Hi Maddy, I currently live outside of DC with my husband. We have been plotting and dreaming about moving to France and it's great to read about the practical steps you took to make it happen. May I ask what you ended up doing for a long-term rental? This seems to be one of our biggest hurdles.
Hi Sacha! Finding an apartment is definitely one of the most difficult hurdles! Luckily, we had my in-laws here in Paris who visited apartments and helped us with the process while we were still in Austin. We opted for a furnished rental for our first year here. We had to pay a large amount upfront, and quite honestly, had to overpay. But we compromised, as location was key for us due to our daughter’s school, and because of our timeline. A lot of people start with a short term rental (3-6 months) so that they have time to find a great long term apartment, and navigate the process while they’re here in Paris. Hope this helps!
Thanks, Maddy! Having in-laws on the ground is great—lucky you. We spent five weeks on the 16th this past Spring and used a rental service that I would be reluctant to use again (the apartment was nice but filthy). I appreciate your reply!
Hi Maddy, my family and I have been navigating a similar situation. My husband is also French. We currently live in New Orleans. We are looking at moving to either of 2 places: 1) Austin! or 2) Aix-en-Provence. I went to UT so Austin is familiar to me. Would love to chat more with you about your decision. We are in the pros and cons stage of our decision making. I haven't lived in Austin in many years so I'd love to hear more about it from your perspective. Good luck with the planning this Summer!
Hi Lauren! Thanks for your comment! 🤍So exciting that you all are planning a move, and I’d love to share some of my personal experiences if that would be helpful! I will reach out via message to chat personally, but here are a few quick thoughts:
I love Austin a lot! It’s my hometown so I’m a bit biased. However, I don’t feel it’s really aligned with our ideal lifestyle, as we’re looking for a more European way of life (walking vs. driving, ease of travel, high quality of food, etc.) Every place will always have its pros and cons, but for us it came down to what our priorities were and what we were willing to compromise on!
Hi Maddy, I currently live outside of DC with my husband. We have been plotting and dreaming about moving to France and it's great to read about the practical steps you took to make it happen. May I ask what you ended up doing for a long-term rental? This seems to be one of our biggest hurdles.
Hi Sacha! Finding an apartment is definitely one of the most difficult hurdles! Luckily, we had my in-laws here in Paris who visited apartments and helped us with the process while we were still in Austin. We opted for a furnished rental for our first year here. We had to pay a large amount upfront, and quite honestly, had to overpay. But we compromised, as location was key for us due to our daughter’s school, and because of our timeline. A lot of people start with a short term rental (3-6 months) so that they have time to find a great long term apartment, and navigate the process while they’re here in Paris. Hope this helps!
Thanks, Maddy! Having in-laws on the ground is great—lucky you. We spent five weeks on the 16th this past Spring and used a rental service that I would be reluctant to use again (the apartment was nice but filthy). I appreciate your reply!
Hi Maddy, my family and I have been navigating a similar situation. My husband is also French. We currently live in New Orleans. We are looking at moving to either of 2 places: 1) Austin! or 2) Aix-en-Provence. I went to UT so Austin is familiar to me. Would love to chat more with you about your decision. We are in the pros and cons stage of our decision making. I haven't lived in Austin in many years so I'd love to hear more about it from your perspective. Good luck with the planning this Summer!
Hi Lauren! Thanks for your comment! 🤍So exciting that you all are planning a move, and I’d love to share some of my personal experiences if that would be helpful! I will reach out via message to chat personally, but here are a few quick thoughts:
I love Austin a lot! It’s my hometown so I’m a bit biased. However, I don’t feel it’s really aligned with our ideal lifestyle, as we’re looking for a more European way of life (walking vs. driving, ease of travel, high quality of food, etc.) Every place will always have its pros and cons, but for us it came down to what our priorities were and what we were willing to compromise on!