Moving to Lake Maggiore can be an appealing choice for international families, professionals and private clients seeking a different pace of life in Northern Italy. With attractive lakeside towns, access to outdoor activities and connections to Milan and Switzerland, the area offers several options for people considering a permanent move or a second home.
Two locations stand out for different reasons: Arona and Stresa. Both offer access to the lake and surrounding countryside, but their residential environments, services and everyday rhythms differ.
Understanding these differences is an important first step when choosing where to live. The right location depends on your family situation, work commitments, transport needs and preferred lifestyle.
With local knowledge and international relocation expertise, La Relocation Group helps clients assess their options and coordinate the practical aspects of moving to the area.
Lake Maggiore lies across Northern Italy and southern Switzerland. On the Italian side, its Piedmont shore includes established residential towns, historic villages and quieter hillside communities.
For international residents, the appeal goes beyond the landscape. The area offers a combination of Italian culture, local services and access to larger urban centres. Depending on where you settle, you may also benefit from railway connections, road links and access to Milan Malpensa Airport.
Everyday life varies considerably between towns and individual neighbourhoods. Some locations offer shops, schools and services within walking distance. Others provide more privacy, larger properties and panoramic lake views, but may require a car for routine journeys.
The region can suit people relocating for professional or family reasons, as well as those planning retirement or looking for a second home. However, choosing a property should involve more than assessing its views or proximity to the water.
Before committing, consider how the location will support your daily routine throughout the year.
Arona is situated on the southern Piedmont shore of Lake Maggiore. It combines a historic town centre and attractive waterfront with the services needed for everyday life.
The town has shops, restaurants, schools, healthcare facilities and a railway station. These features can make it worth considering for people who want to live near the lake without depending entirely on a car.
Arona’s historic centre includes pedestrian streets, cafés and local businesses. Along the waterfront, residents can enjoy views across the lake towards Angera and its historic fortress.
Nearby attractions include the Colossus of San Carlo Borromeo, the Rocca Borromea park and the Lagoni di Mercurago Natural Park. The surrounding area also offers opportunities for walking, cycling and exploring smaller lakeside communities.
Arona may be particularly suitable for:
The suitability of a specific neighbourhood will depend on your commuting arrangements, housing requirements and preferred level of activity.
For a family, for example, a property within easy reach of school and local services may be more practical than a larger home on a hillside. Someone working remotely may place greater importance on workspace, reliable internet and outdoor access.
Stresa is known for its historic hotels, elegant waterfront, villas and views of the Borromean Islands. Its architecture and lakeside setting give it a distinctive character.
The town is particularly lively during the spring and summer months, when visitors come to explore the lake, gardens and surrounding landscapes. At other times of the year, the pace can be quieter, with seasonal differences affecting some local businesses and services.
Stresa provides access to the Borromean Islands, including Isola Bella, Isola Cadre and Isola dei Pescatori. The wider area also offers historic gardens, walking routes and mountain excursions, including access to the Mottarone area.
Stresa may appeal to:
Stresa also has a railway station, although the practicality of public transport depends on the exact property location and your regular destinations.
Some homes are within walking distance of the centre, while others are situated on hillsides or in more secluded residential areas. In these cases, access to a car and the condition of local roads may influence everyday convenience.
For anyone planning to live in Stresa throughout the year, it is worth visiting during different seasons before making a final decision.
Both towns offer attractive residential opportunities, but the best choice depends on your daily routine, housing preferences and long-term plans.
Arona offers an established town environment, with shops, schools, restaurants, healthcare facilities and railway connections. Its town centre and waterfront may suit people who want access to everyday services and prefer to live close to local amenities.
When considering a property in Arona, assess commuting routes, parking availability and access to essential services. Properties in the surrounding residential areas may offer more space, but could require a car for daily journeys.
Stresa is known for its historic villas, gardens, waterfront and proximity to the Borromean Islands. It may appeal to people seeking a scenic residential setting, a second home or a property with distinctive architectural features.
When choosing a home in Stresa, consider seasonal visitor activity, access to local services throughout the year and the practicalities of reaching properties located on the hillsides or outside the town centre.
Nearby locations such as Meina, Lesa, Belgirate and Dormelletto provide further residential options. These communities may offer different property types, levels of privacy and access to transport and local services.
Ultimately, neither Arona nor Stresa is automatically the better choice. The right location depends on your family requirements, work commitments, preferred lifestyle and the way you intend to use your property.
A property-specific assessment can help you compare these factors before making a long-term commitment.
Transport access is an important consideration when moving to Lake Maggiore, especially for international professionals and families who travel regularly.
Arona and Stresa have railway connections to the wider Northern Italian network. Road access also makes it possible to reach other towns around the lake and travel towards Milan, although actual journey times depend on traffic, the starting point and the destination.
Milan Malpensa Airport serves as a major international gateway for the region. The most suitable transfer option will depend on where you live, your arrival time and whether you prefer public transport, a taxi or private transfer.
Switzerland is also accessible from the region. However, regular cross-border travel for work involves separate considerations, including the applicable immigration, tax and social security rules.
Before choosing a property, map your actual journeys rather than relying on general distance estimates. A home that looks close to a railway station on a map may involve a steep walk or limited local transport.
Moving to Lake Maggiore involves several decisions that should be considered together.
Property suitability: Check the building’s condition, energy performance, heating system, maintenance needs and any applicable condominium charges. Older homes may require additional technical assessments.
Daily mobility: Assess public transport, parking, road access and the distance to shops, schools and healthcare facilities.
Family requirements: If you are moving with children, research schools, language requirements, enrolment procedures and travel times before selecting a neighbourhood.
Administrative requirements: Establish which immigration, residence registration and tax identification procedures apply to your circumstances.
Ongoing costs: Consider utilities, insurance, maintenance, local taxes where applicable and any costs associated with managing a property when you are away.
Long-term plans: A home suitable for a short stay may not meet the needs of a family planning to live in Italy permanently. Think about how your requirements may change over time.
Professional legal, tax and technical advice can help you evaluate the relevant issues before making binding commitments.
Choosing a destination is only the beginning of an international relocation. Once you have identified a suitable area, you may need to coordinate property visits, documentation, local services and practical arrangements before arrival.
La Relocation Group provides personalised relocation and lifestyle support for individuals, families and corporate clients. Depending on the agreed scope, assistance can include:
The approach starts with understanding your priorities. This helps establish which location and services are most appropriate for your situation.
Our aim is to provide a reliable local point of contact, combining international relocation experience with knowledge of the area.
Considering a move to Arona or Stresa? Contact La Relocation Group to discuss your plans and identify the practical steps involved in making Lake Maggiore your new home.
Lake Maggiore can suit international residents seeking lakeside living, outdoor activities and access to established Italian towns. The best location depends on work, family requirements, transport needs and the services available near the property.
Arona may appeal to people who prioritise everyday services and an active town environment. Stresa may suit those who prefer an elegant lakeside setting and proximity to historic villas and gardens. Both require a property-specific assessment of transport and local amenities.
It is possible in some central areas, particularly near railway stations and everyday services. However, a car may be useful or necessary for hillside properties, smaller villages and locations with limited public transport.
The area offers residential communities, schools, outdoor activities and family services. Families should investigate school options, language requirements, transport and healthcare access before deciding where to live.
Foreign nationals may be able to buy property in Italy, subject to applicable legal requirements and, for certain nationalities, reciprocity rules or other conditions. Property ownership does not automatically grant the right to reside in Italy. Seek appropriate legal advice before proceeding.
Depending on the agreed service, La Relocation Group can assist with property search coordination, settling-in arrangements, local service coordination and lifestyle support. Immigration, tax, legal and technical matters may require appropriately qualified specialists.
Whether you are relocating with your family, moving for work or considering a second home, understanding the local area is an important first step.
La Relocation Group combines international relocation expertise with personalised local coordination to help clients manage the practical aspects of moving to Arona, Stresa and the surrounding communities.
Contact La Relocation Group to discuss your relocation plans. We can help you identify the relevant next steps and determine which services may be appropriate for your situation.