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Where to live in Paris as an expat

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Is Paris a good place to live for expats?

Paris has always been the top destination for expats to live and work! It is one of the most diverse cities in the world. According to INSEE, over 334,566 foreigners from more than 110 countries live in Paris, representing 15% of the whole Parisian population.

Paris is an excellent place to live for expatriates in terms of work-life balance, job security, quality of life, culture, gastronomy, healthcare, childcare, and school quality. However, once you have decided to move to Paris, you might wonder where to live and rent a long-term furnished apartment as an expat since this capital city seems vast with its 20 arrondissements and many suburban towns nearby. This blog will give you insider advice about the best places to live in Paris as an expat.

Where do most expats live in Paris? 

Le Marais, Paris 3rd & 4th arrondissements

The Marais area is one of the trendiest and most diverse neighborhoods in Paris, with countless fashion shops (from big French brands to local independent fashion designers' boutiques), galleries, restaurants, and bars. Despite being a hot spot during Fashion week and the LGBTQ capital of Paris, it is also the right area to live for the art and fashion crowd. Many foreign influencers, stylists, fashionistas, and artists rent their apartments in Le Marais. Strolling around the neighborhood, you won't even notice that you are in Paris, hearing people speaking all different languages in the street. However, the rent price of Le Marais is among the highest in central Paris.

Bourse and Sentier, Paris 2nd arrondissement

The Sentier district, known as the "Silicon Valley" of Paris (Silicon Sentier), is home to many rising local startups and multinational companies in the IT, Tech, and multimedia industry, such as Facebook, Le Bon Coin, and BlaBlaCar. The Bourse area used to house the Paris Stock Exchange stands in the famous Place de la Bourse. This financial business district still plays an essential role in Paris's finance and banking industry.

Therefore, many corporate expatriates choose to relocate to the 2nd arrondissement of Paris and rent a corporate rental apartment nearby their office. Moreover, the Bourse - Sentier quartier is pleasant to live in for expats where many trendy restaurants offer worldwide cuisine, bars, and food shops.

Victor Hugo and Chaillot, Paris 16th arrondissement 

The 16th district of Paris is the first choice for diplomats and professional expatriates. The north of Paris' 16th arrondissement (the Victor Hugo and the Chaillot districts) boasts the highest concentration of diplomatic establishments and government organizations, with over 80 embassies. Therefore, the 16th district might have fewer attractions to see and fewer activities going on. However, this elegant Parisian residential neighborhood offers a great selection of high-end Haussmannian apartment rentals and prestigious bilingual schools, such as the International School of Paris. Therefore, diplomats and their families often rent furnished apartments in the 16th district during their professional missions in Paris.

Where are the best places to live in central Paris for expats?

Looking at the 20 arrondissements of Paris and its suburbs, you might need guidance when choosing where to rent your apartment in Paris during your expatriation. Besides the three popular arrondissements, here are some other great Parisian neighborhoods and Paris suburbs for you to rent a long-term furnished apartment.

Champs Elysées and Madeleine, Paris 8th arrondissement

If you do not mind crossing tourists rushing to the Champs-Elysées and Arc de Triomphe daily, the 8th district of Paris is an expat-friendly place to live, especially for those who are living in Paris for the first time. Undoubtedly, the 8th district is one of the more expensive places to rent an apartment in Paris. However, it benefits from an exclusive central location in Paris, between the Louvre, Madeleine, and the Arc de Triomphe. Moreover, with handy public transportation or even a city bike, you can easily reach any corner of Paris.

Saint-Germain-des-Prés, Paris 6th arrondissement

If you'd like to experience the Parisian life and live in a typical Parisian neighborhood, Saint-Germain-des-Prés is always a good idea if you have the budget. The 6th arrondissement of Paris is an affluent and chic residential district.You will discover many beautiful furnished apartment rentals in Saint-Germain-des-Prés featuring Parisian chic and 17th-century architectural characteristics. In addition, you will find many exceptional historical properties from the 16th and 17th centuries.

The district of Saint-Germain-des-Prés and the garden of Luxembourg are tourists' favorite spots. Prestigious institutions such as the Institut de France, the Senate, and the Théâtre de l'Odéon make this arrondissement special. In addition, teaching places such as the Lycée Montaigne, the Fenelon High School, the Ecole Alsacienne, and the renowned École des Beaux-Arts attract students from all over the world.

Affordable places to live in central Paris as an expat

The cost of living and the price of apartment rentals in Paris can sometimes be intimidating. On average, the rent price of a furnished one-bedroom flat is between 1 300 € – 3 000 € per month. If you are moving to Paris as a student or starting your career, and looking for affordable, cheaper arrondissements to rent, here are some neighborhoods to consider.

There are lovely mansions and exclusive townhouses in Paris' 19th and 20th arrondissements, full of French countryside vibes. For expat families, the Charonne neighborhood, called "la Campagne à Paris," the Père Lachaise, St Blaise in the 20th arrondissement) and the Buttes-Chaumont district in the 19th arrondissement might be a great and affordable alternative if you want to rent a big family house in Paris.

Where to live in Paris as an international student?

Quartier Latin and Les Gobelins, Paris 5th arrondissement

Suppose you are an international student studying at Sorbonne University. In that case, renting a furnished apartment in Quartier Latin is your most convenient option. Indeed, it is one of the most famous Parisian districts among international students and expats. On your way to the school, you will cross the Pantheon, the Luxembourg Garden, and the arenas of Lutèce and enjoy the best after-school life on rue de la Huchette. If you are looking for a less expensive rental option while still being close to the Sorbonne Campus, the Les Gobelins neighborhood on the edge of the 5th and 13th districts is also great. This student neighborhood is home to many affordable restaurants, bistros, and bookshops. In addition, you are only a few minutes from the Chinese Quarter, where you will find cheap groceries and exotic ingredients from Asian supermarkets.

Oberkampf, Bastille, Paris 11th arrondissement

Schooling is essential, but at the same time, enjoying the precious after-school life while you are in Paris will create many unforgettable memories! The dynamic and lively 11th arrondissement is one of the best places to live in Paris if you want to be close to the exciting Parisian nightlife. Undoubtedly, the Bastille neighborhood is one of the flagship areas for student nightlife, from rue de Lappe, rue de Charonne, to rue de la Roquette. In addition, the Oberkampf neighborhood is also a popular nightlife venue, full of trendy restaurants and bars.

The best Paris suburb to live for expatriates

La Défense Business District

La Défense, located in the Hauts-de-Seine, is known as the CBD - business district in Paris, with nearly 500 companies, 40% of which are foreign establishments. Besides, this dynamic business district offers modern residential buildings, excellent access to public transportation, and shopping facilities (Paris La Défense Arena, one of the largest shopping centers in Europe). Therefore, many companies rent professional housing for their corporate employees in La Défense.

Boulogne Billancourt

Boulogne Billancourt is also the best place to live near Paris for expatriates and their families. The Bois de Boulogne is nearby, offering beautiful nature and superb leisure facilities such as horseback riding and boating. Boulogne Billancourt is also home to many international companies, such as Renault, TF1, and Huawei. Besides, there are several bilingual schools in the town. One of the most prestigious international schools in Paris - the American School of Paris, is easily accessible by bus.

Home is not a set house or a single town on a map. It is wherever you love to be. Each neighborhood in Paris has its unique character and atmosphere. We wish you to find your dream Parisian area to enjoy your Paris Rental in Paris!

Editor: Siyi Chen

Credit Photo@Alice Mîndru

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