Lake Como sits in the north of Italy, surrounded by striking mountains and dotted with villages that have a distinctly local feel. The water is clear, the views are something you never really get used to, and the culture here runs deep and steady. It’s the sort of spot that quietly attracts people who want a bit more space and a calmer pace, which is often what draws those searching for the best place to live on Lake Como.
The lakeside towns dotted around Lake Como each have their own distinct feel. Some are lively and well-connected, others quieter and tucked away. Most places balance daily essentials like shops and cafés with a fair bit of character, thanks to cobbled streets and shaded squares. There’s a noticeable shift in pace here, with life often revolving around the rhythms of the lake rather than any rush to get things done.
Living in Lake Como
Living in Lake Como means swapping the rush of city life for a setting where mountain views and peaceful mornings are the norm. The climate is gentle, with warm summers that aren’t stifling and winters that rarely get too cold. Most days, you’ll see Lake Como residents out walking the lakeside paths or catching up in a local café. You’ll find artisan shops and small, independent eateries in most villages, and if you’re after a change of scene, Milan is easy enough to reach by train or road.
Pros and cons of living in Lake Como
Relocating to Lake Como has its draws and drawbacks. The scenery and pace of life are hard to beat, and the region offers plenty of chances to enjoy the outdoors. On the flip side, the cost of living—especially for property in popular spots like Bellagio or Cernobbio—can be high, and job opportunities are limited unless you work remotely or commute. Tourism brings life and extra amenities, but also means crowded summers and a quieter winter season. For many, it comes down to weighing the region’s natural beauty and relaxed lifestyle against these practical realities.
Top towns for living in Lake Como
Picking the best place to live in Lake Como really comes down to what you want from day-to-day life. If you're looking for the best location for a lakefront home, you'll be spoiled for choice.
Among the many pretty towns around Lake Como, each offers something a little different when it comes to scenery, atmosphere, and community, so it’s worth having a look before you decide.
Como
Como stands out as the largest town on the lake and is very much the main hub for culture, shopping, and day-to-day essentials. Life here is a mix of old and new: you’ll find grand buildings like the Como Cathedral, modern boutiques, and plenty of cafés dotted through the cobbled streets. The waterfront is always buzzing, with locals out for their evening stroll or meeting friends at one of the bars along the promenade.
There’s more going on here than in many of the smaller lakeside towns—think lively markets, exhibitions, and a solid choice of restaurants. Como’s handy train connections mean Milan is within easy reach, making it a practical pick for those who want access to city life but prefer living somewhere a bit slower and more scenic.
Bellagio
Bellagio sits right where the lake splits in two, and it’s easy to see why it’s called “The Pearl of the Lake.” With its steep cobbled lanes, colourful houses and endless lake views, the place is unapologetically pretty. The town draws plenty of visitors, so there’s always a bit of a buzz, especially in the warmer months.
Away from the crowds, Bellagio has a strong local community, with regular festivals and events giving life to the historic streets. There are plenty of spots for a quiet wander or to sit with a coffee and just watch the world go by. Connections by ferry make getting to other towns on the lake straightforward, so you don’t feel cut off despite the postcard setting.
Varenna
Varenna feels genuinely laid-back, tucked against the cliffs with a jumble of colourful houses overlooking the water. It’s noticeably quieter than some of the busier lakeside towns, which makes it a solid choice if you’re after a bit of peace. The lakeside promenade and shaded footpaths are perfect for slow walks, and the gardens at Villa Monastero are a favourite for both locals and visitors in search of calm. The small harbour is a good spot to watch the sunset or catch a ferry over to places like Bellagio or Menaggio.
Cernobbio
Cernobbio is known for its elegant villas, leafy streets, and a certain understated luxury that’s hard to miss. The town attracts those after a more upmarket lifestyle, and you’ll notice a fair number of international residents who come for both the peace and the top-tier comforts.
Thanks to its location near the Swiss border, Milan is an easy drive or train ride away, which is a draw for people working in the city but wanting something a bit more relaxed and scenic after hours. The atmosphere is refined but not stuffy, making it a popular choice for those who want access to both luxury and convenience by the water.
Tremezzo
Tremezzo sits along the lake’s western edge and is well-loved for its grand villas and lush gardens. The standout is Villa Carlotta, where you’ll find not just beautiful grounds but also an impressive art collection.
The pace is easy here, with daily life often revolving around the water or the nearby hills. Tremezzo offers a good mix of classic restaurants, outdoor cafés, and handy local shops. With footpaths, biking trails and water sports all within reach, it suits those after a relaxed lifestyle but who still want options for getting out and about.
Menaggio
Menaggio has a bit of everything—lively squares, a relaxed lakeside vibe, and plenty of practical comforts. The waterfront promenade is the heart of town, a popular spot for an evening stroll or to catch up with friends over a coffee. The historic centre has a good mix of shops, cafés and restaurants, so there’s always somewhere to duck into, whatever the weather.
If you’re the outdoorsy type, Menaggio makes things easy. There are walking and cycling routes right out your door, a well-kept golf course close by, and the lake itself for swimming or kayaking. Add in the handy ferry and bus connections to places like Bellagio and Varenna, and it’s a solid choice if you want a base that’s both sociable and well-connected.
Property prices in Lake Como
Property prices arou
The cost of houses around Lake Como reflects just how sought-after the area is. Unsurprisingly, the closer you get to the lakefront or a postcard-pretty centre, the steeper the price tends to be.
In May 2025, prices in Menaggio were around €4,044 per m², with Tremezzina not far behind at €3,893 per m². If you look at the broader Como municipality, you’ll find a lower average of €2,698 per m². However, the historic centre of Como itself is at the top end at €5,084 per m².
Luxury market
The high-end property scene in Lake Como is as lively as ever, with no shortage of eye-catching homes on the market. Italian villas with direct lake access, sweeping grounds, or a bit of history attached top the wish lists. At the moment, there’s even a castle for sale at €9 million, offering a rare mix of grandeur and privacy right on the lake.
You’ll also spot luxury villas complete with features like infinity pools and panoramic terraces. These properties around Lake Como have a strong appeal among international buyers looking for style and a bit of seclusion.
Rental market
Rental prices around the lake vary quite a bit depending on location. In Como, the average rent was €17.1 per m². This means an 80m2 apartment will set you back around €1,368 per month, making it one of the pricier spots for tenants. Over in Lecco municipality, rents tend to be more affordable, with the average coming in at €11 per m².
Investment opportunities
Lake Como’s popularity with visitors means property here can bring solid returns, particularly if you’re thinking about short-term lets or holiday rentals. Still, the picture isn’t all rosy—local regulations, seasonal demand, and the ongoing costs of maintenance, taxes, and management can quickly eat into profits.
On top of that, the continued demand for holiday homes and second residences has driven prices up, making it trickier for locals to find affordable places to live. This has shifted the balance in some towns, where life can go a bit quiet outside the peak season and local services feel the strain. If you’re looking to invest, it’s worth considering not just the return, but also the impact—sustainable choices and a bit of awareness about the wider community are becoming increasingly important around the lake.
Connections to Milan, Switzerland and around the lake
Getting around from Lake Como is fairly straightforward, which is part of the appeal for anyone living or spending time here. Milan is just about an hour away by car if traffic’s on your side, and the train connections run regularly from Como and other towns along the lake. Como itself acts as the main hub with both slower regional trains and faster inter-city services, so you’ve got options whether you’re heading to work or just nipping in for a bit of shopping.
For getting about locally, there’s a network of bus routes and the lake’s iconic ferry services, both of which make it easy to move between towns while taking in the scenery. Malpensa Airport is roughly an hour from Como, so you’re well set up for travel further afield, whether it’s for business or trips back home.
The lake’s close position to Switzerland adds another layer of convenience. Como is only about half an hour’s drive from Chiasso, just over the border, and towns like Lenno and Bellagio aren’t much further from places like Lugano. Many locals and expats take advantage of this for quick shopping trips, exploring Swiss markets or even commuting if work calls. Ferries between towns such as Varenna and Menaggio offer easy links for exploring both sides of the water.
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