Paris is very much a city of neighborhoods. Lacking – or free from – the skyscrapers which define the skyline of so many of its contemporaries, Paris is still a horizontal city clearly defined by its many distinct and charming neighborhoods. There are, of course, certain aspects which are city-wide; you’ll never be far from an outdoor market, a local park or a public swimming pool wherever you choose to live. Other factors which will influence your housing decision include schools, transportation access, choice and variety of local shops, opportunities for entertainment, noise level and, naturally, price. It is quite surprising to some visitors how different the neighborhoods of Paris are, considering that the city is actually rather small. Yet if you prefer to live in a quiet, green area with little noise or a trendy canal-side neighborhood with unlimited bars or restaurants at your doorstep, you will be spoiled for choice. Neighborhoods are often very well blended, as well, so there is no ‘family’ arrondissement, for example. Instead, French and international families are spread throughout the city as are young couples, students, the elderly and middle-aged professionals. This rich mix of people lends a wonderful village-like quality to most areas and you may be surprised just how soon you fit into, and feel very protective of, ‘your’ neighborhood.
