Corporate real estate specialist Arthur Lloyd scrutinized 50 national metropolises, to classify them “in a ranking of attractiveness and resilience”. In the category of large metropolises, from 500,000 to 1 million inhabitants, Rennes comes out on top, ahead of Montpellier and Strasbourg.
The city ranks first for economic dynamism in its category, and second for all other criteria. The company has, in fact, retained many to support its approach: economic vitality, hospitality in terms of corporate real estate, connectivity and human capital, but also quality of life. “There are no less than 75 indicators, grouped into 14 items, and four major themes, which are analyzed each year by the Studies & Research department of Arthur Loyd,” indicates the company in support of its conclusions.
Many advantages
To justify its first place, Rennes can boast of “numerous assets,” explains the report. A low unemployment rate, a highly qualified population, as well as positive dynamics in terms of GDP and employment. To improve its results, the metropolis can still support the transformation of its human capital in support of the business climate. »
Other qualities are highlighted by the report: the mobility offer, in particular “carpooling areas, public transport, cycle paths, everything” allowing for the lowest road congestion rate in the panel. On the transport side, “the arrival of the LGV which connects it to Paris in less than 1h30, as well as the transformation of the station district into a mixed real estate hub – Euro Rennes – should strengthen its influence beyond regional borders in the long term . »
-Demographics and studies
The demographic dynamics of Rennes are also retained for the benefit of the Breton capital, in particular the growth of the population of 15-29 year olds. “Rennes is establishing itself as a preferred destination for students,” says Arthur Loyd, who sees Rennes as “a territory capable of attracting and retaining an active and qualified population.” “Toulouse, Rennes and Montpellier, thanks to their high rate of graduates and sustained growth, particularly among young people, manage to create an environment conducive to economic prosperity.”
On the other hand, Rennes is doing less well for access to housing by joining the few metropolises where residential real estate is becoming “less and less accessible, whether in terms of purchase price or rents, at least at view of their competitors. »
