The Beginning (And Maybe End?) of the Great House Hunt

We started our house hunt this week and, if all goes according to plan, it might end this week too!  The rental market seems to be a little tough out here in Montpellier because we haven't had a ton of options, but I think we have 2 solid places that we'll be deciding between over the next 24 hours.  Initially we thought we'd like to live in a house with a yard for Figaro, not minding that it would most likely not be near the center of the city.  Out of the entire city and surrounding area, our relocation agent Aneta was able to find 2 houses for us to view, so  I went and saw the first one yesterday. We drove out of the city and kept driving...and driving...and driving out to an area called Castelnau-le-Lez.  The house was only about 6.5 km (or 4 miles) from the city center, but when we reached the driveway, it just felt so far.  Certainly I wouldn't walk into the city everyday and taking the tram would be about 30-40 minutes door to door.  I was afraid I would feel isolated and lonely without the hustle and bustle of the city that I've become used to over the last 2 weeks.  Even though the house would have suited our needs just fine, it didn't feel right to me.  The Hub and I talked it over that night and decided that maybe we should start looking at apartments with balconies (or terraces, as they call them) that are closer to the center to the city.  The Hub also told me that he wanted me to pick our home since I would be spending more time there and he wanted to make sure I would be comfortable.  What a great husband!  And what a great responsibility!  We explained the situation to Aneta and she set up appointments for me to see 2 more apartments today in the Antigone region of Montpellier's city center.

When I met Aneta in the Antigone, I immediately felt a connection.  The area is right on the edge of the city center so it's quiet, but it's only a 2 minute walk from both tram lines, and a 10 minute walk to the city center.  Even though Fig would not have a yard, we could walk around the block to cafés, markets, and the river.  We could also take the tram 2 stops to a big park.  I definitely preferred one apartment over the other because the first apartment had a pretty sweet kitchen that is almost fully equipped - score!  I don't want to post any pictures of the apartment because it is not yet ours and I'm very superstitious, but I will show you a few pictures of the Antigone area.

While we were visiting the first apartment, the building's agent told us about another apartment in the Odysseum region that had just become available this morning.  He said it was huge, beautiful,on the top floor, and would be snatched up in a minute...but he offered us the first look.  I told you all about the Odysseum earlier this week and while it's an area we were interested in exploring for housing, it's a bit further out than the Antigone. It's still on the tram line and is about a 15 minute ride to the center of the city so I decided to have a look.  Again, I don't want to show any pictures of the apartment yet, but I can tell you that it was pretty incredible.  The terrace is 80 square meters (enoromous!) and wraps around the entire length of the apartment.  Here's a few pictures of the view. I hesitate a bit because, unlike the Antigone apartment, there is not a whole lot going on around the apartment building.  Also, the kitchen was not as nice (nor was it equipped) and it's at the very tippy top of our price range. We have a lot to think about tonight!  Stay tuned for our decision and hopefully we'll be able to secure one of these places and finally feel at home in Montpellier.

4 Responses to “The Beginning (And Maybe End?) of the Great House Hunt”

1. jess says:

   May 5, 2011 at 12:23 pm

   so exciting that you’ve had some concrete housing options to view. from our experience in paris, it was ALL about location, location, location. being in a happening neighborhood made all the difference considering we didn’t know how long we’d live there. mind you, the marais didn’t have young ladies walking ferrets (um…ewwww!), but it was key to be able to walk to so many cool spots and feel connected to other parts of the city.

   i’d love to hear more about the amazing food you’re discovering! the profiteroles pic on FB was to die. jealous. xoxo

   Reply
2. Julia says:

   May 5, 2011 at 12:52 pm

   make sure there’s a julia room! can’t wait to come see your new home :) xoxoxox

   Reply
3. Andy says:

   May 5, 2011 at 1:55 pm

   Fingers crossed that you get the apartment you want! What other “gones” does Montpelier have to offer?

   Reply
4. Rich B says:

   May 6, 2011 at 5:34 am

   I love it that Michael (or should I say Michel) gets kudos for getting out of having to worry about where you will live!
   Haha.

   Glad you’re having fun. :)

   Reply