If you want to live in a city that is not overcrowded by tourists yet still offers a holiday vibe, moving to Montpellier, France, will be your best decision.
Located on the French Riviera, living in Montpellier, France, will bring you closer to beautiful beaches. In addition, this city also provides excellent schools, markets, restaurants, and public transport systems.
To help you adjust to life in Montpellier, let’s check the following advice. After reading this article, you will know how to search for the best places to live in Montpellier, what you can expect when living here, the cost of living in Montpellier, France, and more.
1. Learn What To Expect When You Are Living In Montpellier, France
Montpellier is one of the largest cities in France after Marseille. It has lovely weather, beautiful architecture, and stunning scenery.
Before moving to this city, you should know what to expect when living there.
Weather
The summers in Montpellier are clear and warm. Thanks to its Mediterranean climate, this city has longer sunny days than most cities in France. On the other hand, its winters are generally long, cold, and windy.
Montpellier has relatively mild weather. The average temperatures throughout the year are between 27°F (-2.7°C) to 91°F (32.7°C). You will not experience extreme heat or cold in this city.
Great Retirement Destination
Montpellier is a popular retirement destination for locals and expats, mostly British citizens. This city has diverse options in real estate and neighbourhoods.
Additionally, Montpellier is not overcrowded, perfect for people who want to enjoy their retirement period. The community in this city is also warm and welcoming.
Another reason why Montpellier is a popular place to retire is the French schools. Foreign retirees can attend French schools for seniors above 50 years old. This way, they can communicate with their mates and local caretakers.
Language Schools
Don’t worry if you are not fluent in French when moving to Montpellier. You can attend one of many language schools in this city.
There are classes for students, business professionals, travellers, and even retirees. Feel free to choose a suitable course to improve your French skills.
2. Find The Best Places To Live In Montpellier
Before picking your choice for a neighbourhood, there are things you should consider. You need to look at the safety, amenities, walkability, and housing prices. We’ve shortlisted a few recommended neighbourhoods with these factors in mind.
Hôpitaux-Facultés
Hôpitaux-Facultés is a suburb in Montpellier where many students and expats live. This area is home to several universities and hospitals. Besides that, there are also stores and inexpensive restaurants for the residents to get affordable groceries and food.
You may want to make Hôpitaux-Facultés your first option since this place has decent amenities and is not too far from Montpellier centre. It only takes 27 minutes to commute from this neighbourhood to the town centre by public transport.
Écusson
Écusson is located in the heart of Montpellier and is a historic centre in this city. You won’t have any difficulty finding amenities such as restaurants, stores, and coffee shops. On top of that, this area is a tourist destination, so you can enjoy easy access to the city’s attractions.
Écusson has a large pedestrian area where everyone can walk comfortably. It is better to go around the neighbourhood on foot than driving.
As a typical city central area, the average house price in Écusson is expensive. The per square metre price can reach €2,000. However, if you have the budget and prefer the bustling vibe in central Montpellier, then Écusson is perfect for you.
Beaux-Arts
Beaux-Arts is a perfect neighbourhood for millennials. It has cafe corners, a local market, and carnivals. This area is also where the students, artists, and locals live.
The average property price in this area is around €300,000, and the apartment monthly rent is about €600. If you are single, you can find a smaller place with a monthly rent of less than €600.
3. Tips To Survive The Cost Of Living In Montpellier, France
The cost of living in Montpellier is not as expensive as in Paris. In Montpellier, a family of four will spend about €2,941 per month, excluding rent. However, the estimated monthly spending for a single person is around €814 without rent.
Like in other cities, the apartments and houses on the outskirts are relatively cheaper than those in the city centre. Therefore, you can save more on housing costs if you live outside the town centre.
You can follow these tips to cut your expenses in Montpellier:
- use apps that offer good deals for household goods, holidays, clothing, and pet supplies,
- buy second-hand household goods, and
- walking and biking to go to work.
4. Be Informed About The Most In-Demand Industries And Jobs In Montpellier
Finding a job may be one of the more challenging parts of a relocation process. However, if you know the most in-demand industries and jobs in Montpellier, you will know where to find an opportunity.
Below are some industries that are currently experiencing high demand in Montpellier:
- health and social care,
- manufacturing,
- food and beverage industry, and
- wholesale and retail.
If you have experience working in the above industries, you may have a better chance to work in Montpellier.
You can also advance your career in this city, especially if you work as one of these in-demand jobs:
- computer science and IT,
- doctor,
- dentist,
- engineer,
- teacher, and
- professional in hospitality.
You need to secure a job before starting to prepare for relocation. This way, you will have financial security, and if you are an expat, having a job means you’ll be able to proceed with your visa.
5. Explore Montpellier By Taking Public Transport
Montpellier has an excellent public transportation system. You will find it easy to find a tram line, train station, and beach shuttle. Therefore, you should not be worried even if you’re not planning to buy a car.
On top of that, Montpellier is walkable, especially in the city centre area. This area is only two square kilometres, and every place is within walking distance.
6. Spot The Best Places To Visit In Montpellier
Montpellier is a jewel in Southern France that gives you many places to see. Additionally, these places are lovely to visit all year round because this city is not overrun by tourists.
Here are some places that should be on your bucket list:
- Les Baux-de-Provence,
- Les Calanques National Park,
- Pic Saint-Loup Mountain,
- Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert,
- Rives du Lez, and
- La Promenade du Peyrou.
If you love shopping, make sure to visit Marché du Lez on Saturday mornings. It is a place where you can find a farmer’s market and antique sellers.
Visiting the above places can also be an opportunity for you to get closer to your new friends. You can ask them out for an outdoor adventure in Montpellier.
7. Give The Local Food A Taste When You’re Living In Montpellier!
One of the best ways to make yourself at home in a new city is by being familiar with the food. Luckily, there is a lot of delicious food in Montpellier.
You can find these tasty dishes at different price points in casual dining places, mid-range restaurants, and even fine dining restaurants. Below are some of the restaurants where the locals love to eat:
- Ripailles,
- Les t’OCqués,
- Food Truck Village, and
- Le Jardin des Sens.
For your information, Le Jardin des Sens is a fine dining restaurant that has been awarded with three Michelin stars.
Besides the delicious dishes, you should also taste the wine in Montpellier. Join a wine tour and tasting activity once you are settled in this city to get the full Montpellier experience.
8. Take Note Of Things To Do Before Moving To Montpellier, France
We cannot stress enough about preparing your relocation well. As a reminder, below are three things that you should put as priorities in your relocation note.
The Required Documents
Whether you are moving locally or internationally, it is crucial to prepare the correct documents. If you are from overseas, you need to prepare for the visa, work permit, and employment documents. On the other hand, if you are from France, at least you should have an employment document with you.
Contact your employer, school advisor, real estate agent for the list of documents needed. After that, you need to put “documents for submission” as your top priority.
Important Contacts
Save important contacts and call them a couple of weeks before your moving date. This way, they can prepare any essentials before your arrival.
The important contacts include your employer, real estate agent, school advisor, and family member. You can also contact them to ask questions such as directions to your office or school.
A Professional Mover
Engage a professional, like Sanelo, to ship your belongings to Montpellier. It is crucial to make your moving trip as comfortable as possible, moreover if you move from overseas. Carrying heavy luggage will be inconvenient for you.
We have a team with experience and expertise to ensure your belongings reach Montpellier. You can also visit our website for more information.
Conclusion About Moving To Montpellier, France
Moving to Montpellier may feel like you hit the jackpot. This city is beautiful with historical sites, national parks, and unique architecture.
This city has various growing industries and safe neighbourhoods. You can even make Montpellier your retirement destination. Montpellier is convenient with excellent amenities such as local markets, hospitals, schools, shops, and restaurants. On top of that, the public transportation here is pretty good.
Montpellier is also a perfect place to find delicious dishes, especially seafood and wine. Getting familiar with the local food is an effective way to adapt to a new city.
Tips that you should remember include ensuring you have the required documents, calling the important parties regarding your moving time, and engaging Sanelo. Your relocation process will be seamless if you follow these tips.
Frequently Asked Questions About Moving To Montpellier, France
Is Montpellier A Good Place To Live?
Montpellier is generally a great place to live for both locals and expatriates. This city offers economic growth, cultural and historical attractions, and high quality of life.
Is Montpellier, France, Safe?
Montpellier is a safe place for its residents and visitors, even at night. However, you should not ignore basic safety precautions to avoid being a crime victim. The most common crimes are theft and pickpocketing. Therefore, you should ensure you keep your belongings safe in your bag.
Can Sanelo Help My Overseas Relocation?
Sanelo can ship your belongings from overseas to Montpellier. Our team is ready to walk you through the process of your international relocation.
How Do I Contact Sanelo For My Relocation To Montpellier?
You only need to visit our official website and start a quote. Contact us via email or phone when you need more information about the shipment process.
Remember to contact us three or two months before your moving date, so our team can schedule a slot for you earlier. Besides that, it will also give our team more time to ensure the shipment meets your needs.
For more information about our service and moving tips, please check the following articles: