Can anyone tell me about living in Florence?

[RubiMama]

We currently live in Athens, which I pretty much loathe, DH is greek. He has been asked if we would consider moving to Florence for a couple of years. Has anyone experienced living there with young kids? I am a SAHM with DS1 19mo and 8 weeks pregnant. I found it so hard here trying to make a life for myself with young baby, and I'm wondering will it be the same all over again or could Florence offer me things that I can't do here, e.g. nip out of my house on foot to get things, visit nice parks, other international mums nearby, beautiful surroundings instead of concrete mess? Please tell me there is hope!

Florence is a lot more beautiful than Athens and the city centre is very compact. Do you know whereabouts you would be living? There are lots of English speaking people and activities in Florence and the surrounding countryside is absolutely gorgeous - you can easily get out into the Chianti at the weekend if you have a car, where there are lovely restaurants to linger in, gorgeous villages to visit...

Why don't you try the Little Italy thread - lots of helpful and knowledgeable-about-Italy MNers

Thank you for the encouragement! I will try the Little Italy thread.