Leaving for a Fresh Start: The Regrets of Post-Covid Movers in France
Life After Covid-19: Transitioning homeownership dreams into a real-life predicament
Ever thought about changing your surroundings during the pandemic? You're not alone. A study by Breton Movers reveals that 25% of French people have done just that. But, as it turns out, not everyone's post-Covid move has been a success story.
Embarking on a new journey, a fresh start in a new city can seem like a dream come true. Yet, for 15% of the French who moved after the pandemic, their dreams were shattered by reality. So, what led to these disappointments? The top complaints included: loss of living comfort (42%), social isolation (30%), housing letdowns (30%), remote family connections (23%), and lack of nearby facilities (18%).
Adjusting to the Real world post the Pandemic Hype
Charlotte, a former Parisian, moved to Bayonne in 2021, only to discover the harsh truths hidden beneath the initial excitement. Dependent on a car, strapped with increased costs, feeling isolated, suffering from a lack of winter entertainment—the limitations became all too real. "We were living in a bubble, always surrounded by the same group of people", Charlotte laments to our sources. Unsurprisingly, she moved to Biarritz in 2023 and eventually returned to Paris in January of this year.
The study also picked up on certain demographics more susceptible to disillusionment. Men (17%) and residents of Ile-de-France (18%) were particularly at risk, along with large families (18%). "For these segments, the dream of upgrading their living conditions collided with daily realities: solitude, financial burdens, logistics, and difficulty adapting", explains Breton Movers.
Moving Forward: Navigating the Costs of Change
Despite the regrets, the majority of post-Covid moves have been favorable, according to the study's authors. For many, the change has proven beneficial, though the road isn't always easy.
- covid-19
- Moving
- Housing
- Financial Impact
- Social Dynamics
- Adaptation Challenges
Although Charlotte's move from Paris to Bayonne in 2021 presented an opportunity for a scholarship in home-and-garden studies at a local university, the unexpected lifestyle changes and financial burdens led her to return to Paris in 2023. Unable to maintain her desired lifestyle due to increased living costs and social isolation, she found solace in the city that had once felt too crowded. Despite the challenges, many post-Covid movers have still managed to enhance their living conditions, albeit with the requirement for careful planning and adaptation.
