For most people moving to Île de France, the problem isn't the move itself but in finding a place to live, especialy for people with limited income. Anywhere in Île de France is considered prime real estate, making the average rent two or three times what it would in the other regions of France. It took me almost a month to find somewhere to live close to where I worked, and that was after looking at dozens of places online and applying to live in almost 20 apartments. It must have been divine intervention for me to end up where I am now! I currently live in a student residence called the Foundation des États-Unis, and in this building, Americans can live and explore life in Paris together.
Like most cities, Paris has a very diverse population tucked away from the public eye. With a third of all immigrants who live in France living in Paris, these areas give the city a new perspective that most people don't get a chance to see. They mostly come from Asia and Africa and have made their own little home away from home. Most of the Asian population are of the Middle Eastern, Eastern, and Southeast Asian ancestry, and most of the African population are of Northern and Western African ancestry. These two groups have formed neighborhoods called Quartier Asiatique (Chinatown) and Goutte d’Or (Little Africa). They are some of the largest cultural and commercial centers in the city. Throughout these communities, you will find markets, stores and street vendors that make you feel you’re wandering in an African or Asian market. They also hold festivals and celebrations for holidays that have at home.
