we are renting in rome at the moment but we are going to buy as the rents are so expensive. We are looking at north rome as near schools. However it is all very expensive. Which is the best area to go in north rome where there will be plenty of other english or americans where we can have a sense of community. My husband is italian and we get enough italian influence i would like to have some english people to talk to sometimes and meet some when i am going to the shops etc.

Just saw this post. I live in Olgiata and there are quite a few expats in community. They also have newcomers briefings and community get-togethers. Funny thing, the woman I mentioned in reply to other forum is also married to Italian.

I don't know if there's many houses for sale here and prices will probably be high as anywhere else in Rome. It's a "gated community" with security. Not too far to grocery stores and other places of necessity. Can get to mall of Porta di Roma in approximately 15 minutes.

Oh well, gotta run but just thought may suggest Olgiata. Take care.

Hi Susanna (and Carol),

Real estate prices in and around Rome are pretty ridiculous. My husband and I have been looking to buy a place for a little over a year and I think we will probably keep waiting for about another year because prices are falling. Since we have been looking, prices have fallen about 20% and predictions say they will fall another 20%. If you do find a place you like, don't hesitate to ask for 20-30% less than the asking price. And my husband adds to not trust the agenzie immobiliare because they tend to overestimate prices, the market, etc. This site has some good info: http://freeforumzone.leonardo.it/discussione.aspx?idd=7486681
My husband checks it religiously.

I assume the area you are looking is on the Cassia since that is where most of the International schools are located. The Cassia isn't actually to outrageous (after -20%), and obviously the higher up you go, the less expensive it gets.

I too live north of Rome, in Monterosi which is up the Cassia bis, past Campagnano, before Sutri. I have had a few people write me from the northern Rome area wanting to meet up, however, I can't respond to the private emails without being a paying member of this site and I am cheap. Anyway my email is breda@alum.dartmouth.org. If you would like to meet up, shoot me and email from your own email so I can respond. It would be nice to meet some other English speakers in the area!