If you are wondering whether it is better to live in Rome or nearby, here are 5 very nice places where you decide to put down roots. Our choice was based on the connections to the Eternal City (metro, bus, train), the presence of greenery, schools, stores and restaurants so you don’t have to travel so many miles away from home.
Frascati
Frascati is of the most famous towns in the Castelli Romani and hosts many events (it is not a place where you get bored), especially in summer. It has two parks in the center, the one known to residents as Parc dell’Ombrellino and the Villa Torlonia Park. The majestic Villa Aldobrandini dominates over Piazza Roma. And the Belvedere promenade provides a panoramic view of the capital. As for restaurants, you are really spoiled for choice in Frascati. Restaurant Cacciani, for example, is also listed in the Michelin guide. A convenience not to be underestimated: the train from here takes you to Termini station in 30 minutes.
Albano Laziale
Attached to Ariccia, home of porchetta, we find Albano Laziale. Here, too, there is no shortage of greenery and the proximity to Lake Albano makes it a peaceful place to find peace after a busy day in the metropolis. On the main street we find bars and clothing stores. It is the place of choice for many families to put down roots. By train, it takes 50 minutes to reach Roma Termini. This can be a shorter time than by car if you get stuck in traffic.
Grottaferrata
Its proximity to Frascati makes it a convenient town for those who need to reach Rome. In fact, you can always leave from the Frascati station, which, depending on where you live in Grottaferrata, can be reached in a few minutes by car. This is a very green area of the Castelli Romani and with really good restaurants. Also, houses cost slightly less than in Frascati (of course, it always depends on the type of housing). Also here there are schools, gyms, stores and bars where you can have an aperitif.
Monterotondo
This municipality with more than 40 thousand inhabitants is the largest of those mentioned in our selection (the municipalities shown above are around 20 thousand inhabitants). Here, too, there is the possibility of taking the train that takes you to Rome Tiburtina in 30 minutes, but it also reaches other places in the capital, such as Tuscolana. It is considered a lively suburb with its own theater and cinema, as well as museums, family services, and restaurants. In addition, it is rich in history if you are a curious person….
Monte Compatri
It is the terminus of the C line, which also goes to San Giovanni, and is a hamlet to be discovered. It should be defined as the village of cats, because during our visit we really met many of them among the narrow (uphill) streets of Monte Compatri. This is the smallest town in our selection, about 12,000 inhabitants, but nevertheless it is full of restaurants (including that of the famous Roma player) and has all the necessary services. It is an ideal place for those who do not want to spend a lot and like peace and quiet.