Strasbourg

Located in northeastern France near the German border, Strasbourg is a vibrant European city with a unique Franco-German culture, rich history, and excellent quality of life. It’s also home to major European institutions like the European Parliament, giving it an international flair that many expats appreciate.

What Makes Strasbourg Attractive

Bicultural Charm: A blend of French and German influence visible in architecture, cuisine (tarte flambée, sauerkraut), and bilingual signage.
Historic architecture : the old town of Strasbourg (Grande-Île) is a UNESCO World Heritage site, renowned for its with medieval streets, canals, and the iconic Strasbourg Cathedral.
International Environment: There is a large expat population thanks to EU institutions and international companies.
Quality of Life and Access to Green Spaces.

Key considerations

Transportation: High-speed train connections to Paris (approximately 2 hours), access to a local airport, and a well-developed public transport system including trams and buses. The city also offers extensive bike-friendly infrastructure.
Cost of Living: As a mid-sized European city, Strasbourg is generally less expensive than Paris, London, or New York, and comparable to many U.S. cities outside major metropolitan hubs..
Education: Access to several international school options for secondary education, and a major public research institution, the Université de Strasbourg.
Language: Although Strasbourg is an international city with strong Germanic influences and English-speaking institutions, French remains the primary language of daily life.

Want to learn more about Strasbourg?

Eleanor Moore and a couple, talking near a canal in Strasbourg

Check-out the House Hunters International Episode

Eleanor Moore served as the real estate consultant on the House Hunters International episode “Rocket Dreams, Strasbourg Life.” In this episode, a family from Huntsville, Alabama, relocates to Strasbourg as the mother, Amy, pursues a degree at the International Space University. While Dad adjusts to life as a stay-at-home parent and hopes for modern conveniences, she is drawn to a home with traditional European character. The episode offers a glimpse into everyday life in Strasbourg, from its neighborhoods to the practical realities of relocating to this unique international city.

Watch the episode on HGTV.com
A thumbnail for a video titled "Moving to France with kids ? Advice and tips after a year in Strasbourg"

Life in Strasbourg: an American family’s perspective

A year after their move to Strasbourg, Eleanor reconnected with Amy to learn more about her family’s experience settling into life in France. She was particularly interested in how the children adjusted, the challenges they faced, and what aspects of the transition proved most surprising. As a parent herself, Eleanor understands how significant such a move can feel and wanted to share this first-hand perspective to better inform families considering relocating to Strasbourg.

Watch the interview on YouTube