Retirement is a big deal, and it is supposed to be one of the best times of your life. You can enjoy your life with absolutely no worries about work or anything else and relax in the truest of senses. You could do several leisure activities and indulge in the creation of new hobbies. When you think about retirement, Germany is not the most instantaneous reaction. Still, it is an enjoyable destination, and the population of ex-pats continues to rise here with every passing year. Here, you will find some of the best places to stay and retire in Germany.
Why Should you Retire in Germany?
Germany is not particularly people’s instant choice for retirement, primarily because it is not known for its laidback lifestyle or tropical climate. But it’s highly appealing to the ones looking to retire. It’s one of the most important business centres in Europe, and every region here has an impeccable charm of its own. The quality of life in Germany has consistently high rankings around the world. Political stability and low crime rates are the two primary reasons for that. It also has 4 of the 16 best cities in the world- Munich, Dusseldorf, Frankfurt, and Berlin. The cost of living is pretty affordable. Here, you will be able to experience a full range of seasons, from warm summers to pleasant spring and snowy winters. Here, you will find easy access to private health insurance markets, even for ex-pats, and it’s very good. Public transportation here is everywhere and is very efficient. It is a great place to socialize and meet new people, especially in the German clubs or verrines.’
1. Munich: Best City to Stay and Retire in Germany
Munich has a large population of Brit ex-pats and is one of the best choices when considering a new home in Germany. The city ranks 4th for quality of life and 2nd for infrastructure in the world. The architecture here is stunning. The aura is sophisticated, and the culture around here is very fine. The annual Oktoberfest beer festival drives people here every year and is also one reason people choose to stay here. However, Munich is also one of the most expensive cities in Europe.
- Monthly Rent: €2,000
- Property Purchase Cost: €10,000 per square meter
- Air Quality: Excellent
- Cost of Living: High
- Health and Safety: Good
- Climate: Moderate
- Connectivity: Good
- Traffic: Low
- Public Transport Facilities: Good
- Life Quality Index: Excellent
2. Dusseldorf: Best Culture Rich Place to Stay and Retire in Germany
Dusseldorf is seeing a growing population of ex-pats from the UK, and the city was ranked 6th in the world for quality of life and infrastructure level. The cultural values here and many things to do, ranging from museums to markets and places to eat, are very appealing. The ex-pat culture in this city is extremely strong, and people will at least speak basic English. The city is also more expensive than the others mentioned in the list.
- Monthly Rent: €1,700 per month
- Property Purchase Cost: €6,000 per square meter
- Air Quality: Average
- Cost of Living: Affordable
- Health and Safety: Good
- Climate: Average
- Connectivity: Good
- Traffic: Average
- Public Transport Facilities: Good
- Life Quality Index: Good
3. Frankfurt: Best Place to Stay and Retire in Germany
The financial capital of Germany, Frankfurt, is usually known for its wide job market and opportunities for those who work in the financial sector. The city always keeps up the hustle, and people enjoy the epic food and drinks offered across restaurants here. Most people choose to be living towards the outskirts of the city and commute daily for work and such. The primary reason for that is the affordability and availability of spaces and the lack of places in the city centre. Living around the central city can be extremely expensive, and if you choose to live towards the outskirts, it is comparatively cheaper.
- Monthly Rent: €1,600 per month
- Property Purchase Cost: €5,700 per square meter
- Air Quality: Good
- Cost of Living: High
- Health and Safety: Good
- Climate: Average
- Connectivity: Good
- Traffic: High
- Public Transport Facilities: Good
- Life Quality Index: Good
4. Berlin: Most Beautiful Place to Stay and Retire in Germany
Berlin is quickly becoming one of the trendiest places in the world. Despite the massive destruction in the second world war, the city has gotten back and how. The streets have both modern buildings and excellent street art, so the area is known for. One-third of the city is covered in parks, gardens, rivers, forests, and lakes and is full of nature’s beauty. The city is seeing an increasing population of ex-pats, and it’s not so that language would be an issue because they have a large English-speaking population.
- Monthly Rent: €1,500 a month
- Property Purchase Cost: €4,900 per square meter.
- Air Quality: Great
- Cost of Living: Affordable
- Health and Safety: Good
- Climate: Good
- Connectivity: Good
- Traffic: Low
- Public Transport Facilities: Good
- Life Quality Index: Good
5. Leipzig: Most Politically Charged City to Stay and Retire in Germany
It is a vast city and has a very politically charged climate. The trams are clean, no crimes, a lot of parks and beauty around, very bicycle-friendly and very low pollution. One of the issues here is the monthly demonstration organized by LEGIDA. It is known as a student city with a predominantly young population. You will find a lot of Vokus or public kitchens here. The food and housing here are pretty cheap too.
- Monthly Rent: €1,900 per month
- Property Purchase Cost: €4050 per square meter
- Air Quality: Good
- Cost of Living: Affordable
- Health and Safety: Good
- Climate: Moderate
- Connectivity: Good
- Traffic: Low
- Public Transport Facilities: Good
- Life Quality Index: Good
6. Hamburg: Most Beautiful City to Stay and Retire in Germany
The second biggest city in Germany and a great choice on where to live in Germany, Hamburg is massive and offers the inhabitants an excellent quality of life and is known to boast of better and more living space than most other major cities in the world. The city’s beauty will stun you because it is surrounded by rivers and canals crisscrossing the streets, and they have built more than 2000 bridges to cross them. The city has a lot to offer and gives very different experiences. So, you could appreciate the stunning quaint architecture or even try the trendy new places with great nightlife. Here, most Germans would prefer to have a conversation in German, even though they understand and can speak in English.
- Monthly Rent: €1,000 to €2,000 per month
- Property Purchase Cost: €4,000 to €6,000 per square meter
- Air Quality: Good
- Cost of Living: Affordable
- Health and Safety: Good
- Climate: Moderate
- Connectivity: Good
- Traffic: Low
- Public Transport Facilities: Good
- Life Quality Index: Good
7. Nuremberg: Best Historic City to Stay and Retire in Germany
It is one of the most flexible options present in this list. It is based in Bavaria, an area rich and prevalent in history and an excellent choice for foodies looking to dive into the German food and drink experience and give their perfect beer a chance. This is one of the most affordable places to live in. Here, you should show at least a little effort in speaking in German, because people are very appreciative of that here.
- Monthly Rent: €1,000 per month
- Property Purchase Cost: €3,500 per square meter
- Air Quality: Average
- Cost of Living: Affordable
- Health and Safety: Good
- Climate: Average
- Connectivity: Average
- Traffic: Low
- Public Transport Facilities: Good
- Life Quality Index: Good
8. Stuttgart: Best City to Stay and Retire in Germany with Greenery
It has played a very important role in the automobile industry and is a great option to be living in Germany. It is located across a large number of hills, valleys, and parks and is beautiful. The city is very relaxed and has an impeccable social culture with cultural roots going deep and many historical buildings around. The industrial popularity of the city has invited a large number of ex-pats from all over the world. The city is relatively affordable.
- Monthly Rent: €1,400 per month
- Property Purchase Cost: €4,900 per square meter
- Air Quality: Good
- Cost of Living: Low
- Health and Safety: Good
- Climate: Good
- Connectivity: Average
- Traffic: Low
- Public Transport Facilities: Average
- Life Quality Index: Good
What are the drawbacks of living in Germany?
One of the major issues of living in Germany is that you will find a lack of food choices in Germany, and you will be expected to eat a lot of their cultural cuisine, which includes a lot of potatoes, sausages, and pickles. You’ll be expected to eat sauerkraut. The nightlife here lacks variety, and you will not find a lot of clubs or such. The usual network here is very different, and you might feel very distant from your family and friends.