South of France (real estate, how much, buying a home)

[Mossy]

My husband got a job in Sophia Antipolis. What are the areas to look at when buying a home?

[DannyBanany]

Nice is very close to Sophia Antipolis so there is always the potion of living in Nice if you want great nightlife and other things that come with living in a city. If you prefer suburbs, and if you prefer affluent ones, try Cagnes Sur Mer, Villefranche, Saint Jean Cap Ferrat, or Cannes.

[Bugnubs]

Lucky you! Have you spent any time in the area previously? If not, for starters, try googling: "ventes+maisons+Sophia Antipolis" and you should get a string of real estate agencies (immobiliers) and their ads. You probably know there's no organisation like MLS in France, but also look at FNAIM, ORPI and SNPI (google), which are national organisations representing agencies' listings. Alternatively, there are several forums online for English speakers moving to/living in France. If I'm permitted here, you might have a look at AngloInfo.com and go to the Cote d'Azur section, where you will find agency info and can also post questions to the readership. It'll be quite costly to purchase in the area but hopefully your husband's relocation package provides COL allowances. Best of luck and enjoy your new life! If you like, you can PM me and I could help you with the French real estate jargon.

[Mossy]

Thanks Danny for the info.

Bugnubs,
Never was to France at all. I am wondering how the weather is like? We are looking to spend about 300,000 euro for a place to buy. I don't know if that is unrealistic. Besides a home, approx. how much are costs for the month? i.e. outings, food, etc.

[Bordeaux]

wow, i just want to say that Sophia Antipolis is the french Sillicon Valley
for $300k euros you should find a nice home in the suburbs of Nice, otherwise you can also look in Antibes.
here is a list of few domestic costs:
- internet 100mb connexion + 200 TV channels + Free phone call to europe and america costs 30 euros

- electricity: around 50euros
- mobile phone 30euros
- fuel: 1.359€/litre
- university is free
- pizza: 2 large dominos 21€
- a nice new car would cost 20k euros

thats all i can think about right now

[DannyBanany]

The weather in the South of France is AMAZING!
The dry Mediterranean climate and constant sunshine is the reason so many people go there for vacation and it is why many people go there to study art. Some of the best artists have worked on the French Riviera.

Like someone said, 300k will get you a nice place. When I was visiting the Riviera I stayed with a family in Saint Laurent du Var. Their house had a large pool, garage, and loft. Saint Laurent du Var is also very close to Sophia Antipolis.

[Mossy]

Thanks you Bordeaux for the information and estimates. I wanted to ask but how is the special education in France? I have a child who is on the autistic spectrum (PDD-NOS). She is mild but was wondering what the education is like there.

Thanks Danny for the info as well.

Mossy

[Bordeaux]

Originally Posted by Mossy

I have a child who is on the autistic spectrum (PDD-NOS). She is mild but was wondering what the education is like there.

Mossy, i didnt understand that part, would you explain using simpler words
english is not my mother tongue

[Mossy]

Originally Posted by Bordeaux

Mossy, i didnt understand that part, would you explain using simpler words
english is not my mother tongue

I was wondering what the education is like for a child who has autism? My daughter is on the autistic spectrum although she has a mild form of it.

Also, how is getting a pediatrician who specializes in children who have special needs?

Thanks Bordeaux!

[Bordeaux]

You can't find a better healthcare than the french one. About school to be honest I have no idea about "la cote d'azur" ones.