Pros and cons of living in Berlin
If you’re looking to start a new life in Germany, then I’m sure the capital city of Berlin, is somewhere at the top of your list of places to live. It is an extremely popular destination amongst our customers and British expats, for many reasons. But, although this city has so much to offer, like anywhere in the world, this European city has some drawbacks that are worth considering.
If you’re wondering whether Berlin is the right place for you to settle down, then here are some pros and cons of living in the city to help you make your decision.
Pros of living in Berlin:
Good quality of life
If you are looking for an enjoyable lifestyle, then you will thrive in Berlin. The city offers an excellent healthcare system, low crime rates, an efficient public transport system and a huge variety of activities to get yourself immersed into.
Low cost of living
In comparison to other major European cities, Berlin is relatively cheap to live in. In fact, it is supposedly 20% cheaper than living in the likes of Paris, Amsterdam or London. This is great for expats who are looking to save money, whilst still enjoying a European city life.
No university fees
Berlin is a popular city with expat students as it offers free university education. It is home to a number or world-renowned universities, which is a great benefit for students who are looking to pursue their academic studies in Germany.
Expat friendly
Berlin has one of the largest expat populations in the world, so if you are looking for a city that is full of expats then this is the place for you. Having such a large expat community will make it easier for you to make new friends from all over the world.
Delicious food
German food is unbeatable and so in the countries capital city, you will be well and truly treated! You will find the streets are lined with a huge variation of restaurants offering both German and international cuisine.
Very safe
The crime rate in Berlin is considerably lower than that in other European cities, such as Paris and London. With Berlin being such a safe city, it makes it a great place to live if you are looking for comfort and peace of mind.
Great nightlife
If you are guilty of craving an end of the week party on a Friday after work, or a night out with friends on a Saturday then you’ll be in a great place in Berlin. There are a large number of bars, clubs and restaurants that stay open till way into the night. The eclectic mix of bars, pubs and clubs means you will never get bored of the nightlife here.
There are so many more pros of living in this incredible city, the list is endless – we would be here forever if I sat and listed every single one!
Cons of living in Berlin:
Full of tourists
Berlin is an extremely popular tourist destination, with people from all over the world. The city is full of historical landmarks and museums, so there is always something to keep attracting the visitors. This means that the city is often crowded with tourists and this can cause a lot of disruption to your day-to-day life.
British weather
If you are looking for your new home to escape the doom and gloom of the British weather, then Berlin won’t be the place for you. The weather in the city is very similar to the UK, so expect a lot of rainfall and very cold winters.
Crowded city
As Germany’s capital city, Berlin is home to over 3.6 million people and so the city is incredibly crowded. You will defiantly feel the effects of this during rush hour, so if the hustle and bustle isn’t something you are looking for or are used to, then Berlin may not be the best place for you.
Know your German
If learning new languages isn’t your strong point, then you may have a problem…. Getting the most out of living in this wonderful city will mean learning the German language. This city is full of native speaking residents, and even with such a large international population, a lot of the Germans that live here don’t know English. German is a difficult language to pick up, but it is defiantly worth the hassle if you want to live in Berlin.
Moving to Berlin has such exciting prospects for British expats looking for a new life in Germany, although there are obviously some things to consider. Some of the cons listed above may be more important to you than others, but you will find similar issues with any European city you choose to live in, especially as the world is recovering and getting back to normal following the pandemic.
If this article has convinced you to move to Berlin, then you are in the right place. We move thousands of people to Germany’s capital city every year, through our array of international services. Whether you are moving the contents of your five bedroom property, or just a couple of boxes – we can help.
Get a quote online today and check out our German removals and shipping services.
