does my idea of Utopia exist? where to live?

[Bill Douglas]

Update: We want more people to come and live here

[creaturecat]

Originally Posted by creaturecat

120000 for a Paris apt? How large? Around 80-100 sq. feet at present prices.
France would be first on my list, other than the expensive real estate.

Checked it out. 140,000 US, plus closing costs, 11 square metres, approx 110 sq ft., bathroom down the corridor, kitchen, what kitchen? :

[RPKESQ]

Originally Posted by Dottore

As a former home owner in Grasse I have to say I think you are understating the prices in France by about 100%. Of course there are apples, and there are oranges, but $500K for a "stunningly renovated mansion"? There aren't many of those in France at that price..

Well, again it depends on the location, setting and size. For me, it is my wife and myself only so we hardly need more than 75 to 100 square meters (we have 120). We also have a large 45 square meter garage and a 250 square meter garden. We are located in a beautiful villiage with all of our needs, surrounded by vineyards. We are quite comfortable and really do not want to take care of a larger place. Our Paris apartment is located on the Ilse St. Louis and is a studio of 150 square feet. We bought it 15 years ago. It is small, but the rental it brings and the comfort it provides us when we go to Paris is great.

But to show what is possible in the $500K range, here is a list of properties to check out (there are thousands more, these took 10 minutes to find). All of these are on vefuk.com.

Reference number:
340686
440314
540007
450340
140758
280691
140652

Originally Posted by Dottore

And a newly built house for $250K? That would be postage stamp sized and certainly not in a desirable location..

Try the new build tab on vefuk.com, there are homes or aptments at the prices I quoted. They may not be to your taste, but the prices I quoted do exist. My wife sells property in France, so these are not fantasy prices. Of course if you want a 3000 square foot house, then you will pay more.

Originally Posted by Dottore

We owned our house in France for 15 years and we will likely go back there eventually to retire—probably to Bordeaux. But our real problem was with the crime. We had a ridiculous number of break-in's, and given that we were there only a few months of the year this turned into an enormous headache for us. So much so that when an agent wrote us saying she had someone interested in the house, we sold it without a second thought. Of course if you lived there full time the crime would not be quite the issue—but still...

Other than the crime—I agree with you that France is pretty close to paradise.

Crime is a problem with vacation homes when the owners are not intergrated within the community. This is not exclusive to France by any means. We have freinds who watch our homes when we are away, so crime has never been a problem for us.

[creaturecat]

Has the recession impacted upon Parisian apartment prices? Slowed the rate of growth? Traditionally increases in the 12-14% per annum, correct?
The Canal district seems to be the next hot area, slightly lower prices.
Is your apt. in Paris a short term rental ? Web link?

[Porsche-O-Phile]

Originally Posted by Bill Douglas

Update: We want more people to come and live here

Any jobs for architects? Can I bring my 911?

[Bill Douglas]

Hi Jeff. Yes and yes.

Check out the jobs section of this online place. It came up with 56 results. www.trademe.co.nz

If you are serious our embassy can give you details and help.

[Porsche-O-Phile]

At this point, I'll go wherever there's work and a chance to get ahead - preferably someplace nice and with decent people/weather. SoCal just ain't cutting it anymore. I have prospects back in Boston, but it's cold/dreary a good part of the year. Maybe a move internationally makes sense... Worth looking! Thanks, I'll check it out!

[RPKESQ]

Originally Posted by creaturecat

Has the recession impacted upon Parisian apartment prices? Slowed the rate of growth? Traditionally increases in the 12-14% per annum, correct?
The Canal district seems to be the next hot area, slightly lower prices.
Is your apt. in Paris a short term rental ? Web link?

Prices in Paris are much lower than in any world class city. London and New York are several times what you would pay in Paris for similar apartments. But Paris is very expensive compared to the rest of France except for the Cannes, Nice, St. Tropez area. Also since France has very strict mortage rules they have not had a housing bubble. So prices are far more stable than in the US. The world economy has affected France in other ways. The recession has made housing price growth slow down all over, it is probably down by 4 to 7% this year over last.

France and Paris is a funny place. Due to inheritance laws about 15-20% of Paris buildings and apartments are empty. The heirs cannot decide what to do with the inheritance, so they just sit on it and do nothing. But that means if you are patient you can stumble across great apartments anywhere in the best parts of Paris. Paris is divided into 20 numbered arrondissements, with the most exclusive and older parts in the center. These arrondissements spiral outward much like a snail shell. With patience and luck you can find a place within your budget and taste. Please remember many older apartment buildings in Paris do not have elevators. A fith floor walk up is always cheaper!

Most apartments in Paris that are not owned for vacation purposes are rented for 2 to 3 year leases. Our own apartment is rented for the next 2 years to a young Doctor and his wife. In these times of economic uncertainties, we are trying to maximize our cash inflow. I do have a 2 bedroom, one and a half vacation rental in the South of France for any interested in trying that area. If you want to find a short term rental in Paris, I'll be happy to help. Just let me know.

[creaturecat]

RPKESQ.
Thank you ever so much for your considered response.
My wife and I have traveled to France for the past 2 years. Absolutely love the Avignon area.
Economic uncertainty has postponed this year's trip.
Our plan was to buy a 25m apt. in Paris. The diminished portfolio has made this a remote possibility.

[RWebb]

Originally Posted by pavulon

Eugene, OR

great place if you like lesbians with chainsaws

[RPKESQ]

Originally Posted by creaturecat

RPKESQ.
Thank you ever so much for your considered response.
My wife and I have traveled to France for the past 2 years. Absolutely love the Avignon area.
Economic uncertainty has postponed this year's trip.
Our plan was to buy a 25m apt. in Paris. The diminished portfolio has made this a remote possibility.

Avignon is a beautiful area. Don't depair about your plans. My prediction is that the USD will make significant gains over the Euro in the next 12 to 24 months. This will help you imensely. Also if you would want to, I would be willing to assist you in searching for your place in France.

All my travel to France is tax deductable because I operate a business there. Another benefit for you to consider.

[pwd72s]

Above...part of my friend Jean-Luc's home near Avignon. This the pool house. How a friend? After he got flamed on the early s board for being too trusting, buying a rusty 911L, I lent a sympathetic ear. A Chicago lawyer was able to get most of his $ back...then I put him in touch with a lady who sold her deceased hubby's roadster to him.

Wish Cindy & I could travel...

[Doug&Julie]

Sorry for the late addition to the thread, but...

http://www.findyourspot.com/

[JCF]

This was my place in Paris for two years ( I felt like F'n Mussolini ! ) - along with a year in the on the Rue des Ecouffes and on the Isle St. Louis -
You're a sacre veinard RPKESQ. Vraiment !

[RPKESQ]

Originally Posted by JCF

This was my place in Paris for two years ( I felt like F'n Mussolini ! ) - along with a year in the on the Rue des Ecouffes and on the Isle St. Louis -
You're a sacre veinard RPKESQ. Vraiment !

A very good spot to spend two years!

I am a very lucky bastard.

But most of this luck was obtained by not placing limits on my worldview. I traveled to learn and experience different cultures with an open mind. I find so many Americans are too insular and fearful of the world.

[Hugh R]

Consider income, property and sales taxes. I'm doing the same analysis and I posted on another thread assuming a $400K house, $90K in retirement income, $30K in sales that are taxable, and 500 gallons of gas for cars/year, the taxes for those items I get the following taxes.

California $21,000
Idaho $12,000
Oregon $18,000
Washington $5,100

Quite a difference in "rent" costs between those states. CA and OR have 9% income tax on a hypothetical $90K in retirement income, Washington has no income tax.

[Doug&Julie]

Doesn't Oregon have no sales tax?

[Hugh R]

Originally Posted by Doug&Julie

Doesn't Oregon have no sales tax?

True, but income taxes are high. One scenario is to live in Washington, no income taxes, and shop in Oregon, no sales taxes. In WA food isn't taxed, and in retirement that's probably your biggest purchases, and buy big ticket items in Oregon, or over the internet.

[JCF]

Originally Posted by RPKESQ

A very good spot to spend two years!

I am a very lucky bastard.

But most of this luck was obtained by not placing limits on my worldview. I traveled to learn and experience different cultures with an open mind. I find so many Americans are too insular and fearful of the world.

It was three years total for me in Paris - then a couple in Spain.
Family obligations pulled me back.

My mind however remains opened by the experience.

[georgeinhere]

I posted Santa Fe earlier and many have as well...our present real estate values have taking a beating...I have a couple of lots with views to kill in Tesuque . Tesuque reminds me a little of litchfield, Ct minus the Ct part. We're within 5 min drive to the opera...small river winding through the valley, you can hike forever in BLM land...some of the best twisties on this side of the planet, great restaurants, great weather. I will often ski in the morning and be in meetings by noon and if you need to do some hardcore skiing, there is Taos as well as Southern, CO...I don't think that many places compare to this area.