“Nice, a city of heart, choice, and future”. With these words, the mayor of Nice welcomed new arrivals during a warm ceremony organized for them. A symbolic but essential initiative to weave connections, strengthen the Niçoise identity, and recognize the diversity of those who keep the heart of the city beating.
They come from all walks of life, from all generations, and they have one thing in common: they have chosen Nice. Whether for its quality of life, economic dynamism, or exceptional climate, these new residents, retirees, young students, families, and professionals embody a city in full transformation. “Why did you choose to settle here?” asked Christian Estrosi, the mayor of Nice, at the opening. “Whatever your answer, this choice makes you Niçois. And I hope you feel completely at home.”
A “Niçois passport,” a symbol of belonging
In collaboration with the civil registry, the municipality is considering the creation of a Niçois passport, a symbolic but powerful document intended to cement attachment to the city. An elegant way to say that the Niçoise identity is not a matter of whether ancestors have lived here for “35 generations” or not. “There is sometimes a little local selfishness that is expressed,” admits the mayor, but Nice is beautiful because it opens up. Being Niçois is a conviction, not a lineage.
An intergenerational and innovative city
Among the new Niçois are seniors coming to enjoy an active retirement in a city where, according to INSEE data, life expectancy is one of the longest in France. But also young people attracted by professional opportunities in sectors such as digital, the metaverse, culture, or events. These professionals contribute to strengthening the social and economic cohesion of the city. Families find in Nice an ideal living environment to raise their children between sea and mountains, quality schools, and prestigious institutions offering preparatory classes and renowned business schools. At the start of the current mayor’s term, the city had 23,000 students. Today, there are more than 54,000, equivalent to the population of Cannes. A university dynamic that reinforces the attractiveness of Nice.
Massive investments for the future
The price of real estate, interest rates, urban development projects. Everything indicates that investments are now being made in Nice. The city attracts, develops, and creates jobs for the Niçois and their children. No fewer than six high-standard establishments “palace-level” are in operation, a testament to a hotel and tourist revival. The largest police hotel in France will soon open its doors, bringing together police, gendarmerie, and emergency services. The city is also innovating environmentally. Notably with the new wastewater treatment plant which will allow a 90% reduction in energy consumption, without emitting plastic particles.
The environment is thus at the heart of the city. In the Bay of Angels, flatfish, which had disappeared since the 1870s, are reappearing as a result of water management and a commitment to biodiversity.
Nice, a world city
Since 2021, Nice has been classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site. A recognition obtained after ten years of work. It is the largest classified perimeter in France, even before Paris. A crowning achievement for the city, which today hosts major international events: Paris-Nice, the Tour de France, the Ironman (previously in Hawaii), and the World Ocean Summit. These infrastructures support a population growth rate twice as fast as Bordeaux.
Events are numerous throughout the year. Nice has gained 7,000 inhabitants in the last two years. But the mayor’s intention is clear: to ensure that this growth does not harm the quality of life. He aims to preserve it, for both the longtime and new residents.
The ceremony concluded with “Nissa la Bella,” each new resident received the lyrics in Niçois and French. Christian Estrosi declared in the gardens of Villa Masséna in Nice, “Welcome to you, the new Niçois. Welcome to your home.”
