Why Varese Deserves a Second Look
Varese doesn’t try to impress at first glance. It doesn’t dazzle like Como or compete with Milan. It stands in greenery and quiet, waiting to be noticed. The atmosphere is layered: elegant, lived‑in, slightly decadent — more like an old photograph in a worn frame than a glossy postcard.
Liberty Architecture and the “Garden City”
Varese has the largest concentration of Liberty (Art Nouveau) buildings in Italy. Villas with turrets, stained glass, staircases and balconies here are not polished to perfection — they remain authentic, with visible traces of time. This is part of the city’s allure and the reason it’s often called a garden city: parks and private gardens are everywhere.
Nature and Connections
- Parco Regionale Campo dei Fiori starts right beyond the urban edge,
- Sacro Monte di Varese is one of the nine Sacri Monti of Northern Italy (UNESCO),
- Lakes Varese, Comabbio, Maggiore, Lugano are all within a short drive,
- Under an hour to Milan by train; even less to Malpensa Airport,
Varese is not a capital or a resort. It is a rare mid‑sized city where you can breathe.
Property and Rental Market: What to Expect
Varese is not an overheated market. Prices remain below several Lombardy peers with similar quality of life. Demand for rentals is steady thanks to major hospitals, cross‑border professionals commuting to Switzerland, and students (University of Insubria, European School of Varese).
Market highlights
- Apartments from €70,000–80,000 in decent buildings,
- Long‑term rental yields around ~5% gross; short‑term stays are possible in selected areas,
- Resale potential improves on a 5–10 year horizon,
- Infrastructure and everyday convenience are strong,
- Selection matters more than headline price per square meter: Varese has both hidden gems and clearly “tired” zones.
Is Varese Right for You?
If you want constant buzz, café culture on every corner and late‑night life, Varese may feel calm compared to Como or Milan. If you value nature, quiet, architecture and a respect for time, it may be exactly the right choice.
Key Takeaways
- Liberty architecture and greenery give Varese a unique character,
- Excellent access to Milan, Malpensa and the lakes,
- Balanced market with room for value investing if selection is careful,
- Location within the city and building condition are decisive.
Want to see if Varese fits your goals? Book a free introductory call with us.
Read also: Trieste – “Vienna on the Adriatic”: A Cultural Crossroads in Italy.
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