Ex-Divorcee Stays in France on Pension

Karen Anderson, 57, moved to France in 2016 after her divorce from an English husband. She purchased a home in Saint-Servais, a village in Brittany, for €59,100 following the divorce process.

Anderson previously lived in the UK and France, splitting time between the two countries. After her divorce, she returned to the US to care for her mother, who was diagnosed with cancer, and later returned to Europe.

In France, Anderson relies on a $900 monthly pension to cover her expenses, including mortgage, utilities, and insurance. She finds the cost of living more affordable than in the US, where she would need to work to support herself.

Anderson lives in Saint-Servais, a village of about 400 people known for its crêpes. The village has no local grocery stores, and she drives two and a half miles for necessities. The area is peaceful with minimal light pollution and traffic.

Her home, made of stone, is about 732 square feet with three bathrooms and an underground ground floor. She uses a wood-burning stove for heating and cuts her own firewood. Internet and other modern amenities are relatively new in the area.

Anderson enjoys the slower pace of life in France, with a standard workweek of 35 hours and regular lunch breaks. She recently started working as a real estate agent but is still adjusting to self-employment. She also appreciates the healthcare system, which provides 70% coverage for residents and visitors alike.