Your Expat Community in Nice

Finding a place to live in Nice can be difficult. The demand is high, and rent can be expensive, especially close to the beach. It might take some time to find a place that suits your budget as the competition is tough, and landlords prefer people with a steady income or a local guarantor.

It’s best to start looking early and have all your documents ready. For more information on finding housing in Nice, check out The Local France. Platforms like Seloger also offer the latest rental listings and prices.

Nice has a sizeable community of foreigners, making up about 15% of the population. In terms of services, like hospitals or legal help, you’ll be able to find English speakers on staff or translation services.

There are also English-speaking clubs and social groups to help you settle in, such as on Facebook and the business club Cote d’Azur. InterNations is another way to help you get started in the community — there are social and networking events, cultural outings, and interest-based groups on offer.

Notably, Nice ranks moderately in EF’s English Proficiency Index. In tourist spots, you’ll find that many locals speak English, but having some French skills can make life easier, especially in areas that aren’t as tourist-heavy.

The locals might seem a bit reserved at first, but they usually warm up once you get to know them. A little French goes a long way — learning some basic phrases can make the city feel a lot more welcoming.

And since there are many expats in Nice, finding people to connect with is possible. Check out expat groups, attend meetups, or even try fun activities like yoga, art classes, or wine tastings to meet people with similar interests.

Or join the InterNations Nice Community and start your journey today! It’s a great way to connect with other expats in Nice, find events, and join social groups.

Nice is generally safe; however, petty crime is a serious issue.

Although the main tourist areas and the city center are well patrolled, you should be mindful of pickpockets, especially in busy spots like markets, buses, and trains. Street theft is common and thieves are known to employ several tactics like the ‘crush’ technique in crowds, the ‘car door grab’, or unregistered scooters for quick getaways.

At night, it’s a good idea to stick to well-lit and lively areas. Some neighborhoods that are far from the beaten path for tourists, such as L’Ariane, La Trinite, and Les Moulins, have a rough reputation.

So, keep your personal items out of sight and stay cautious in less secure areas to enjoy a safe stay in Nice!

Moving to Nice with your family can be a fun and exciting experience. The city offers lots of parks, fun activities, and good schools to choose from for your kids. Plus, you’re close to the beach and nature, so there’s always something to do outdoors.

It might take a little time to adjust, especially when it comes to learning French. By joining the InterNations Nice community or checking for Facebook groups, you may find other expat families to meet and connect with.

And if you’re looking for fun places to take the kids, Kids in Nice has great ideas for family activities.

Living in Nice can be expensive. It’s a popular place for both tourists and expats, so rent and dining out can be steep. And if you want to live close to the beach or in the heart of the city, prepare for high accommodation costs.

On the flip side, life in Nice comes with many perks that make it worth it. There’s plenty of outdoor activities like hiking and cycling routes, plus the beach is nearby.

Public transport is also affordable, so getting around is easy. As for groceries, you'll find that there are affordable options, but if you’re looking for organic or imported items, expect to pay more.

Here’s a quick look at the monthly cost of living in Nice: