Is Nice, France Worth It for Retirement? Real Rent Costs, Neighborhoods & Tradeoffs 🇫🇷

That part of the world is amazing.

Hi Scott,

Really enjoying your journey to find a retirement home in the south of France. Very informative.

David

Hi, Scott – I communicated with you a month or so ago and am following your exploration as it is almost identical to mine except you're in France right now!
So appreciated this analysis of Nice. I know I would prefer the ambiance, the weather and the "vibe" there but am concerned that it would come at too high a cost (financially). I have been watching Ben Small's channel, as well, and find him to insightful – especially when it comes to the psychology around decisions (both emotional and pragmatic) that people make when moving to France. Alas, the rents in Nice might just be over my budget and, like you, I am concerned about the declining value of the dollar. Although I was in France last September, I didn't make it to Nice and, after your video, am wondering if I should even consider spending time there if it is not a viable long-term option.

A dear friend now, also from the USA moved to Nice a few months before I decamped for SW France.

For me? Too many Americans, not gonna lie. Too expensive overall, too.

Enjoy!

Where to next?

Hi I am in SoCal going to nice in May to check out the different neighborhoods by doing some research, I think Le Port will be more what I am looking for because I want certain amenities ( like elevator, A/c, renovated kitchen and bathroom)

Hi Scott! I have been enjoying your videos and your sharing your process of deciding where to live in France. My husband and I are American expats living in Nice. We have been here for four years. I did want to say that there is definitely a large and very vibrant and welcoming American expat community here in Nice. There are lots of activités and opportunities to meet people.

As you consider which city is right for you, I thought I’d add a few other things. Another neighborhood you might consider is Les Fleurs. I don’t think you mentioned that. It is just west of the Carré D’Or. it starts right near the Alsace Loraine tram stop and Blvd Gambetta. A lot of American expats are settling there. We have friends that live there and they really like it. There are two large supermarkets and lots of restaurants, cafes, boulangeries, etc. In the area. It is a nice combination of residential quiet, with all the amenities you might need. It is a very short walk to the sea. Just something to consider.

As for Old Town, it is, as you said, full of tourists and can be very noisy. Because the streets are so narrow, many of the apartments can be dark unless you are on the top floor. And there aren’t many elevators, so it can be a lot of climbing. That said, many people like it. It is a matter of taste.

Another positive of Nice is that our weather is generally milder than in Provence or Occitanie. We are warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer.

On the downside, rents have definitely gotten more expensive in recent years and apartments are hard to find. And, as you would expect, in the summer, Nice is very crowded with tourists.

Just something things to consider. Good luck in your decision and move. We are certainly glad that we made the move.

I was interested in this video until the constant political reasons you’re leaving the US. Not all of us feel that way. We spend lots of time in Europe, but I just can’t watch, sorry.

Hello Scott, I just found your channel! Waiting to leave Alabama this year with a move to Nice. I will go back and watch your other videos! Thank you

First, Nice is already an expensive city if Americans seek for settling there in more, that will still increase more the rents.
In conclusion,Dear American is you want to do a part of your life in France, I advise to live from Dordogne toward the gates of Alsace '
You will do good business in estate and you will participate to re-populate this area.

That you for this information, Scott. Appreciate you doing what I would have had to do. Great perspectives. I look forward to learning what you decide.

Stumbled upon your videos and they are so helpful. My husband and I were in Nice last week on a retirement scouting trip also. Moving for all the same reasons as you are! I’m looking forward to hearing where you land. Good luck on your journey! Keep the videos coming.

Thanks Scott for the videos and for creating your channel. I have about 5 years to go until I retire at 62 but am already planning. I appreciate your sharing and the information you provide of your experience.

Thank for great info and content. Which agency to use for finding a 1-2 furnished bedroom apartment for a 3-6 month lease? Any suggestions?

Let’s hope the French people can still find apartments to live in and we don’t piss them off by Jacking up their market up like what happened in Portugal.

First thank you so much. I found your vlogs about a day ago and have I watched them one after another like it was an educational course!! :😄Thank you for sharing honestly and clearly both the emotional side and the practical steps you are taking.. this is so helpful!!! Each vlog was on the money wrt how I feel and where I am. I would love to take a field trip like you are doing but lost on what steps to take to accomplish it like, finding a one month rental to scope the place and, a realtor to show me around. Do you have any recommendation? Have you already got your VLS-TS visa?

Thanks Scott…Ive been several times….I love Villefranche….

Very nice video…I have an apartment where i live in liberation, 30 years now.
You are wrong about time for tram to old town…less than 10 minutes.

I spent a year abroad in Nice and absolutely adored it. I’ve been back many times since then and am planning to move there permanently next September following my retirement in June. Thank you for this video. I found it very informative and helpful for narrowing down my apartment search.

I hear Dijon is nice.