Moving On: Departure from America En Route to Europe

Moving On: Departure from America En Route to Europe

Matthew Karsten, a travel blogger and digital nomad, along with his family, have recently embarked on a new adventure – moving to France. As American expats, they are documenting their journey on their travel blog, offering insights into the moving abroad experience and life as expats in France.

The family, now residing in Annecy, a picturesque town near the Swiss border and in the French Alps, has sold their house in North Carolina and their cars, downsizing their life for the past six months in preparation for the move.

Annecy, known for its great public transportation, friendly vibe, and stunning surroundings, boasts lakes, mountains, and a charming old town. The city's airport is just 35 minutes away in Geneva, Switzerland.

The family's travel blog will delve into various aspects of their new life in France, including food, healthcare, school for their kids, work-life balance, safety, cost, language barriers, and taxes.

Food enthusiasts will appreciate the diversity of French cuisine, from local cheeses and bread to pastries and refined dishes, although it may differ from typical American fare. Grocery costs can be higher, especially for organic or specialty items, but fresh produce and local products are generally affordable. Dining out ranges from budget-friendly street food to high-end restaurants, with mid-range restaurants costing around €15-€30 per meal.

The French healthcare system is highly regarded for its quality and accessibility. Expats may need to purchase private health insurance in addition to the French system, depending on their visa status and employment situation.

Public education in France is generally free and of high quality, with a focus on rigorous academic standards. International schools offering a more familiar curriculum are also available, though they come with higher tuition fees. Learning French is essential for integration and academic success, but resources like language courses and cultural immersion programs are readily available to help expats learn the language.

France prioritizes work-life balance with a 35-hour workweek, generous vacation time, and a strong emphasis on leisure activities. The job market can be competitive, especially without proficiency in French, but many multinational companies operate in France, offering opportunities for English-speaking professionals.

France is generally a safe country, with low crime rates compared to the US. However, petty theft and pickpocketing can be common in tourist areas, and safety can vary across regions.

Living costs in France are generally higher than in many parts of the US, but vary by region. Rent can be high, especially in Paris, with a one-bedroom apartment costing €800-€1,400 per month. Costs are lower outside major cities. Average monthly utility bills for a small apartment are around €150-€250.

The family, who hold dual US/EU citizenship, believe that Europe offers a more relaxed vibe, better food, and a stronger social system compared to the US. They encourage their followers to follow them on their favourite social media platforms as they continue to share their experiences and useful travel tips from 10 years of traveling and living around the world.

The family's new lifestyle in France includes exploring various aspects, such as food, healthcare, school, work-life balance, safety, cost, language barriers, and taxes, which they plan to document on their travel blog. Living costs in Annecy, with its great transportation, charming old town, and easy access to airports, might be higher than in North Carolina, but the family decided to move and adjust to a different lifestyle for their new adventure.

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