ย Why did I move to France?
It’s time to answer a most frequently asked question: “Why did you move to France?”
“Because I could”ย
That might sound like a smug answer, and I don’t mean it to be taken that way. Yet it’s true. I’m healthy, my children are in good places in their lives, and I figured out how I could afford to live in France.
Let’s set the record straight. I’m not wealthy. A farmhouse to remodel in Provence is not in the plan. I “finagle” and try to stretch my retirement funds, just like most everyone else.
I added up how much it would cost me to live in France- which is less than you’d think- and then I minimized my “footprint” in the U.S.
Getting rid of “stuff” for a move to France
By “minimize,” I mean I got rid of my “stuff.” Some things went to my children, and some were sold at an estate sale. Charities have boxes full of clothes and household items, and the few remaining “treasures are stored in a mini-warehouse.
“Minimize” also means that when I’m in the States over the holidays, I “mooch.” (A few friends love for me to visit with them for weeks at a time.)
In my first year back in the U.S. from France, I put over 5000 miles on a “borrowed” car.ย I drove to South Carolina, North Carolina, and through Georgia to stay for one to two weeks, each with various good buddies. Most have guest “suites,” which works great for us all. Happily, all my hosts have homes with beautiful views. I’m blessed.
P.S. They all know they have a “vacation home” to visit in France anytime. Some have already taken my offer.
This year I really lucked up. I moved in with my youngest son and his family during my time state-side.
Throughout my son’s childhood, he often said: “Mom, when I’m married, I’m going to build a house in my backyard for you.”
I took him up on it.
Now, there’s a guest apartment in the walk-out basement of his home.
It pays to teach your children to keep promises.
P.S. The “rent” I pay while I’m in the guest quarters helps him with the cost of the house addition — which adds to the re-sell value of his home. A “win-win” for us both.
Costs in France
Apartment rental is less than you’d think in small villages in France. The problem is, if you want a furnished apartment, usually, you can only get a one-year lease. The “tower” apartment I fell in love with in Uzรจs was unfurnished. It has a three-year lease.
As you’ll remember through various early posts, I furnished the apartment in Uzes with pieces mostly from brochante stores. I shopped around for good values on other new items. The best part about this is that when/if I leave, everything can be sold back to the brocantes or through a house sale.
Some things I “bartered” from my friend Geoffrey, who was “downsizing” his massive collection of “stuff.” As for the cost of utilities, food, and “miscellaneous,” everything’s about the same as in the U.S.
Cars and more cars
Like iPhones, I have a car for France and a car for the U.S. Both compact vehicles were purchased “used” with 100,000+ miles on each odometer — for less than the price of one “new” car.
“Minnie” is stateside, and “Lucy” is in France. Yes, I pay to store the car in France, but it’s not exorbitant, and I know it’s safely put away from weather and vandals.ย Minnie stays in the U.S. with my son.
Why not move to France?
When anyone asks why I moved to France, I turn the tables and reply, “”Why not?”
Believe me, if you want something badly enough, you can figure out how to get it.
