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GoneOffShore

(18,035 posts)

22. Aix is pricey, because of the university, and it's proximity to both Marseille and the countryside

Wed Sep 6, 2023, 01:58 AM

Sep 2023

And the rental market can be difficult for the same reasons.

We bought in 2017 and paid just over 325k dollars for our 900 sq foot, 2 bedroom flat in a 50 year old building. If the flat had been on a higher floor we would have paid more. Presently our charges are around 2200 euros a year, plus electricity - 700 euros per year right now, and local taxes of 2000 euros a year.

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5 years in France [View all] GoneOffShore Sep 2023 OP

👍 claudette Sep 2023 #1

Je pense que ce n'est pas que vous. DFW Sep 2023 #32

Je suis claudette Sep 2023 #37

Don't discard your dream. It's still there. DFW Sep 2023 #38

I'll try not to! claudette Sep 2023 #42

Marseille is beautiful. The last time I was there Emile Sep 2023 #2

We love Marseille - great restaurants, and lots of culture GoneOffShore Sep 2023 #6

I thought I recognized Aix, though it's been many years since I visited. Lonestarblue Sep 2023 #12

Aix has a large anglophone population because of the university GoneOffShore Sep 2023 #17

You get used to it. DFW Sep 2023 #33

But, what is the French cats name? IcyPeas Sep 2023 #3

Pierre ? Maraya1969 Sep 2023 #4

She is 'Dora the Cat Who Adopted Us', formerly 'Dora le chat d'ascenseur' GoneOffShore Sep 2023 #5

Awww I love it. This would be a great children's storybook... but from Dora's perspective. IcyPeas Sep 2023 #7

I once had a romantic partner from France. ChazInAz Sep 2023 #15

Lady Chat-terly? n/t DFW Sep 2023 #40

The last photo perfectly captures the essence of village life erronis Sep 2023 #8

Looks like Aix, a lovely town! trusty elf Sep 2023 #10

That photo is the market in the old town. And luckily for everyone's feet, there aren't too many GoneOffShore Sep 2023 #18

Will be joining you in 22 months. yowzayowzayowza Sep 2023 #9

Valbonne is nice, with a lot of Brits. The whole area around Nice is overbuilt. GoneOffShore Sep 2023 #19

Yea, if we end up in the Nice area, will stay north of the A8. yowzayowzayowza Sep 2023 #29

When we bought, we had three agents. And as you may know, agents work for both sides here GoneOffShore Sep 2023 #30

Thanks for the link. Hadn't run into that site. yowzayowzayowza Sep 2023 #31

Keep in mind the costs of a larger property as you age, along with the ability to do maintenance GoneOffShore Sep 2023 #34

No, I will not wholly own one of THOSE gardens. Not gunna happen. n/t yowzayowzayowza Sep 2023 #45

Did you speak french when you moved there? Mr.Bill Sep 2023 #11

On the European language scale, I spoke at a A2 level when we arrived. GoneOffShore Sep 2023 #20

Take it from one who lives in Germany, and is in a different country every day for work DFW Sep 2023 #35

I totally agree with you. Mr.Bill Sep 2023 #43

I'm envious! Sky Jewels Sep 2023 #13

5 yrs of paying for a storage unit? hmmm msongs Sep 2023 #14

Only did that for less than 18 months. And not sure why we did it in the first place. GoneOffShore Sep 2023 #21

How did you find the cost of housing? EleanorR Sep 2023 #16

Aix is pricey, because of the university, and it's proximity to both Marseille and the countryside GoneOffShore Sep 2023 #22

Less than $500 a month? That's interesting. But hard to believe. littlemissmartypants Sep 2023 #23

Here was a quarterly bill from 2022 GoneOffShore Sep 2023 #24

What's this for total living expenses? Or just housing? littlemissmartypants Sep 2023 #25

That's housing. GoneOffShore Sep 2023 #26

Makes much more sense now! Sorry it took so long to get to the crux of the matter. littlemissmartypants Sep 2023 #27

Thanks for the info. EleanorR Sep 2023 #28

Maybe Brasil? Konrad_95 Aug 2025 #46

Welcome to DU LetMyPeopleVote Aug 2025 #47

I'm in Germany. Not as romantic as France or Portugal, but......... DFW Sep 2023 #36

Very cool indeed. GoneOffShore Sep 2023 #39

But I remember seeing a few chteaux in the neighborhood when I visited there. DFW Sep 2023 #41

I admire your courage. Keep living your best life! Boomerproud Sep 2023 #44