Why is Moving to Rural Germany Becoming Attractive? I remember clearly when a friend told me he’d spent three months searching for a decent apartment in Munich. After attending more than 20 crowded apartment viewings, he finally got accepted—for a tiny studio that cost almost half his salary.
Sadly, he’s not alone; over 10,000 Germans each year are trading city stress for rural tranquility. Picture this instead: waking up to birds chirping, fresh air, and rent that’s easy on your wallet. Could moving to rural Germany be the solution you’ve been looking for?
Overview of Germany’s urban housing shortage.
Germany’s cities are facing a severe housing crisis. Rents are soaring, apartments are scarce, and affordable options vanish fast. This pressure is pushing thousands of city dwellers to consider rural areas as practical alternatives. More and more people are exploring life beyond the big cities to escape rising costs and overcrowding. I was curious about moving to rural Germany and wanted to discover if countryside living offers a better quality of life.
Understanding Germany’s Urban Housing Problem
Germany’s major cities, like Berlin, Munich, and Hamburg, face significant housing shortages. Apartments are tough to find; the rent will likely be sky-high even if you’re lucky enough. In the past decade alone, rents in cities like Berlin jumped by nearly 50%, while property prices in Munich soared even faster. Overcrowding is another serious issue, with hundreds of applicants often competing for a single flat.
I’ve seen firsthand how stressful urban housing searches have become. Friends of mine spent months searching and attending countless apartment viewings, only to settle for smaller places at higher rents. The situation is frustrating and exhausting, making city life increasingly difficult for many residents.
Why Moving to Rural Germany is Becoming Attractive
More people are choosing to move to the countryside in Germany because living there is much cheaper. In smaller towns and villages, you can find houses and apartments at prices that would be surprising if you’re used to city living. From what I’ve seen while looking at rural properties, it’s common to discover large homes that cost half as much as a small apartment in the city.
Besides affordability, rural homes offer larger living spaces, gardens, and even picturesque views. Recent reports also confirm this trend, showing a steady increase in the number of Germans relocating to smaller towns and villages for a better quality of life. With remote work becoming more common, many people find rural life practical and appealing.
Klara Geywitz’s Initiative to Encourage Rural Relocation
Klara Geywitz, Germany’s Federal Minister for Housing, Urban Development and Building, proposed “Geywitz Umzug aufs Land,” addressing Germany’s housing crisis by encouraging relocation from overcrowded cities to rural areas, with around two million homes vacant. With the rise of remote work and digitalization, she believes rural living is more practical and reduces dependence on urban jobs.
Balanced View and Criticism: “Geywitz Umzug aufs Land Kritik”
Klara Geywitz’s idea to encourage rural relocation has received both support and criticism. Some support the idea, highlighting potential benefits for families looking for affordable homes and peaceful living conditions. Rural areas in Germany have significant vacancies—over 13% outside major cities. Associations like the German Saxony Housing Industry see this as an opportunity rather than a challenge. Remote work also makes rural living attractive, fitting Geywitz’s claim of a “high quality of life.”
However, critics strongly disagree with her approach. Politicians like Bijan Djir-Sarai have called her proposal a “mockery,” pointing out that many people rely on urban areas for work, schools, and family connections. They argue that rural Germany lacks strong internet, reliable public transport, and childcare facilities. Even though Geywitz recognizes these issues, critics believe her plans fall short.
The Ifo Institute further highlighted this skepticism, forecasting that only 175,000 new homes will be completed by 2026—far fewer than the promised 400,000 homes per year. Political figures like Juliane Nagel from the Left Party also criticize the initiative, reminding that “people aren’t chess pieces.” They stress that social and economic realities make urban-to-rural moves complicated for many.
Media outlets like Berliner Zeitung and Morgenpost criticize the initiative, calling it “naive” and “overbearing.” They believe it does not fully consider personal choices and the complexities of moving. Some ideas, like ZEIT Online’s proposal for a 10,000-euro relocation bonus, have come up. However, critics still doubt whether these ideas can address deeper social and economic issues.
Advantages of Moving to Rural Areas
One of the most significant benefits of moving to rural Germany is affordability. Houses and apartments are significantly cheaper than crowded cities like Munich or Hamburg. I found rural properties offering twice the space for half the rent. This means more comfort, bigger gardens, and plenty of room for families to grow without financial stress.
Another advantage is the lifestyle. Rural life in Germany offers peace, quiet, and a healthier environment with fresh air and green surroundings. During my visits to rural areas, I immediately noticed less noise, cleaner air, and open spaces that boosted my well-being. It’s easy to see why families, remote workers, and retirees are increasingly attracted to these relaxed living conditions.
Why Moving to Rural Areas Can Make Some City People Unhappy
Moving to rural Germany can be more challenging than it seems. Many people who move from cities feel unhappy for several reasons. One big problem is social isolation. It can be hard to make friends in small towns, especially if you don’t speak German well or don’t have any connections there.
Moving to a slower-paced life can be trickier than you might think. Many people don’t realize how much they depend on city comforts, like easy access to public transport and a wide range of shopping options. To ensure you don’t feel unhappy with your new surroundings, thoroughly exploring rural communities is a good idea. This way, you can find a place that fits your lifestyle.
Real-Life Experiences of People Who Moved to Rural Areas
I’ve talked to several people who recently moved to rural areas. Many shared positive experiences about their move. They said it made their lives better with lower costs, less stress, and stronger community bonds. For example, a family I know moved from Hamburg to rural Lower Saxony. They now enjoy more space, friendly neighbors, and peaceful weekends outdoors.
But the experience isn’t favourable for everyone. I’ve also met city tenants who regretted relocating (“umzug aufs land bereut”). They struggled with loneliness, limited entertainment options, and longer commutes. A former colleague shared how his move made him feel isolated, with fewer opportunities to socialize or advance his career.
Anxiety about moving to rural areas (“angst vor umzug aufs land”) is also common. People fear losing their social connections, worry about adjusting culturally, and question job prospects. One friend hesitated for months due to fears about rural isolation before finally deciding to stay in Berlin. These emotional hurdles show that rural living isn’t always easy and requires careful thought.
Financial and Governmental Support for Moving to Rural Germany
The German government supports rural living by offering various incentives. These include financial help to renovate empty properties and assistance for families moving to rural areas. One idea cs to consider a €10,000 relocation bonus to encourage people to leave cities for the countryside. In general, a €10,000 bonus may not exist, but there are financial support systems that can aid with relocation.
It is essential to check what is available in your chosen area. In my experience, contacting local municipalities directly gives you the most accurate information. Many towns offer help, such as lower property taxes or financial grants, which can make the transition easier financially.
Practical Tips for Ensuring a Successful Move
Before you decide to live in a rural area, it’s better to do some research to avoid surprises. First, check for important amenities like grocery stores, pharmacies, cafes, and restaurants. Next, consider transportation. Different rural areas in Germany have different levels of access to larger cities, so find out how well your area is connected.
Don’t overlook how crucial schools and healthcare facilities are. When I moved away from the city, I made sure to choose a place close to good schools and hospitals. Visiting the area before moving helped me understand what to expect and made the whole process much less stressful.
Benefits of Rural Life: Personal and Economic Perspectives
Living in the countryside in Germany has real benefits. Since the pandemic, more people have been able to work remotely, making it easier for professionals to live in rural areas. Reliable internet has also transformed these areas into active places for remote workers and entrepreneurs.
Entrepreneurship is thriving in many areas right now. Living costs are lower, and local communities are more supportive of new businesses. For instance, a friend of mine started a successful café in a small Bavarian town, taking advantage of the affordable startup costs and the encouragement from people in the area. This kind of economic environment creates stability and provides opportunities for personal and financial growth, which can be hard to find in larger cities.
Best Rural Locations in Germany to Consider
Some rural areas are worth considering because they’re affordable and offer a nice lifestyle. For example, Brandenburg is gaining popularity since it gives you a calm and relaxed countryside feel, not far from Berlin. Another great option is Lower Saxony, which has affordable homes and good services, especially in towns like Lüneburg and Celle.
I’ve found that the rural areas of Bavaria, close to Munich, provide a great mix of beautiful nature and easy access to city life. On the other hand, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania is known for its breathtaking scenery, affordable housing, and improving infrastructure, especially when it comes to fast Internet service. Lastly, Saxony is a place rich in local culture with low housing prices, making it perfect for newcomers looking to get involved in the community.
Conclusion
Overall, moving to the countryside in Germany can be a great choice, especially for people facing difficulties in finding affordable places to live in cities. Rural areas are usually best because of lower housing costs, a better quality of life, and new job opportunities. However, consider some downsides, like feeling isolated or having fewer services and shops nearby. is nice
In the end, I will recommend researching your preferred area, visiting it in person, and being natural about the move. If you plan carefully, moving to a rural area can bring you happiness and financial stability.
Are you ready to exchange city stress for country comfort?
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