I'm an American who moved to Paris. Finding an apartment was like a full-time job — but I think I discovered the secret sauce.

• I moved from the US to Paris two years ago, and finding an apartment here was stressful.
• I applied to dozens of places and only got approved because the landlords knew one of my friends. 
• Paris can be expensive, which is why many (including me) live in the inner suburbs.

With over 11 million people living in the Paris metro area (the city and nearby suburbs), finding a house or apartment can be difficult.