Is anyone familiar with the international school of florence, the middle and upper school that is, situated in viuzzo Gattaia just south of the city? I was wondering if it was within walking distance of S.Maria N. station. Also, does anyone one have any experience of living on the outskirts of the city, residential areas, on this south side? Any info much appreciated

No,it isn't reasonable walking distance from s.m.n. Most of it is uphill around near Piazzale Michelangelo, on the other side of the river. However they do run buses but they are very expensive- for the Bagno Ripoli site it is €250/month. I haven't enquired about the upper school buses but it won't be far off, although it is much closer.

I live in San Frediano. I can recommend the area. It is very residential without being right out of the city. I can get into the centre in about 15 mins with my toddler in her pushchair, so not bad at all. It doesn't get that busy out here - you can walk out your door without falling over people! I lived on Piazza Pitti for 3 months and it was a nightmare!

You also have Porta Romana just down from me and a little closer to the school - you would still need to drive or bus up there - which is also very popular residentially. A little further out you have Galuzzo which is a village but still close. Everyone I know over here and in all these areas like it. Most would prefer more space or a garden but like being close to the city. There are lots of good food and home shops here for everyday and playgrounds/football pitches for the kids too!

Anything else, just ask. I have visited the Junior school for the Int. school and liked it a lot - I have put my daughter into Italian school instead as I want her to have the experience plus I felt the Junior school was very pricey for the age group. I would consider the Upper school for my son if things don't pan out for him in the UK. They don't have too many on site facilities but they do use the public sports centre across the road.

Alyson, hi, thanks so much for your input so far, very useful to us to get a bit of insider info about possible places to live. The locations you suggested sound very interesting, can you tell me how you came by your appartment? A local agency i presume? Read a bit of your blog, sounds like your first place wasn't ideal; did you view many? What length of lease is generally the norm? Any ideas on rental price? Gosh, so many questions, hope you don't mind.

It's fine! I was in the same position so I don't mind sharing.

We used an agency we got out of the yellow pages for Florence. I would ring a few and see who you like. We must have seen over a dozen places before we hit this one and that was pure luck as the agent thought it would be too small?!

Our first place was always only for a couple of months as we realised we needed the time to find what we wanted which we couldn't do flying back and forward to the UK. So we probably paid more than we normally would for the first place. This place is on a years contract and here in Florence you seem to be able to get leases for however long you need. Rental prices vary enormously. We are close to the top end at €3000/month but you can get places for a lot less and a lot more, I know someone paying €5000. It really depends what you want. Having spoken to people who have been here a while we are paying about right as we are in the centre with an acre of garden just for us and in a solo dwelling. Basically it's fairly unique. However we also looked at places around Santa Croce for the same price, and now I don't know why! You can also get alot more for less if you don't mind being about 3km out around Galuzzo and Grassina. I have heard the schools out there are good too.

HTH. If you want to know more just ask.

Don't know if you're looking north but when I lived in Florence I was in San Domenico, the border of Florence and Fiesole. I took the number 7 bus in and out of the city every day and loved travelling through the whole city in my commute.