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For remote workers, retirees, and families with young children, Abruzzo is a great place to live. However the best province for you depends on your stage of life and how much you rely on local jobs. Knowing these statistics can help you ensure your move aligns with your needs and long-term plans.
What the Il Sole 24 Ore Quality of Life Study Measures
Every year, Il Sole 24 Ore releases Italy’s most detailed Quality of Life study. It compares all 107 provinces using 90 official indicators from ISTAT, the Ministry of the Interior, the Ministry of Justice, INPS, the Bank of Italy, and other national sources. These indicators cover six key areas: wealth and consumption, business and work, environment and services, demographics and society, justice and security, and culture and leisure.
The study uses per-capita statistics, which clearly show where each province stands relative to the Italian national average. For reference, Italy’s current benchmarks are:
- Youth unemployment (15–24 years): ~21.1%,
- Total crimes: ~3,430 reported offences per 100,000 residents.
Abruzzo typically ranks in the middle nationally, but the 2025 results show significant differences among its four provinces. These differences are important for families, remote workers, retirees, and anyone considering a move.
Pescara: Abruzzo’s top performer, but with higher crime and youth unemployment than the national average
Pescara moves up to 40th place nationally, rising 15 spots and becoming Abruzzo’s highest-ranked province. It stands out for its cultural life, events, public lighting, and use of renewable energy, and it offers the most urban lifestyle in the region.
However, youth unemployment in Pescara is 34%, well above the national average of 21.1%. This means the job market is tough for teens and young adults. Crime is also above average, with 3,690 offences per 100,000 residents compared to Italy’s 3,430. Theft, car crime, and drug-related offences are especially common.
For people moving here, Pescara is great for remote workers or couples who want lots of activities and services. Families with older teens should be aware of fewer job opportunities and higher crime rates.
Chieti: The most balanced and statistically safest choice for many families
Chieti climbs to 62nd place nationally (up 9), offering one of Abruzzo’s strongest all-round profiles. It performs better than the national average in education levels, GP coverage, recycling, and air quality. Youth unemployment stands at 31%, above the national figure but still noticeably lower than in Pescara and far below Teramo.
Crime in Chieti is below the Italian average, with about 2,821 offences per 100,000 residents. This makes Chieti one of the calmest provinces in the region.
For people moving here, Chieti is an excellent choice for families with children, anyone looking for stability, and those who want to be close to both the coast and countryside without the stress of city crime.
For people moving here, Chieti is an excellent choice for families with children, anyone looking for stability, and those who want to be close to both the coast and countryside without the stress of city crime.
Teramo: From Abruzzo’s top province last year to third place, affected by one of Italy’s highest youth unemployment rates
Teramo has seen the most significant drop in Abruzzo, falling to 68th place nationally after being the region’s top performer last year. This is mainly because youth unemployment is 43%, about twice the national average, making Teramo one of the worst in Italy for this issue.
The crime rate, around 3,209 offences per 100,000 residents, is slightly below the national average, but the province shows worrying spikes in specific categories. Environmental and service indicators also declined sharply this year.
For people moving here, Teramo offers a great lifestyle with its coast-to-mountain setting. However, job prospects for young people are very limited, so it is best for remote workers, retirees, or families who do not rely on the local job market.
L’Aquila: Safest for daily life, but with slow justice and a weaker economy
L’Aquila is now 69th nationally, dropping a little but still having the lowest crime rate in Abruzzo. With 2,748 offences per 100,000 residents, it is well below the national average and is statistically the safest province for daily life.
However, L’Aquila has very slow civil courts, high litigation rates, and a weaker job market, with unemployment worse than the national average. Local governments also collect less tax, which can affect service quality in the long run.
For people moving here, L’Aquila is ideal for nature lovers, retirees, and remote workers who value peace and safety. It is less suitable for young job seekers or families seeking strong local job opportunities.
Key Points Summary
- The 2025 Quality of Life study compares 107 provinces using 90 indicators covering jobs, crime, services, and more. averages for comparison: youth unemployment ~21.1%, crime ~3,430 per 100,000 residents.
- Pescara, ranked 40th, performs well overall but has youth unemployment at 34% and crime at 3,690 per 100,000 residents, both above the national average.
- Chieti, ranked 62nd, is safer than average with 2,821 offences per 100,000 residents. It is stable and balanced. Youth unemployment is 31%, still above the Italian average, but the best among the coastal provinces.
- Teramo, now 68th, has dropped from 1st to 3rd place in Abruzzo because youth unemployment is 43%, about twice the national average.
- L’Aquila, ranked 69th, has the lowest crime rate in Abruzzo at 2,748 per 100,000 residents, but it faces slow court proceedings, high litigation costs, and a weaker economy.
Conclusion: How to Choose the Right Province for Your Move
The 2025 Quality of Life study is clear that Abruzzo’s provinces differ far more than many newcomers expect. While the region as a whole offers natural beauty, affordability and a slower pace of life, the realities of safety, job prospects and public services vary significantly.
- Pescara is lively and has many services, but it also has higher crime and fewer opportunities for young people.
- Chieti is the best-balanced option for families, with lower-than-average crime, good services, and a calmer environment.
- Teramo offers a great outdoor lifestyle, but it has one of Italy’s weakest job markets for young people.
- L’Aquila is the safest province and excellent for nature lovers, but its courts and local economy fall short of national standards.
Read Il Sole’s Full Report
Author: Sam Dunham
Sam is a freelance SEO content creator and IGCSE Geography and English teacher at Istituto Cristo Re in Rome. She also runs the Life In Abruzzo Cultural Association, sharing stories and insights about this captivating region.
Alongside raising a teenager, Sam hosts guests at her family’s traditional home, the Little House of the Firefly in Abruzzo, offering a warm welcome and insider tips on local culture, food, and hidden gems.
