Are you considering moving to Paris? You’re not alone, this glamorous city, known for its rich history, vibrant culture, fashion, and exquisite food, has long been a magnet for expats from the US and the UK. This guide will make relocating to Paris an easy decision, and help you find the perfect apartment.
Why choose Paris?
The French capital has an undeniable allure that draws people from all corners of the globe. With its picturesque cityscape and art scene, it’s no wonder that Paris is often referred to as the “City of Lights.”
International students and expats moving to Paris can find great job opportunities, and higher employment rates make it the top choice for French professionals too. What’s more, it has a remarkable healthcare system, and the locals are committed to a well-rounded life, which can mean a breath of fresh air for many expats seeking a healthier work-life balance.
A home for the English-speaking community
Americans and Brits make up the largest expat communities in Paris. France’s north-eastern Île-de-France region is home to an estimated 14,000 Americans, and many Brits have also chosen to settle in France following Brexit. English speakers choose to relocate here for a variety of reasons, including exploring the culture, pursuing educational goals, improving their quality of life, or providing their children with the opportunity to become fluent in French. In fact, Paris has many English courses in schools offered to children of all ages who want to join the French curriculum or bilingual programs.
There are several well-known schools in the French education system that offer English classes for students from various backgrounds. Prominent educational establishments, such as the American School of Paris, EIB Victor Hugo, and Kingsworth International School offer a diverse range of English courses within the French educational framework.
The region also offers great networking opportunities that help expats settle into a vibrant English-speaking community. Social networking groups, professional organizations, websites, and expat networks like WICE and InterNations offer valuable avenues for expats, who can quickly feel at home.
Active English-speaking associations like Message Paris, which are open to individuals of all nationalities, also play a vital role in supporting newcomers. These associations organize cultural outings, leisure activities, and celebrations for events like Halloween, Thanksgiving, and the 4th of July. These activities are designed for children and the whole family so that newcomers can find support, advice, and tips, and meet new people.
Finding an apartment in Paris
The rental market is quite saturated, and traditional French landlords often prefer French tenants with a local guarantor, who will vouch for them. Finding suitable accommodation in Paris can be especially complicated for new arrivals. If you don’t have a property expert by your side, you’re not in the area to visit apartments, you don’t know the neighborhoods well, and you still need to find your new job, furnished accommodation is the easiest solution. It offers a quick way to find a place to live, with excellent flexibility.
Mid-term rentals: the easy way to find a home in Paris
Mid-term furnished rentals are available for periods ranging from 1 to 12 months, leaving you time to find long-term accommodation options better suited to your needs.
With Wunderflats, you can get started easily, and choose from a wide range of mid-term rental apartments. We will help you find the ideal spot to live and work and you can enjoy the benefits of a secure and optimized online process that gives you the flexibility that can make all the difference. You can save time along the way, and even sign the contract before you get there. All that will be left to do is prepare for the new chapter!
Moving to Paris: what you need to remember
If you’re thinking of moving to Paris for work or study, we recommend exploring mid-term furnished rental apartments. Renting high-quality accommodation that you wouldn’t otherwise find on the market will give you the chance to enjoy Parisian life in the best possible conditions. And if you decide to extend your stay after your year of study or work, you’ll find it easier to find a long-term rental, knowing the city like the back of your hand!
A few things to note: In order to stay more than 3 months, foreign nationals of legal age must hold a long-stay visa or a residence permit. You will also need to be covered by health insurance to stay in France.
Whether it’s a professional relocation or a new chapter in your studies, moving to Paris is a great decision. You’ll find an exceptional quality of life, a breathtakingly beautiful city with charm, incredible gastronomy, and cultural activities.
Once you’re ready for the move, and start looking for a furnished rental apartment, head over to Wunderflats to find your home in Paris.
Bon voyage!
