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.

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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 moving abroad with kids?

Download my free Expat Family Started Pack.

Your new life doesn’t have to be perfect—but it can absolutely be possible.

The post Best Cities for Expat Families in Germany: Starting Your New Life appeared first on Relocation and Travel Coaching.

It’s not fun. It’s not glamorous and it is most definitely not always Instagrammable. 

But weirdly, it gets better.

Read on for the top three reasons living abroad is the worst and how I’ve overcome them. 

If you take away only one thing from this post, it should be this:

Get comfortable with being uncomfortable.

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Is living abroad really that bad?

Yes. 

No.

I mean, sometimes.

Living abroad is so complicated that there’s no way to fully explain it. You just have to live it. 

It’s hard. It’s not the Instagram, glamorous adventure we’ve all been fed. 

It can be lonely.

IT IS ALL SO DIFFERENT FROM HOME!

There’s no easy comfort to be found by being in a familiar environment, with familiar people or a familiar routine. 

Every day we have to learn something new. 

And be brave. 

What’s my story?

I’ve been living in Dresden, Germany with my family for nearly four years now.

I’ve learned a lot about myself, people and the world.

You can read more about my story here.

Dresden, despite its stunning Old City and our family connections, is not always the most welcoming corner to settle in. 

Do you remember the key takeaway from this post? Get comfortable with being uncomfortable.

What’s so different?

1. Social interactions

I’m an outwardly friendly person. I will smile at anyone I meet on the street and engage happily in small talk. But none of that happens here. 

Here, smiling at strangers results in people staring at you like you’ve got cake on your face. 

I didn’t know how to interact with people and for a social worker who thrives from social interaction, I felt (and still do sometimes) completely lost. 

2. Bureaucracy

If you’d like a side of paperwork with your main course of forms to complete, Germany is your spirit home. 

It was a massive adjustment for me to suddenly need help to complete bureaucratic tasks.

And this is true of all foreign countries. These boring but important necessities of adult-life are different in every country.

Even if you have no language barrier, the conceptual understanding of how government agencies are connected and which is responsible for what takes time to learn.

3. Learning a language

Daily, intensive classes for a year. It was gruelling.

If you’ve never learnt a foreign language, I can say that this is the best way to acquire the skills. However, it’s impact on other areas of your life is extreme. 

While I was learning German, I lost almost all of my other executive functions. My memory was shot, I was always tired and I could not focus on anything. 

Through all of this, I was still aspiring to be an amazing Mum who maintained a stable home for my kids. 

Even though I felt like I was spinning out of control. 

It was a lot. 

But. 

And there is a but. 

Most days I’ve felt like I’ve been just surviving. But now, after more than three years, I feel like I’m thriving again. 

Finally, I’m confident enough in German to manage everyday tasks and bureaucracy alone. Heck, I’m now working in German! 

I have built a social network of both international and local women, taking me out of my loneliness and isolation. 

And we’re now a family of four. 

So before I explain why living abroad is the worst, I just wanted to let you know that it’s not always going to feel like that. 

But don’t forget – you’re going to have to get uncomfortable along the way. 

What You Should Know About Living Abroad

Before you take the leap and move abroad, here are my 3 reasons why living abroad is the worst!

And if you’re already abroad, I’d love to read about your experiences. Have I forgotten something about living away from home? Or have you only had good experiences? 

1. No one cares who you are 

No one knows you here. 

You don’t have a history with the locals. 

There are no long-standing friendships here to fall back on. 

It’s probable that you also have a very small professional network to rely on, if any at all. 

It’s a weird position to be in. You’re confronted with having to build your identity and reputation again from scratch but without the support, you probably had back home as a young adult. 

And thinking “But I’m trying really hard!” doesn’t help, because so is everyone else. 

This is the phase that nearly broke me. The realisation that this wasn’t going to be easy. That actually, this was going to be really hard. 

And that’s when my homesickness arrived. The worst I had ever experienced (and I’ve never really been one to get homesick!) 

If you’re feeling homesick as a parent abroad, you can read my 7 Tips for you here. 

IT WON’T ALWAYS BE LIKE THIS! 

In Social Work, we have the motto lean into the discomfort. 

As a professional, I can tell you that it’s not easy to lean in when every part of your body and mind wants to get up and run. 

Personally, it’s even harder. Especially when you’re living abroad. You don’t have anywhere to run to!

In only three years, I have expanded my social circle beyond just my family.

It takes time. 

But one day, you’ll look back and realise it’s not so difficult anymore.

Then you know you’ve made it. 

What helps?

• Get comfortable with being uncomfortable. 
• Lean in. 
• Don’t give up. 
• Remember why you moved abroad. 
• Take everything day-by-day and bit-by-bit. 

2. Life is exhausting 

Every day you need to learn something new. 

We’re getting comfortable with being uncomfortable. 

Constant learning is exhausting. 

Sure, you might not have to learn a language like I did, but it’s not just language that you need to learn. 

• How will you get around? Maybe you need to learn how to drive on the other side of the road or figure out how the trams, buses and trains operate. 
  
• You’ll need to find your way around the city. Where is your home relative to work, school and leisure activities?
  
• Figure out the health and education systems. How do they work, how do you register for their services and what are your obligations? 
  
• Follow the procedures of the local authorities, whatever they might be. 
  
• Decide where to live and if you will rent or buy or live in a share house or an apartment or a house and which part of your new city is a good fit for you and your family?  
  
• Find a job in an unknown professional market. 

And so much more. 

If you’ve moved with kids, you need to manage all of this while maintaining a stable home for your kids. 

Cognitive science backs up my experience of exhaustion during this transition phase. 

The tasks that we undertake every day on autopilot are important times when our conscious brain gets a little rest. 

The 2003 study by Stephen Monsell (2003) found that creating habitual behaviours can lead to increased cognitive function. 

So, we can invert this and agree that the reduction of habitual behaviours may decrease our cognitive capacity. 

Our brains need routine. 

Learning new stuff is tiring. 

So, when you’re constantly having to learn new things, you’ll have very few of these autopilot moments in a day. 

What helps? 

• Expect to do less each day in the first months in your new home.
• Concentrate on what you can control.
• Break every challenge into smaller steps and take just one step a day.

3. You’re not who you think you are 

Straight up. 

You are not who you think you are. 

Are you ready to feel uncomfortable? Because this is probably the most uncomfortable part! 

And you know why? 

We create our identities and understand ourselves in relation to those around us. 

Sociologist George Herbert Mead shared through his many lectures his idea that our identity isn’t fixed but is constantly changing and evolving through our interactions with others.  We only think our identity is fixed because we’re engaging with (mostly) the same people who reflect our view of ourselves. 

Now that you’re living abroad, suddenly you’re no longer around those same people. You’re now confronted with people who reflect different ideas about who you are and these might not match your ideas about who you are. 

We’re getting comfortable being uncomfortable and this part of living abroad is the masterclass! 

For me, the only familiar folk I had were my husband and children, nut our family dynamic was suddenly so drastically altered, I couldn’t recognise myself. My view of myself as a capable, strong and independent woman was shaken. 

Expect your ideas about who you are to be challenged and changed. 

It’s cliche, but you’re about to learn a lot about who you are, who you were and who you’re becoming. 

Moving to Germany has humbled me and transformed how I view myself. 

It wasn’t a pleasant process, by the way. 

Having a solid and clearly defined why was the anchor that stopped me from being swept away in the torrent of changes.  

What helps? 

• Talk to people at home as regularly as you can to remember your old self and honour her. 
  
• Accept the new version of yourself without judgement. Different is not good or bad, it’s just different. 
  
• I found journalling really helpful. Just jotting down the changes I’d noticed in myself cleared my confusion and worry about who I was. 
  
• Avoid dwelling on these changes. Notice them without judgement and let them go. You’re one step from a full-blown existential crisis here and you do not need one fo those while getting your life abroad sorted out. 

And there you have it.

Living abroad can sometimes be the worst. But it won’t stay that way. 

The challenges of having no connections, learning new stuff every day and discovering your new self will pass.  

But it is work. 

Work at it each day and bit by bit you’ll find your new life flourishing around you. 

It’s hard to be comfortable with being uncomfortable! 

But you’ve got this. 

Get your FREE Expat Starter Kit. It’s filled with practical tips and tools to help you thrive from day one in your new life abroad.

Need some more support in your new life abroad? 

If you’re looking for a few more resources to help you find your groove in your new life abroad, check out these resources. 

1. Atomic Habits by James Clear.

In his book, James Clear has delved into the research and offers us the building blocks to reshape our habits. 

This book (and audiobook, if you don’t have time to sit and read!) gave me clarity about what my challenges were and easy step-by-step guide about how to overcome them.

And he makes it so easy!

His website is also a treasure trove of articles and resources to support your journey of getting clear-headed and organised. Enjoy! 

2. The Alchemist by Paulo Coehlo 

This stunning novella is a short read but packs a punch. 

The story follows a young shepherd boy’s adventure to find his treasure and the challenges he overcomes on his journey. 

It is poignant and heartwarming. The metaphor for life is radiant and it brings me comfort and joy every time I read it. 

Head here to read more about this book and to buy your own copy.

Is this your experience living abroad? Let me know in the comments below!

The post Why living abroad sucks (and how to overcome it) appeared first on Relocation and Travel Coaching.