Starting the Search for a New Home
Moving abroad with your family is a brave and beautiful decision. Whether for work, family commitments or you’re chasing a new adventure, this guide will walk you through the 7 best cities for expat families in Germany.
With its strong infrastructure, high quality of life, excellent education system, and commitment to family-friendly policies, Germany can be an excellent choice for professional families looking for their next big challenge.
But which city will suit you the best?
As a relocation coach and fellow expat Mother, I understand the challenge of trying to picture your life in another city. Settling abroad isn’t just about the big moments. It’s the small things: your child making their first friend at a local playground, navigating your first grocery trip in German, finding your family’s favourite café.
That’s the real beginning of your new life—and it’s closer than you think. I’m here to show you that building your new life abroad is possible with the right support and with a little insider knowledge.
1. Munich: Safe, Traditional, Outdoorsy
Munich offers high living standards, safety, and endless outdoor escapes for families who want structure, tradition, and adventure.
The capital of Bavaria, Munich is a favourite among expat families moving to Germany. And for good reason.
Munich stands out for its exceptional safety and quality of life, with 94% of residents expressing satisfaction with life in the city, according to the European Commission’s 2023 Quality of Life in European Cities Report.
According to Numbeo’s 2024 rankings, Munich has one of the lowest crime rates among major cities in Germany.
It is also a melting pot of people from all over the world, with nearly 50% of the population having a migration background, meaning that building your expat support network is easy.
A top-tier education system for your kids is also on offer, as well as plenty of public parks, a well-connected public transport system and the best bit? You’re only a short drive from the breathtaking Mountains and Lakes of Southern Germany, Austria and Italy.
Why families love it:
- High standard of living (even by German standards!).
- Access to a range of international schools and bilingual kindergartens.
- Loads of outdoor spaces: playgrounds, animal parks, lakes and mountains. What more could you ask for?
- A strong expat community, making it easy to find other expat families in Germany.
Potential challenges:
- High cost of living, particularly the cost of rent.
- Childcare places are competitive and expensive.
- A more formal and traditional cultural atmosphere than other cities in Germany.
Best for:
Families with a stable income (preferably already with a job lined up) who are looking for a safe and internationally minded city with plenty of potential for outdoor adventures.
2. Berlin: Creative, Multicultural, Progressive
Berlin brings together cultural diversity, alternative education, and urban energy for families seeking creativity and connection.
Germany’s capital city is an obvious choice for many. With its vibrant mix of cultures, languages and artistic communities, Berlin offers expat families access to a progressive lifestyle.
Berlin offers a range of schooling options, including bilingual and alternative schools, green spaces and an open-minded, progressive atmosphere.
Why families love it:
- A strong community of expat families.
- More affordable childcare options compared to other major cities.
- Bilingual and alternative education options for children of all ages.
- Endless number of parks, playgrounds, museums and other events to explore with kids.
- Well connected to the rest of Germany and Europe by rail and flying.
Potential challenges:
- Bureaucracy can be slow-moving (even slower than the rest of Germany!)
- Finding accommodation can be particularly challenging in popular expat areas like Friedrichshain and Charlottenburg
- Berlin retains much of its gritty and grungy vibe, which can be off-putting for many families.
- It can be loud and extremely busy.
Best for:
Families who value diversity, creativity, and flexible learning environments and who want to be well-connected to the rest of Germany and Europe.
3. Heidelberg – Family-friendly, Academic, Relaxed
Heidelberg’s historic charm, strong international schools, and peaceful environment make it ideal for academically-minded families.
This small, historic and charming city is nestled in the mountains, offering a near-constant view across the green slopes. Home to Germany’s oldest university, Heidelberg has a relaxed vibe and has a large population of expat families, particularly those connected with academia and research.
Why families love it:
- Safe with stunning views.
- Access to top international schools.
- A strong English-speaking community of expat families.
- It’s walkable, with great public transport options.
Potential challenges:
- There are limited job opportunities for those outside of academia and research.
- With a population of less than 200,000, it lacks many of the “Big City” experiences.
Best for:
Families that are seeking a calm city with a beautiful environment and strong education options.
4. Freiburg: Sustainable, International, Innovative
Freiburg blends eco-friendly living with innovation and a welcoming community, perfect for nature-loving, forward-thinking families.
Tucked away near the borders of France and Switzerland, this eco-friendly city is perfect for families who value sustainability and the outdoors.
Freiburg enjoys better weather year-round than most of Germany—and stands out for its international mindset and innovation, earning it the nickname Green City for its environmental leadership.
Why families love it:
- Environmentally friendly: cyclable and many green-city policies.
- Easy access to the great outdoors with hiking, skiing and rivers.
- Strong focus on family life and community engagement.
- Slower pace than larger cities.
Potential challenges:
- As Freiburg is a smaller city, the community of expat families is also comparatively smaller.
- Reduced options for bilingual kindergartens and international schools.
- Fewer job opportunities outside of the major industries of green and renewable technology, research and health sciences.
Best for:
Families who value sustainability and nature-based living.
5. Hamburg: Water Views, Culture, International Opportunity
Hamburg combines waterfront living, cultural richness, and strong career prospects for families seeking both opportunity and balance.
Germany’s second-largest city blends maritime charm with modern flair. It’s network of canals, parks and a cosmopolitan vibe, Hamburg offers a family-friendly atmosphere, and a thriving international business centre.
Why families love it:
- Beautiful lakes and riverside areas for children to play.
- Bilingual kindergarten and school options.
- Lots of kid-friendly museums, theatres and festivals.
- Internation career potential.
Potential challenges:
- Weather is often grey, rainy, windy and cold.
- Accommodation costs can be prohibitive, particularly in the popular central areas.
Best for:
Families who want urban living with easy access to water, parks and a network of expat families.
6. Düsseldorf: Stylish, Cosmopolitan, Liveable
Düsseldorf’s polished infrastructure, international schools, and global business networks create a smooth landing for expat families.
Renowned for its vibrant arts scene and strong international community of expat families, Düsseldorf is an easy yes for professionals working in the finance or trade sectors.
While a smaller city, Düsseldorf is sophisticated, internationally-minded and family-friendly.
Why families love it:
- A range of international schools to choose from.
- Clean, modern and reliable infrastructure.
- Multilingual services are available for newcomers.
Potential challenges:
- It lacks the German charm many visitors to Germany are seeking.
Best for:
Families working in the corporate world who are looking for comfort, ease of settlement and connections with other expat families.
7. Leipzig: Creative, Affordable, Still Evolving
Leipzig offers affordable living, a growing creative scene, and space for families wanting to build a vibrant new life abroad.
Often called the “new Berlin”, this Saxon city offers culture, community connection and an affordable lifestyle.
Leipzig is ideal for families seeking space to grow, affordable housing, community connection, and a thriving creative scene.”
Why families love it:
- Lower cost of living, particularly housing.
- Family and art-friendly communities exist and are still growing.
- A walkable and cyclable city, with reliable public transport and easy connections to the rest of Germany.
- A rich cultural offering, including music, theatre and the arts.
Potential challenges:
- There are few bilingual kindergarten and international school options.
- A still developing expat community.
Best for:
Younger families seeking an affordable lifestyle with access to creative communities.
How to Choose the Right City for You?
Now that you know the best cities for expat families in Germany, how do you choose the right one with confidence?
Here are a few of the things I recommend you keep in mind when choosing the best German city for your expat family:
- Income vs. Cost of Housing: Larger cities like Munich and Hamburg are much more expensive than their smaller counterparts, Heidelberg, Freiburg and Leipzig. Even though wages are higher in these cities, money doesn’t go as far, particularly for housing. You will get a much larger apartment in Leipzig for less than you will in Munich for more.
- Kindergarten and Schooling options: Depending on your children’s German language skills, the option to have them educated in English may be a priority for your family. The larger cities have a wider selection of bilingual kindergartens and international schools if this is an important factor for your family.
- Which city are you? Are you a lover of the outdoors, who enjoys the quiet life? (Freiburg) Or do you prefer a bustling, progressive and international vibe? (Berlin) Consider which city suits you and your family the best.
- Job Opportunities: Sadly, a move to Germany is unlikely to happen without some strings attached. At some point, work will play an important role. Each city has its specialty — Berlin for startups, Düsseldorf for business, and Hamburg for trade. Consider where your professional skills have a competitive advantage.
- Expat Support Networks: The bigger German cities tend to have a more vibrant community of expat families, offering a greater level of support for English-speaking expats to settle in and navigate the necessary bureaucracy.
How I Can Help Expat Families Settle In
Choosing your future home is just the beginning. The real work starts with navigating the bureaucracy, finding an apartment, enrolling your kids into childcare and housing and building your new life, from the ground up.
That’s where I come in.
I help professional mothers like you overcome Germany’s complicated bureaucratic systems and get your family settled faster and with less stress.
My support includes:
- Personalized guidance and tailored relocation coaching.
- Help complete official documents, secure appointments and get the bureaucracy done right.
- Emotional and logistical support throughout your big transition.
You don’t have to do it alone. I’ve done it already and I’d be honoured to support you through it, too.
Conclusion
Germany offers so much to expat families – from safety and structure to creativity and easy access to the breathtaking outdoors. Whether you’re dreaming of mountain air, riverside cafes, or vibrant city life, there’s a city in Germany to match your personality.
No matter what you’re seeking, these are truly the best cities for expat families in Germany to call home.
If you’re considering a move abroad, or just starting to explore the possibilities, let this guide inspire your next steps.
👉 Want to know even more about these cities? Download my free Expat Family Started Pack, including a handy comparison table of the major cities in Germany.
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Your new life doesn’t have to be perfect—but it can absolutely be possible.
