"The Hunt" Returns to France

I enjoy these articles, but they always leave me with more questions than answers. I love the "idea" of moving to France, but I am leery of the red tape, all of the financial consequences, etc.

Still, bully for the couple.

There are many couples/families/singles on YouTube that post their move to France. Using agencies or doing it on their own. France, Italy or Spain have been on my list of possible countries to retire in, however I just started my retirement and Slow Travel around the world for the next few years. Maybe when I finally want to settle back down again I'll have an idea of where exactly that may be.

I wish luck & success for those that attempt any move out of your own country. Safe Travels.

$450,000 is a very large budget for a house in Normandie. It's a low-cost place to buy, which is why so many French people buy their summer homes here. Inexpensive real estate and easy access to the coast. Plus some good restaurants and seafood.

As for red tape and financial consequences, I've bought (and sold) several houses in the U.S. and only one in France. But the process of buying a French house is not particularly complex. It's a bit more regulated and structured than in the U.S., as many things are in the EU, but I wouldn't describe it as burdensome. In fact, a lot of the structure is there to protect the buyer.

As for the financial consequences, that depends on your situation. But if you're retired and your income from retirement resources (U.S, Social Security, IRAs, 401(k) accounts, a French pension if you've earned it) is not high (I don't recall the threshold but I think it's around 100,000€), you should see very little tax consequences from France, since pensions below that threshold are not taxed. Your principal tax liability will remain in the U.S., which means you get to live in a high tax high service society, while only paying the comparatively low tax (and avoiding its low service) obligation of the U.S. Oh, and universal health care kicks in after only a few months of residence.

Unless you choose to live in Paris or an expensive place along the south coast, you most likely will be able to live in France much more cheaply than in the U.S., and enjoy a higher quality of life.

But it's an adjustment. And it means being separated from friends and family, many of whom will say they'll visit but ultimately won't.

One must weigh the choice and make the move that suits them.