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Famous for its clean, high standards of living, vibrant cities punctuated with majestic fairy tale castles and, of course, excellent beer, Germany is fast becoming a country of choice for expats looking to move to or within Europe. If it’s currently top of your list but you can’t quite decide which part will suit you, then here’s our guide on popular expat regions in Germany…
Where to live and work in Germany
If it’s work you’re looking for when relocating then Frankfurt am Main is the place to head. The financial capital of Germany, Frankfurt is home to several big names in business – including the German Stock Exchange, European Central Bank and German Federal Bank. It’s also the location of one of the country’s largest international airports, making it a great place to live if you need to travel in and out of Germany frequently. Over 180 different nationalities reside here, so as an expat you’ll feel most welcome and will find yourself among many others in the same boat as you. Demand for houses in the central area is high (as are the prices), so the majority of people who work here tend to pick a house in the residual suburbs.
Where to live in Germany: if you have a family
Moving with family is tough enough at the best of times, but not least if you’re moving to a whole other country and have to try and somehow accommodate everyone’s needs. If you’re looking for somewhere that has a bit of everything, then Munich is a great place to consider when choosing where to live in Germany. Its plus points include lots of green parks, cosy residential neighbourhoods, a high safety rate, excellent all-round standard of living and a great selection of international schools – all the perfect ingredients for family life. However, on the downside, house prices here tend to be higher than elsewhere, so that’s something to consider if you’re on a tight budget.
Where to live in Germany: if you want city culture
If it’s a fast, vibrant pace of life you’re after with lots to see and do then you won’t get much better than life in Berlin. The capital city of Germany, Berlin is a hive of activity pretty much 24/7, 365 days a year. With over 170 museums, a ton of art galleries, amazing architecture everywhere, a buzzing nightlife and the latest in fashion, art, music and design, Berlin is a must for anyone with a taste for true city life. Needless to say, there are job opportunities aplenty here for expats and many end up settling in the popular areas of Charlottenburg (full of beautiful 19th Century townhouses) or Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg (an edgier kind of neighbourhood).
Where to live in Germany: if you’re a student
Ranked 5th in the entire world for quality of life and infrastructure, Dusseldorf is one of Germany’s most appealing cities – particularly if you’re an expat, or more to the point an expat student. Located here are some of the best international schools in the country, giving the vibrant, cosmopolitan city a strong student population. As you might expect, there is lots to do here, with a plethora of museums, restaurants and markets, amongst other things. Due to the real mixture of classes and cultures that inhabit Dusseldorf, house prices here vary widely, offering something to suit pretty much every kind of budget.
Where to live in Germany: if you crave rural surroundings
If it’s all the amenities of a city you want, but without the feeling of actually being in a city 24/7 then Stuttgart is a great choice. Houses here are set against a beautiful backdrop of hills, valleys and parks. Stuttgart-West is a particularly popular choice for those that want to be near to the city without actually living in it – all the local shops, markets, cafes, theatres and parks are within easy walking distance. However, if it’s a property with a garden you’re after then the areas of Sindelfingen, Boblingen or Vaihingen are all great places to consider.
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