Bergamo has emerged as the city with the highest quality of life in Italy according to the latest annual report from il Sole 24 Ore. This significant ranking change is particularly remarkable as the province, which lay at the epicenter of the COVID-19 pandemic, has climbed to the top spot for the first time after placing 52nd during the worst of the outbreak and fifth last year.
The 2024 quality of life index, which evaluates 107 provinces across Italy, reveals Trento and Bolzano rounding out the top three. Following closely behind are Monza, Cremona, and Udine, with Bologna being the only large city to break the top ten, securing ninth place. On the contrary, major metropolitan areas like Milan and Rome suffered notable drops, indicating the shifting dynamics of urban versus provincial life.
The assessment by il Sole 24 Ore tracks 90 distinct indicators across six categories: wealth and consumer spending, business and work, justice and security, demographics and society, environment and services, and culture and leisure. Bergamo's ascendancy reflects its significant social revival and improved metrics, showcasing resilience and recovery from the devastating impacts of the pandemic.
According to Bergamo’s former mayor and now Member of the European Parliament, Giorgio Gori, the ranking is attributed to collaborative efforts among institutions, enterprises, educational agencies, and citizens. Gori expressed pride and optimism about local commitment to continual improvement, stating, "#Bergamo 1a per qualità della vita è il frutto di un grande lavoro di squadra... cosi siamo ripartiti dopo la pandemia..." (Bergamo is number one for quality of life as the result of great teamwork... this is how we restarted after the pandemic).
The emotional story behind Bergamo’s rise is particularly poignant, with some residents recalling its painful past when it was dubbed the “Italian Wuhan” during the height of the pandemic. Images of military trucks transporting the deceased and overwhelmed hospitals marked those dark days. Yet, from this rebirth, its current status as the best place to live not only highlights progress but also offers hope and inspiration to other struggling regions.
Conversely, the shadows of the pandemic linger over Italy's large cities. Milan, which had previously been regarded as the beacon of economic vitality, fell to 12th place, having dropped four spots. Key issues like increasing crime rates, high living costs, and rising inequality plague the city. Specific statistics reveal Milan as registering the highest rate of reported crimes per resident, with offenses increasing by 4.9% since 2019.
Rome, traditionally seen as one of the most vibrant urban centers, plunged to 59th place after previously holding 35th. The increased cost of living has become a heavy burden for many residents. A semi-central apartment's rent can consume up to 81% of the average income, illustrating how financial pressures impact overall quality of life.
The report indicates broader trends too, as the appeal of medium-sized provinces grows, contrasting sharply with the difficulties faced by metropolitan areas. The predominance of Northern territories at the top positions continues, firmly establishing their historical lead.
Additional recognitions for Bergamo include its best ranking for sports, attributed to its rich athletic culture and community initiatives supporting sporting events and programs. The province's identity has been strengthened through local achievements, such as its football club Atalanta, which has excelled both nationally and internationally, contributing to the city's vibrant cultural fabric.
Sofia Goggia, another sporting luminary and Bergamo native, continues to inspire awe with her accomplishments on the ski slopes, bringing more recognition to her city. Her triumphs embody the spirit of Bergamo’s recent turn-around: resounding successes reflective of the growth and resilience the city has experienced.
Financial prosperity also plays its role, with provinces traditionally seen as superior largely maintaining their positions. The economic indicators for Trento and Bolzano reveal low rates of impoverished families, high employment rates, and overall economic health, making them formidable competitors.
The report's revelations about Southern provinces painted a less favorable picture, with Reggio Calabria positioned at the bottom of the list, closely followed by Crotone and Naples. This long-standing trend has persisted, with the South concentrated within the lower echelons of the ranking, reflecting economic difficulties and challenges to social services.
Despite retaining the title of the best province, Bergamo’s story is still marked by humility and collective strength. The community has come together to reshape its image, leaving behind the shadows of past grief. With monumental achievements behind it, Bergamo now stands as both a vibrant cultural hub and a symbol of recovery for all of Italy.
Such transformation brings hope not just to its residents but also to others across the country facing similar struggles. Understanding the successes and challenges faced by Bergamo offers valuable insights, emphasizing the potential for change and the importance of community resilience.
Overall, the quality of life report serves more than just as rankings; it tells the tale of human spirit and determination—an inspiring account of how communities can rise from even the darkest times to become beacons of hope and prosperity.
