It is difficult to find accommodation in Rome and the prices are high. In the historic centre there are only small apartments; more spacious accommodation with gardens can only be found in the modern suburbs. Good permanent employment is also scarce, although there are plenty of openings for language teaching, translating and domestic work. Public transport is cheap and the bus system is good. The underground service is improving but is still not up to the standards of other European cities. There are strict traffic controls in the historic centre but elsewhere traffic gridlocks during rush hours. Parking is scarce and extremely expensive. There is a large, well-organised expatriate community with plenty of international schools, churches and associations. And the difficulties of living in Rome are more than compensated by the sheer thrill of living in one of the most beautiful cities in the world.