Lyon Accommodation

What are the top factors to keep in mind when searching for a place to live in your city?
When searching for a place to live, some important factors to consider are safety, location preference and individual needs. Depending on your preferences, you may want to find a place close to a school, church, transportation, shops, medical facilities, work and, most importantly, an area that is secure and safe. Choosing the right place to live is essential to having a pleasant and safe stay in Lyon.
Some other good tips are:

  • If you intend to own a car and require a parking space, then you may want to live on the outskirts of the city. Most of the old buildings in the city center don't have parking.
  • Access to public transport: If you want to live in the city, but your place of work is outside the city, check the public transport connections before you decide where you want to live, especially since driving in and out of Lyon is not recommended due to parking restrictions. For more information on public transportation in Lyon, check out the website listed below.
  • You may wish to avoid areas that are considered to be unsafe. Contact Crown Lyon for more details.

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What are the most popular neighborhoods in your city for expats?
Some of the most popular neighborhoods for expats in Lyon are:

  • Inside Lyon

The 1st, 2nd, 4th, 5th (parking is a problem) and 6th arrondissements
The houses inhabited by the Canuts are the only buildings that can truly be said to be typical of Lyon.
Croix-Rousse invented a new type of apartment-house that combined the workshop with family lodgings. Built on the slope of the hill, the tall Canut house has high ceilings for the loom, and wide windows to let the light in. As the weavers had to carry huge bales of silk, they needed broad stairways that became a key element of the architecture. Nowadays, the former apartments of the Canuts make a great duplex (a two-floor apartment) and are much sought after. And, take notice of the windows. Lyon, like Italy, prefers Venetian blinds to the wooden shutters often encountered elsewhere in
France.

  • Outside Lyon

The West suburbs, such as Ecully or Marcy l'Etoile, The Monts d'Or (northwest of the city.)
You will find many houses and townhouses, including stone houses that are centuries old.
Generally speaking, in Lyon you can find both furnished and unfurnished apartments, but rarely houses. While outside the city, apartments and houses are available, but not furnished.
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Do expats tend to buy or rent their homes?
Expats tend to rent their homes.
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Typically, will I be required to pay additional money up front (such as a deposit) before moving into leased housing? If so, how much is common?
Typically, before moving into your new apartment or home, you will be required to do the following:

  • Provide first month’s rent and a security deposit equivalent to two months' rent. The security deposit is typically refunded at the end of your lease agreement provided that the property is left in the same condition as when you moved in.
  • If you rent an unfurnished property through a real estate agent, you will have to pay a fee that corresponds to approximately 12% of the annual rent plus 19.6% sales tax. There is no fixed law about this, but this is typically the norm. If you rent a furnished property, the cost is usually double this amount.
  • If applicable, notary fees may be insisted upon by the landlord.
  • You will need to pay tenant liability insurance by law prior to moving in. This amount depends on the area, size and floor of the apartment. This insurance is usually not too costly.

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Are utilities generally included in the price of rent, or are they extra?
In France, there are several types of heating. Central heating costs are often, but not always, included in the rental charges for apartments. Electric, gas and fuel heating costs are usually paid by the tenant, as are all electricity and telephone bills. In addition, according to French law, tenants are required to have a yearly maintenance contract on the heating system in the residence.
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Are there special security concerns I should be aware of in regards to my home or choice of neighborhood?
Generally, Lyon is a safe place to live. However, as with most cities, some areas are more desirable than others. This is usually evident in the cost of the accommodation. Beware of safety issues when considering a residence near any major railway station, as these neighborhoods are often considered unsafe. Before deciding where to live, make sure that the house or apartment has door and window protection and a reliable alarm system. Change all locks on doors and replace with brand-new ones. It is also prudent to always lock your house and car when you are not there.

If you have any questions or concerns about a particular neighborhood, do not hesitate to contact
Crown Lyon.
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I’m not sure if I should bring my appliances. What is the electric current, Hz and plug shape in your city?
The electric current for France is 220 volts. The electrical Hertz (Hz) is 50 hertz of power. This is compatible with electrical appliances from the UK, but any from the US will need to be used with a step-down transformer. Be warned that some appliances are not well-suited for transformers. Our advice: do not bring any appliances with you. Buy them here instead. Below is an example of the type of plug that is compatible.

Type E - Round pin plug and receptacle with male grounding pin
Type E plug
NOTE: Type E receptacles will also accept Type C plugs. Type E plugs will also work in Type
F receptacles.
Type C - Round pin attachment plug
Type C plug
Type F - "Schuko" plug and receptacle with side grounding contacts
Type F plug
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Do you have any other accommodation information that might help me?
One of the most common dilemmas for people looking for accommodation is that they are surprised at the high rental costs in Lyon. As such, depending on your budget, you should prepare to live in accommodations that may be smaller than what you are used to. The best way to enjoy Lyon is to find a small arrondissement (district) that has a village atmosphere, with a local cheese shop, baker, fishmonger, butcher and farmers' markets. If possible, your quality of life can also be enhanced by living near one of Lyon's parks (Tête d'Or). Instead of limiting yourself to a specific neighborhood, keep an open mind about what area you live in, remembering that Lyon boasts an underground transport system, which will give you convenient access to many parts of the city.
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IMPORTANT NOTE:
Crown Relocations has made every effort to present accurate information. However, regulations, rates and other variables are subject to change and Crown Relocations cannot accept responsibility for the errors that might result. Should you have any questions or need additional information, please contact your local Crown representative.