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California Family Moves to Small French Town, Saves Money and Works Less
Lin Koh and her family swapped their fast-paced Silicon Valley life for a slower one in France to care for her husband's mother and afford a better lifestyle.
Mar. 21, 2026 at 11:39am
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In 2023, Lin Koh, her husband, and their two young children moved from Santa Clara, California, to Fuveau, a small town near Aix-en-Provence, France, to help care for her husband's mother who has Alzheimer's. The Bay Area's high cost of living also played a role in their decision, as they hoped to lower their expenses, work less, and build a more balanced life.
Why it matters
The story highlights how some families are rethinking their lifestyles and priorities, trading fast-paced urban living for a slower pace in smaller international communities. It explores the tradeoffs and adjustments required when making such a major life change.
The details
Koh and her husband, both of whom worked in tech, traded Silicon Valley's fast pace for the small town of Fuveau, where they live with Koh's in-laws. They now share caregiving responsibilities for her mother-in-law, while their children attend a French-speaking school and have quickly picked up the language. Living in a multigenerational household has at times put pressure on Koh's marriage, but she says the experience has ultimately brought the family closer together.
- In 2023, Koh and her family moved from Santa Clara, California to Fuveau, France.
- They made the move to help care for Koh's mother-in-law, who has Alzheimer's.
The players
Lin Koh
A California resident who moved her family to France to care for her mother-in-law and afford a better lifestyle.
Koh's husband
Moved with Koh and their two children from California to France.
Koh's mother-in-law
Lives in France and has Alzheimer's, prompting the family's move to provide care.
What they’re saying
“We were observing her decline, and we made the call.”
— Lin Koh
“It's also brought a lot of opportunities to grow in a different direction.”
— Lin Koh
The takeaway
The Koh family's move from California to a small town in France highlights how some families are prioritizing a slower, more affordable lifestyle over the fast pace and high costs of urban living, even if it means making significant adjustments like caring for elderly relatives and immersing children in a new language and culture.
