With a population of just over 1 million, Nice is the seventh most populated city in France, and one of the most popular cities for Expats in Southern France. With so much of the city being built around welcoming tourists and expats, whilst keeping long-term residents entertained, it’s not hard to see why so many people move to Nice.
For a real flavour of Nice, and if you want to match the traditional and picturesque image that you imagine when you think of Nice, you should head for the old town. “Vieux Nice” is largely made up of narrow streets flanked by tall, pastel coloured houses that are happy neighbours to cafes, family shops and the famous Cours Saleya flower market.
Another very popular area, especially with British expats, is in the proximity of the promenade, that takes its name from English artistocracy who used to spend the winter in Nice. It doesn’t get much more idyllic than the sea views from the Promenade des Anglais.
Properties in this area are fairly hard to come by because the area is mainly dominated by hotels and holiday lets, but there are a few private residences scattered around, and even some private sections of beach. Naturally, the coastal and promenade areas get very busy in the summer, so this isn’t the neigbourhood for those expats looking for a quiet neighbourhood.
If you are looking for a quiet part of Nice, we recommend having a look around Cimiez. This upmarket area of Nice is known for its numerous museums and parks such as Les Arènes de Cimiez, which has a vast olive grove. There is plenty of history in Cimiez, with Roman city ruins and the Excelsior Regina Palace.
Be sure to venture up to the beautiful gardens of the monastery that offers spectacular views of the city. In Cimiez you will be tempted by beautiful Belle Epoque houses and elegant apartments, making it one of the most desirable areas of Nice to live in.
The Musicians District can be found just South of the main railway station. Especially convenient for its transport links and having as many local amenities on your doorstep that you could possibly need, Nice Musiciens is an attractive area for expats moving to the city.
Heading North West out of the centre of Nice you will find the hills district, and in particular, Pessicart. Although this area is not so well connected by public transport and does not have the convenience of a wealth of shops within the immediate vicinity, Pessicart more than makes up for these shortcomings with incredible panoramic views.
Furthermore, the properties are a little more affordable and more diverse, offering a range of accommodation from apartments suited for single occupancy to family houses with ample garden space.
If you are looking for an area to live within easy reach of the beating heart of Nice, you should consider looking near Avenue Jean Médecin. This part of the new town is where all the most popular shops and bars are located. Here you will find generously sized townhouses, tree-lined avenues and numerous cultural hot spots. It is also easy to reach by the recently installed tramlines that connect most of the central areas of the city.
For more details about what to do while visiting Nice, click here to read our cultural guide to Nice. Alternatively, click here for more information on moving to France.