Whether you're looking for a bustling city with plenty of nightlife buzz, or a more relaxed rural setting where you can unwind after a long day at work, there's a German city to suit every expat's taste. Here's our selection of the five best cities to move to in Germany. What do you think of our choices?
1. Berlin
We couldn’t create a list of top cities without including Berlin, Germany's capital and largest city. Architecturally, Berlin is a pretty sight, comprising a mix of modern buildings, vibrant street art and pre-war remnants. Despite being a busy city, Berlin also has a surprising amount of greenery to offer. An incredible one-third of the whole city is made up of lakes, rivers, forests and parks, offering a slice of tranquillity in the midst of the city bustle, as well as a great way to explore the local sights. Rent a boat on the River Spree to visit iconic structures such as the Molecule Man sculpture and the TV Tower.
2. Munich
Another city we couldn’t leave out on our list is Munich. It may be known to most as the home of the famous Oktoberfest, but Munich is so much more than its annual Bavarian beer festival. It's a cultural hub with a population of over 1,5 million residents, 25 percent of whom are expats, meaning you're sure to find many like-minded people when you arrive. As the capital city of Bavaria it also attracts a whole host of big global companies such as Siemens, MunichRE, MAN and Linde.
3. Frankfurt
Frankfurt is Germany's financial capital and offers a wealth of opportunities for the business-minded. It is an impressive city, fondly referred to by many as ‘Mainhatten’ (mix of Manhatten and Main) on account of its towering buildings and skyscraper skyline. Most of those who work in the city centre choose to live further out - in places like leafy Westend or the newbuilds in Reidberg - and commute in daily. Frankfurt arguably offers the best of both worlds: a bustling city lifestyle with a calmer rural setting within easy reach.
4. Nuremberg
Looking for a more relaxed environment? Why not consider Nuremberg? Nuremberg, or Nürnberg as it's called in German, is the second-largest city in the state of Bavaria and is often considered Munich's cheaper and cosier little cousin. As it's home to a large number of expats and conducts a thriving tourist trade, English is widely spoken in the city. However, as with all cities within Germany, it is recommended that you learn the basics of the language before you arrive.
5. Stuttgart
Stuttgart is another relaxed city worth moving to in Germany. Home to many high-quality theatres, shops and cafes, and situated amongst hills, parks and valleys, the city is full of impressive views. It is also famous for its role in establishing the automotive industry and to this day houses the headquarters of world-famous car manufacturers Mercedes-Benz and Porsche. In Stuttgart, you’ll find a lot of high-tech industry jobs.
With such a shortlist, there's no way we could do justice to all of the wonderful cities Germany has to offer to prospective movers. Which other cities would you recommend to expats wanting to set up home in Germany?
Thinking of taking the plunge and relocating to Germany?
Crown Relocations has been helping families and individuals relocate abroad for more than 50 years. Their expertise and tailored services ensure that you will feel at home in Germany in no time.