Lille: the city that gets it all (except maybe the sunshine)
According to a study conducted by the VidaXL website, Lille ranks third among the ideal French cities to settle in when you're young. Yep, just behind Bordeaux and Paris, not too shabby!
And it goes beyond regional pride. Lille charms with some really solid reasons: with over 10,000 searches per year for every 100,000 residents, it’s simply the most sought-after city by future inhabitants. Between its bustling cafés, its sunny terraces that are packed at the first glimpse of sunshine, and its many activities (273 listed for every 100,000 residents),
and its great food spots (almost 700 restaurants per resident), it’s hard to get bored.Add to that a cost of living that's more reasonable than in Paris or Bordeaux, a crime rate that's relatively low (50.8), and a location that lets you zip off to Brussels, Amsterdam, or London in no time… and you’ll see why young people love Lille so much.
Little Downsides (because nobody’s perfect)
So yes, not everything is picture-perfect either. The sun, for instance, isn't exactly a loyal friend in the metropolis. With only 1,631 hours of sunshine per year, Lille is somewhat the expert in gray skies (but admit it, it’s perfect for chilling on a terrace with a beer).
Another small hiccup: the proportion of green spaces isn't the most generous in France (32%). But honestly, with the park of the Citadel, the banks of the Deûle, and little gems like Mosaïc Park or the Marchiennes Forest just a stone's throw away, there’s plenty of greenery to enjoy without a three-hour drive.
Why Lille is a great deal for young people
In summary,cute; Lille is an ultra-effective mix : energy, a softer cost of living, an ultra-friendly atmosphere, and endless possibilities for going out, learning, and working in a fantastic environment. In short, moving to Lille is like finding the perfect equation between quality of life, festive vibes, and opportunities. Even without sunbathing all year round, it's one of the best choices for 2025.
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