Living in Lyon: a quality of life that appeals to families and expatriates

Why is Lyon attracting more and more families and expatriates?

Discover all the benefits of moving to Lyon with your family and the reasons why the city is perfectly suited for a long-term life project.

A human-scale metropolis with a strategic location

Although it is France’s 3rd largest metropolis by population, Lyon stands out as a human-scale city. Located at the crossroads of Europe, between Paris, Geneva, and Marseille, it benefits from exceptional accessibility thanks to the TGV (high-speed train), motorways, and Lyon-Saint-Exupéry International Airport. This strategic geographical position allows for quick access to the city while remaining easily connected to the rest of Europe.
Locally, the city boasts an efficient public transport network (metro, tramway, bus), complemented by an active policy promoting soft mobility. This organization effectively connects residential neighborhoods, economic hubs, and schools, while limiting commute times. This is an essential criterion for families and professionals wishing to combine career demands with quality of life.

A reassuring living environment for families and expatriates

Living in Lyon means benefiting from an environment that is safe, organized, and conducive to family well-being. The city is distinguished by the quality of its infrastructure, the cleanliness of its public spaces, and the reliability of its healthcare services—essential for offering peace of mind and comfort on a daily basis.
The pace of life is also calmer than in major European capitals. The human scale of the city, the controlled density of its neighborhoods, and easy access to green spaces contribute to a less stressful daily life.
Furthermore, moving to Lyon feels like working in a major metropolis while enjoying the lifestyle of a provincial town.
Discover all the Lyonnais lifestyles according to the different types of properties for sale: historic apartments, houses with swimming pools, lofts, apartments with rooftop terraces, private mansions...

Top-tier educational offerings, recognized internationally

Lyon particularly appeals to families and expatriates thanks to an excellent education system capable of meeting the most demanding international standards. The city has quality public institutions as well as private and international schools offering bilingual or multilingual curriculums, guaranteeing a smooth transition for children arriving from abroad.
These structures allow every family to settle in Lyon with the certainty that their children will benefit from rigorous and stimulating teaching.

Did you know? In a study published in 2024 by SumUp, Lyon was ranked the second-best large city in France for raising children, just behind Paris, thanks to its school offerings, infrastructure, and family amenities.

Economic appeal that secures long-term plans

Lyon stands out for its economic dynamism and sectoral diversity. Considered the 2nd economic hub of France, the city excels particularly in digital technology, healthcare, biotechnology, finance, chemistry and environment, transport and mobility, energy transition, and innovative textiles.
These represent numerous fields that attract executives and international expatriates. This appeal allows professionals to find solid career opportunities, a guarantee of security for long-term life projects.

Key Figures:
A few key indicators* help concretely measure Lyon's attractiveness:

• The #1 French city in terms of business creation;
• 102,631 corporate headquarters and 1,500 decision centers (Sanofi Pasteur, Bio Mérieux, Renault Trucks...);
• More than 40 international NGOs.
  Figures from Only Lyon.

A unique art of living: Heritage, Gastronomy, and Culture

Living in Lyon means immersing yourself in a city where urban elegance combines with exceptional historical heritage. With 500 hectares listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, the city charms with its iconic neighborhoods, such as Vieux Lyon, Presqu’île, and Croix-Rousse, where cobblestone streets, secret passageways (traboules), and Renaissance facades tell the city's history.
Lyon is also a world-renowned gastronomic capital, where markets, traditional bouchons, and Michelin-starred restaurants create a refined art of living. Not to mention that culture is omnipresent: museums, theaters, opera houses, and international festivals offer a rich and varied calendar. Something to satisfy every desire!

Proximity to mountains and nature

One of the great advantages of the Lyon metropolis is its exceptional proximity to mountains and surrounding nature.
In less than an hour, it is possible to reach the Jura, Alps, or Vercors massifs to engage in sports activities such as hiking, skiing, paragliding, or mountain biking.
In the heart of the city, the banks of the Rhône and Saône rivers, redeveloped over more than 20 km, offer residents pedestrian and cycling paths, sports areas, and relaxation zones.
This combination of urban life and direct access to nature constitutes a rare asset, particularly appreciated by families and expatriates in search of well-being and balance.

Good to know: How is Lyon a green city? Lyon stands out for its commitment to green spaces, ecology, and urban quality of life. The city has over 400 hectares of green spaces accessible to all. The city is also developing ecological initiatives: urban planting, green roofs, green corridors for biodiversity...

Where to live in Lyon? The most sought-after residential neighborhoods for families and expats

Wondering what the best neighborhoods in Lyon are? Here are the areas to prioritize for a quiet and secure family life.

The 6th Arrondissement: Elegance, security, and family life

The 6th arrondissement embodies Lyonnais elegance. Located on the right bank of the Rhône, it offers a safe, quiet, and perfectly organized residential environment, ideal for families and expatriates seeking security and comfort.
The district is renowned for its prestigious schools, refined shops, luxury boutiques, and wide tree-lined avenues. Here you will find the famous Parc de la Tête d’Or, the city's true green lung, which serves as a natural extension of daily life for children and family activities.
In this district, the real estate offering consists of Haussmann-style buildings, luxury apartments, and private mansions offering high-end amenities. Here, the urban living experience is combined with serenity: you enjoy the city center while residing in a neighborhood where calm and prestige are the norm.

Discover all BARNES properties for sale in the 6th arrondissement of Lyon.

The 2nd Arrondissement: Centrality and urban art of living

The 2nd arrondissement, the living heart of the Presqu’île, appeals with its centrality and refined lifestyle. Indeed, everything is within walking distance when living in this neighborhood: from markets to starred restaurants, cultural institutions, and shops. Every street breathes the Lyonnais art of living, between historic facades, lively squares, and convivial terraces where it is good to meet with family or friends.
Real estate mainly consists of renovated luxury apartments, often bright and spacious, combining old-world charm with contemporary comfort. Living in the 2nd arrondissement means combining urban lifestyle and residential quality, with all the dynamism and sophistication of a central district, without compromising on comfort and serenity.

Discover all BARNES properties for sale in the 2nd arrondissement of Lyon.

The 4th and 5th Arrondissements: Charm, history, and calm

The 4th and 5th arrondissements of Lyon, comprising Croix-Rousse and Vieux Lyon, appeal with their authenticity, heritage, and peaceful atmosphere that gives the impression of living in large villages.

La Croix-Rousse, the former silk workers' (canuts) district, attracts families and expatriates looking for a quiet yet lively living environment, with its local markets, schools, and small artisan shops. Vieux Lyon attracts with its cobblestone streets, secret traboules, and Renaissance architecture, creating a historic and elegant residential setting. Settling in these arrondissements means choosing a refined art of living, where comfort, heritage, and serenity come together daily.
From a real estate perspective, these neighborhoods offer a unique mix of townhouses and atypical apartments (such as former weaving workshops converted into exceptional lofts), often featuring unobstructed views of the city or surrounding hills.

Discover all BARNES properties for sale in the 4th arrondissement of Lyon and all BARNES properties for sale in the 5th arrondissement of Lyon.

The "Grand Ouest Lyonnais": Green spaces and family residences

The Grand Ouest Lyonnais brings together sought-after municipalities such as Écully, Tassin-la-Demi-Lune, or Saint-Didier-au-Mont-d’Or. These towns on the outskirts of Lyon attract families and expatriates looking for spacious residential areas and a natural living environment. The proximity to international schools, sports clubs, and quality shops ensures a practical daily life while maintaining a peaceful and green atmosphere.
Contemporary houses or character properties offer gardens, terraces, and sometimes swimming pools, creating an environment conducive to children's development and family life.

Discover all BARNES properties for sale in the Grand Ouest Lyonnais.

Real Estate in Lyon: A good long-term investment?

The Lyon real estate market stands out for its stability and resilience, even in an uncertain global economic context. The city benefits from constant demand, driven by its quality of life, economic appeal, and strategic position in the heart of Europe. This stability makes it a preferred choice for families, expatriates, and investors wishing to secure their long-term plans.

Premium residential neighborhoods, whether in the 6th arrondissement, the Presqu’île, or the West of Lyon, show sustained value levels, reflecting the excellence and prestige of local real estate. The scarcity of prestigious properties and the quality of infrastructure contribute to maintaining a robust market, capable of offering patrimonial security and lasting returns to buyers. Living in Lyon is thus investing in a reliable and enduring asset.

Figures to remember:*

• Median price per m² in Lyon for existing apartments: €4,410 /m²
• Median price per m² in Lyon for new apartments: €6,020 /m²
• Price evolution per m² over 1 year for existing and new apartments: -1.6%

These indicators confirm the solidity of the Lyon real estate market: despite a slight cyclical price adjustment observed on a national scale, valuation levels remain high, reflecting a mature, structured market particularly suited to long-term wealth projects.

Figures from sales deeds authenticated by the Notaires de France.

Let our BARNES teams guide your move to Lyon!

In a structured and demanding real estate market, every project deserves a tailor-made approach, based on a fine knowledge of neighborhoods, property types, and wealth management issues. Whether it is settling in Lyon, acquiring a primary residence, or making a high-end real estate investment, the guidance of a local expert is an essential asset to secure every decision.

The teams at BARNES Lyon put their expertise in prestigious residential property and their perfect knowledge of the Lyon market at the service of your installation or relocation project in Lyon. Whether you are French or an expatriate, single, a couple, or a family, our teams accompany you with discretion, high standards, and commitment, to bring to life a real estate project that matches your ambitions.

Contact BARNES Lyon to benefit from personalized support and discover all our listings of properties for sale in Lyon.