Top 5 Reasons Why I Moved to Paris

I’m often asked why I moved to Paris from the United States only six months after graduating from university. Many French people — whether Parisians or not —express shock when they hear about my decision. “Don’t move here to live or work, move here to retire!” is a sentiment I’ve heard more than once. Even while talking with one of my colleagues who is originally from Australia, I realized that this reaction of shock is shared internationally because many people see the U.S. as a country that is wealthy, powerful, and full of the “American Dream.” 

In my experience, this is not an accurate view of the U.S., and it only took a few days of studying abroad in Paris for me to realize that I feel more at home here. There are many things I love about Paris, but after reflecting upon why I bought a one-way ticket to France, I’ve narrowed down my list to the top five reasons why I moved to Paris.  

Reason #1: Paris is more sustainable than in any place I’ve lived in the U.S.

Where I’ve lived in the States, it’s been a struggle to find affordable, sustainable products that are good for both you and the planet without breaking the bank. Composting is still widely unknown. Single-stream recycling is the norm, despite multiple research studies showing that separating our recycling is more effective. Plastic bags — plastic everything, really — is a way of life.  

Not so in Paris. 

Compost spots are located at markets around the city, and a composting program offers free compost buckets and bio-bags to anyone who asks. Reusable bags are the norm, as are paper or compostable bags for things like loose snacks, fruits, and vegetables. We separate our recycling into one container for paper and plastic, and one for glass. I can easily find sustainable options for everyday items like toothpaste, perfume, and facial cleanser — all for about the same price as their plastic-wrapped alternatives. Actually, I’m so in love with Paris’s sustainability that I wrote a separate article about my favorite eco-friendly products.  

While I still need to do more research about sustainable policies and government initiatives in France, it’s been a relief to find local, eco-friendly shops and to be able to be more sustainable on an individual level. 

 

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Reason #2: I don’t have to drive a car anymore. 

Not only is taking public transportation better for the environment, the transport in France is much better than I’ve seen in the U.S. In Paris in particular, the Métro, buses, and trams are reliable, fast, safe, and affordable — and perfect for someone who hates driving like I do. 

In the U.S., practically everyone needs a car or needs to know someone with a car. This is not the case in Paris. While there are car options through apps like Uber, Lyft, and BlaBlaCar, along with plain old taxis, the public transportation is absolutely stellar. And if all else fails, there are plenty of bikes to rent around the city. 

Reason #3: The food. Need I say more? 

In my opinion, French food is among some of the best. While I don’t eat meat, I still feel that I can enjoy the wide variety of food — and wine! — that France has to offer. Pains au chocolat  and chaussons aux pommes have become my favorite bakery treats, while galettes filled with cheese and vegetables are among my favorite lunch and dinner foods. As a bonus, French food makes me feel healthier, a sentiment shared by many Americans I’ve spoken to. While some have said that they couldn’t eat certain foods — such as gluten items — in the States, they have little or no problems when they come to France. I’ve had a similar experience. Since I moved, I have felt and looked healthier, and I’ve been able to eat foods that I can no longer eat in the U.S. Maybe it’s the fact that some preservatives used in the U.S. are banned in France; maybe it’s part of the culture to use healthier, fresher ingredients and to eat a more balanced diet. The point is: I think there is something truly magical about French food. 

Reason #4: Universal health insurance. We could really use that in the States. 

Universal health insurance is an amazing benefit and is something every country should have.  

While I’m waiting on my carte vitale (French health insurance card), I’ve had to visit the doctor and purchase medication. At first, I was nervous. My medications and doctors’ visits cost a pretty penny in the U.S., even with insurance. How much would going to the doctor and purchasing medication cost me when I had zero insurance? 

Not much, apparently. In fact, my medication cost less than it did with my U.S. insurance. While I look forward to receiving my carte vitale, in the meantime, I’m not worried about being able to pay my medical bills. That’s a privilege many people in the U.S. cannot claim, and for that fact alone, I don’t have any desire to leave France. 

Reason #5: I love the French language, people, and culture. 

Paris may be the City of Love, but what I love most are the language, people, and culture. The French language has always sounded beautiful to me, even if my own French sounds terrible to my ears! While it’s a difficult language to learn, living in Paris has provided me with many personal and professional opportunities to improve and (hopefully) master it. Much of this success can be attributed to the people I’ve met. While the people of Paris aren’t always known to be the friendliest, I’ve found that they are always willing to lend a helping hand and that many are patient and appreciative if you try to speak in French.

One thing that surprised me about the French, especially people my age, is that many are eager to practice their English by conversing with native English speakers. It’s largely due to my Parisian friends that I’ve been able to improve my French and learn more about the slang and subcultures of Paris. From the chic 16th arrondissement to the hip city center to the bohemian Belleville neighborhood, Paris’s subcultures — and French culture in general — have something for everyone to enjoy. 

I can’t pick a favorite reason for moving to Paris, but these five nail it pretty well. And even though most of my love for Paris is not romantic, I must confess that I met my French partner here. Maybe Paris truly is the City of Love after all.