From Südflorida to the southern France: it suits us perfectly

From Südflorida to the southern France: it suits us perfectly

Geoff and Pennie Zusercher lived in Florida for decades, but the popular retirement location did not meet the ideas of the American couple when they completed their careers. Almost 20 years ago, the Zuerchers decided to retire abroad. Recently, in the sun -drenched city of Nice on the Côte d’Azur, they have settled in France, which they like far better than the Sunshine State.

Nice: A better choice than Florida

"Nice is what Florida would like to be," says Pennie, 63 years old, and lists some of the most attractive properties of the Mediterranean city: "Nice weather, low humidity ... What is hot here is not really hot compared to Florida. And there is another cultural climate that is much more relaxed."

The "fast culture" of Florida was more stressful, says Pennie, who worked as a financial expert in the public and private sector. The Zuerchers lived in Florida for decades, most recently in Wilton Manors, north of Fort Lauderdale.

The slow life in France

in Nice, on the famous Côte d’Azur, you won't be rushed to eat in the restaurant and settle down in a street café to enjoy a drink and watch people is one of the great pleasure in French life. "France allows you to live life at a slow pace, which is healthier and more pleasant," says Pennie, who competed her retirement a little earlier than planned for health reasons and reports that her health has "nevertheless improved" while she lives in Nice.

social interaction in Nice

The way in which French people interact with strangers also fits well with the couple. A reluctance that some find cold or rude is by no means negative for them. "They have more formal social norms ..." says Geoff, 61 years old, who had previously worked as a police officer after a career in the insurance industry. "Everyone is deepened in their own affairs on the street. If you go somewhere and meet someone, there is always a 'Bonjour'. You try to speak a little French. As long as you see that you try ...

It is a relief for Pennie that it is not overwhelmed in the supermarket queue how many Americans are showered with small talk. "The French don't just start talking to people unless they really have a reason," she explains.

The move to the south of France

After thinking about living abroad first, Pennie and Geoff explored Mexico, the Caribbean and other places closer to the United States to facilitate visits from their three adult sons and Geoff’s parents. But nothing felt like France. Pennie's first trip to the country in 2016 - to visit a special concert by Jimmy Buffett in Paris - immediately aroused the wish to live in France.

The Zuerchers stayed on Paris for the first trips, but then tried to explore other regions. "One of the main reasons why we wanted to live abroad was the opportunity to travel comfortably," says Pennie. In recent years, US politics has also played a role in emigrating in its wish because they are "liberal".

The cost of living in Nice

Your lifestyle in Nice is financially feasible. The Zuerchers used the proceeds from the sale of their townhouses in Wilton Manors to pay their apartment in Nice Bar. Their monthly expenses are surprisingly low: you pay about 200 dollars quarterly for HOA fees, around $ 500 annually for homeowners insurance and about $ 1,200 on base taxes.

Geoff and Pennie go out for lunch several times a week. On shopping days, go to the supermarket with your handcart, then to a local fruit and vegetable market, and keep a baguette on the way back in the bakery. They are impressed by the very high food quality in France.

learning the language

Of course there are also disadvantages. Pennie and Geoff describe the language barriers as one of the greatest challenges. "The older you get, the more difficult it is to learn a language," says Pennie, although her French has gotten much better since her arrival. Geoff notes that they have set themselves for five years to improve so far that they can talk about simple topics without any problems.

family and friends

family and friends are what the Zuerchers lacks the most. Her relatives are distributed over the United States, which always made travel part of the gatherings, but now it will just take longer. In Nice they found some French friends and there is a large expat community. "At first we were skeptical of forming a group of foreigners," notes Pennie, but later recognizes the advantages of such a community.

The Zuerchers do not see to return to the United States and have some advice for Americans who are considering moving to France. "Come with an open mind," advises Geoff. "You can't live with a closed way of thinking in France." And try to learn the language to have a good experience as soon as you have arrived.