idice**: This zone is flagged for future development with a blend of rural and modern living aspects.

– **Ponticella**: Borders natural park areas providing scenic views and outdoor recreational activities.

Local cuisine

San Lazzaro di Savena, situated in Emilia-Romagna, boasts a rich culinary scene characterized by traditional Italian and Emilian cuisine. The region is famous for its high-quality handmade pasta, such as tortellini and tagliatelle, as well as cured meats including Prosciutto di Parma and Mortadella di Bologna. Dining options are diverse, featuring both local eateries serving traditional dishes and international cuisines. While there are no standout Michelin-starred restaurants located within San Lazzaro di Savena, the culinary offerings resonate with the broader gastronomic heritage of Emilia-Romagna, highlighting an appreciation for artisanal quality and regional flavors.

Where to shop

The shopping landscape features a mix of shopping malls, department stores, art galleries, and specialty shops. Significant venues include a notable outlet centre providing a range of discount fashion options. There are also various individual stores catering to specific interests, such as art, gifts, and home decor. The area supports both daily grocery needs and niche retail, catering well to diverse shopping preferences for residents and visitors alike.

Green areas & parks

San Lazzaro di Savena offers diverse outdoor activities ideal for expats and retirees. The area features the Parco dei Gessi Bolognesi, known for its karst landscapes and numerous hiking trails. Popular routes include the Grotta della Spipola – Buca delle candele loop, providing a 4.11 km hiking experience, and the Trail along the Idice at 8.58 km. The Sentieri Dei Gessi Della Croara trails also provide significant outdoor exploration opportunities. Such trails offer intermediate-level hiking experiences set in scenic environments, enhancing San Lazzaro’s appeal as a lifestyle destination.

Education

7Kindergartens
6Primary schools
2Middle schools
8High schools
Top 10%Avg ranking (all)
Top 10%Avg ranking (tests)

People & tourism

32,700PopulationReal 55,800
50.0Births per 100 deaths
Resilient (top third)Demographic resilience
Growth + youth inflowTrajectory
Some TourismTouristy index

Annual tourists (2023): 73,260

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