Hello all,

I've been told that I might want to consider the paris suburbs, when I move to france, as the cost of living is considerably lower, not to mention paris being easily accessible. Are there persons that would know more about this here? I'd be really grateful for any kind advice.

Best Regards,

Karl

Welcome to the Forum

Paris Suburbs are cheaper I believe, Cant give you any exact figures but if you search this forum section the subject has come up a few times before.

Hi Karl,
Make sure you do your homework and don't end up in a dodgy suburb, or I think life will get you down. There's plenty of very nice suburbs to choose from though (most of them on the west side), and prices for renting or buying are definitely reduced, but still by no means cheap. You would also have to offset this by the time/cost of travelling. The RER's are fast and efficient, but more expensive.

In another life, I used to live in the S.W. suburbs, going towards Versailles. It was on a direct SNCF line to St Lazare where I could walk to work.
I would advise choosing a suburb with a train/métro/bus line which is as direct as possible for where you are going to work.
http://www.ratp.fr/ will help.
On the other hand, avoid the "93" (N.E. of Paris) even if you work on a direct line from there. Not a nice Département to live in!
Hope this helps.

thanks a lot to all of you, it's really appreciated! I will check those links out now...

Hi there, my husband and I moved to Conflans (78700) on the RER line A about 3 months ago. It is very accessible for me to get to work in central Paris in about 35 mins and whilst property is not so cheap to buy, you can find some great value rentals with not too much trouble.

The town is pretty and friendly and has almost a 'holiday' destination feel to it, as it is laid out along the banks of the Seine, with boats up and down all day. On the other hand, everything you might need in practical terms is right here.

We've lived in Le Vesinet in the Western suburbs for just over 2 years, which is lovely but I would say not much cheaper than much of central Paris.

Conflans is a good suggestion. Whether we stay in Paris or return to UK or go somewhere else is still an open question, but we already decided that should we stay we would probably look to get a place in Conflans.

Herman, I would thoroughly recommend it! We can't imagine living anywhere else for the foreseeable future... There is nothing better than strolling along the quayside on a sunny, summer's evening.

Our neighbours have found one of the last bits of affordable building land available (it seems!) and are building an architect-designed house with pool - very jealous!

Danielle is right, I live in Conflans Ste honorine since a long time, it's very nice. direct RER A train to Paris or St Lazare in 30 minutes. A quiet life at the pace of barges.
<snip>

Paris is like New York land of Sub Letters..........

Don't let DMU put you off exploring the 93. I live in Saint Denis (heart of the 93)...sure it has its problems, but it's actually a very nice place to live....great transport links (Gare du Nord 8 mins by RER, Opera 20 mins by metro, CDG 20 mins) and it's very reasonably priced!
Plus we have one of the finest Gothic basiliques in Europe and the stade de France.

Hi Javanaise, nice to have a fellow 'Conflanaise' on the site! Where are you from originally?

Hi Danielle
I'm french and I'll go to Vietnam for 4 years in August.
I'm happy to travel but very sad to quit my village.
Good stay here Danielle, it's nice to live !