If Germany is on your shortlist for your golden years, we have the 10 best places to retire in Germany.
While Europe’s fourth largest country is a top choice for many expats, Germany is yet to be discovered as a prime retirement destination. When it comes to retirements, Spain and Portugal, and even Croatia, take the chunk of expat retirees. Besides, with its four seasons, it just does not suit the preferences of retirees looking to escape to a land of eternal summer – or at least with more than 50% sunshine in a year.
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But if what qualifies as your ideal retirement destination is one country that offers culture, safety, first world perks, recreation, great healthcare, and one where you can maximize your cashed out retirement funds and pension, then Germany is definitely worth a second look. It also helps that being in Germany means traveling all over Europe is a train ride away, that there is already a vibrant, existing expat community all over the country, and finding someone who speaks English is not difficult. Germany also offers easier deals for expats who are coming to the country to retire unlike those who come to work.
Cost-wise, Germany can hardly make it to the 10 cheapest places to retire abroad. With the strength of the Euro and the economic stability of the country, some things are bound to be on the more expensive side. Nevertheless, the country does not fall short on the good and the fun things that retirees need to make the most of their golden years.
In coming up with this list of the 10 best places to retire in Germany, we took suggestions from sources like Expatica, Live Like a German, and The Local. The cities here have been ranked according to a couple of criteria: ease of access for seniors, availability of healthcare facilities, expat friendliness, safety, environment, and availability of senior-friendly recreation.
Itching to find out which German cities made it to our list? Read on to find out!
10. Heidelberg
For retirees looking for a warmer city, Heidelberg makes for the perfect choice. The city’s located in the warmer region of Germany, making for more pleasant days – perfect for enjoying the city’s Romantic charms and modern day perks. The old city has a young, vibrant edge composed of university students, professionals, and a growing number of expats.
9. Cologne
Cologne’s reputation for its relaxed, open-minded environment has made it not just one of the 10 best places to retire in Germany, but basically one of the best cities in Germany overall. Its thriving international community will delight any expat, and it never runs short on things to do and see. The traveling lot will be delighted to know that from Cologne, Amsterdam is only three hours away, Luxembourg 2two hours and a half, and Paris about three and a half hours.
8. Leipzig
What makes Leipzig one of the 10 best places to retire in Germany is mainly the fact that it is a quieter, simpler, much cheaper alternative to bigger cities like Berlin. In fact, Leipzig is often described as a mini-Berlin with all its big-city attractions and old town charms at a cheaper cost, slower pace, and just as much awesomeness. Retirees won’t have to wade through the hustle and bustle of Berlin without giving up the sights, the sounds, and the facilities.
7. Nuremberg
Nuremberg is the second largest city in Bavaria and is located on the river Pegnitz. Retirees will be delighted with its old buildings, castles, museums, and theatres. The price of rent in Nuremberg starts at over 800 Euros a month in a regular area and go as high as about 1000 Euros for those located in more expensive areas of the city.
6. Stuttgart
In 2015, Stuttgart placed 21st in the Mercer Global Livability Rankings and sixth best city in all of Germany. Aside from great overall livability scores, what makes Stuttgart qualify for this list of the 10 best places to retire in Germany is its safety and a long list of recreation for retirees. It also helps that the city is undoubtedly beautiful – with its restored buildings, museums, and the views from the hilly parts of the city.
5. Hamburg
Germany’s second biggest city is just as big on things to see, to experience, to taste, and to enjoy. The post city is an affluent one and is bustling because of it but it isn’t all just skyscrapers and concrete jungles. It is also one fun city teeming with culture, arts, and music. Hamburg’s big city attractions and facilities are perfect for retirees who don’t want to completely let go of their city lifestyles.
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4. Berlin
The populous German capital is reemerging as an expat and retiree favorite, thanks to its vibrant arts, music, and culture. There is always something to do, somewhere to be, and people to meet. The healthcare is impressively low, though rent prices can be higher than in other cities. But the cost of living is just about as much as it is in most major cities in the United States. Retirees happily spend their days exploring the countless theatres, museums, gardens, churches, old buildings and what-have-yous.
3. Frankfurt
If you want to retire in an important city, Frankfurt (or Frankfurt am Main) is your best choice. It is a bustling city in the middle of a large metropolis. It is home to several important universities, museums, and other educational institutions, a busy business district, and the center of the German banking industry. If you’re looking for a safe, dynamic, exciting and diverse city to spend your retirement in, Frankfurt is your city.
2. Dusseldorf
Dusseldorf is the German center for finance, fashion, and culture and the arts. The big city also ranks as the city with the second best quality of life. Retirees will enjoy the vibrant city life and enjoy the dozens of museums that dot the city. Perhaps the only downside of Dusseldorf is its dense population; but other than that, Dusseldorf is in every way ideal for retirees.
1. Munich
The Bavarian city of Munich is not just the winner in our list of the 10 best places to retire in Germany; it is also the most livable city in Germany according to Mercer Quality of Living Index. And it is not difficult to see why. The city is clean, safe, and home to practically everything that makes a city ideal and livable for people of all ages. With major companies headquartered here, and a very low unemployment rate, retirees will live among hardworking, on-the-go young ones and enjoy the wide array of recreation. Healthcare is one of the best in all of Germany and it has a healthy balance of old and modern, of fast and of slow, and of young and old. The interesting balance is evident in the odd variety in architecture and people that inhabit this wonderful city. No wonder it is attracting an even larger number of visitors, expats, and retirees.
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