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Aug 17, 2023 · Frankfurt is quite open and international, which makes it a popular city for expats. On top of that, a healthy economy and job market are likely to make Frankfurt even more attractive for expats in the coming years. So, how many expats actually live in Frankfurt?
Mar 6, 2024 · Is Maryland a good place to live? Absolutely! The state boasts top-notch education and healthcare, a strong job market, especially in sectors like tech, healthcare, and government, and it’s rich in history and culture.
Apr 12, 2018 · Frankfurt has one of the lowest unemployment rates in Germany and attracts thousands of expats every year. So let’s take a look at what life in the financial capital of Europe is really like – based on the views of an expat who actually lives there: me.
- Working in Frankfurt
- Cost of Living in Frankfurt
- Lifestyle and Culture in Frankfurt
- Transport and Driving in Frankfurt
- Accommodation in Frankfurt
- Education and Schools in Frankfurt
+ PRO: Employment opportunities in industrial and financial sectors
It is no secret that Frankfurt is an economic hub and one of Europe’s key banking and financial powerhouses. The city is home to the Frankfurt Stock Exchange, the European Central Bank and hundreds of other financial institutions, so expats working in these sectors should have no trouble finding business opportunities.
+ PRO: Good work-life balance
There is a work-hard-play-hard approach that residents working in Frankfurtseem to embrace. As a key economic centre, professionals in the city are hardworking, with efficiency and punctuality the order of the day. To balance this, employees are afforded lots of time off work and generous leave allowances for holidays and leisure time.
- CON: Language barriers
When looking for a job in Frankfurt, it helps to speak German. While English is widely spoken and a host of international languages are also represented in the city, speaking at least basic German helps in the business world and also when going about one’s daily life. Despite potential language barriers, learning German doesn’t need to be a 'con' – it can be fun and interesting.
+ PRO: Flea markets and secondhand stores offer cheap deals
Whether expats are looking for something on a tight budget or searching for something vintage, Frankfurt’s flea markets and secondhand shops are a great place to start. Expats can score great bargains on clothing as well as tables and chairs or antique items to furnish their new homes.
- CON: One of Germany's most expensive cities
The cost of living in Frankfurtis high, especially in terms of rent. While salaries are adjusted to accommodate this, tax on salaries is high too. Expats may be lured with what seems like a generous salary, but a large proportion of it will go to tax, and so budgeting is critical.
+ PRO: Affordable and efficient services
Despite many expenses an expat will face, the city offers extensive top-notch services, including affordable transport, schooling and high-quality healthcare. This is largely thanks to the high taxes, and many will find that it's worth it.
+ PRO: Vibrant nightlife and entertainment scene
There’s always a fun night out to be had in Frankfurt with myriad options including cocktail lounges, local bars, nightclubs and venues with live music. Areas in the north of the city offer the best nightlife atmosphere, such as Fressgasse, Zeil and Römerberg.
+ PRO: Lots to see and do
This riverside city may be a financial hub, but it also hosts a multitude of cultural events, artistic sights, restored medieval buildings and a certain Gothic charm. The area of Römerberg is a top attraction, as is the Frankfurt Cathedral, and new arrivals can familiarise themselves with their new home by taking a walking tour of the Old Town or a cruise along the river.
- CON: Making friends may be difficult
Many expats report that it can be hard to make friends with Germans and that, particularly in the workplace, Germans may not talk about their lives outside of the job. This may not always be the case, though. If expats share common interests, it can be easy to make friends and socialise. Frankfurt is a truly global cosmopolitan city and it’s possible to meet people from all over the world.
+ PRO: Well-connected city for travel
Frankfurt is centrally located and well connected to other German cities as well as European countries. Its train network, busy international airport and Autobahn system make travelling for business or leisure a breeze. Getting around to surrounding towns to take in the countryside is just as easy.
+ PRO: Pedestrian-friendly city
Frankfurt’s main attractions are in the city centre, which is a hive of activity and where many expats may find themselves working. These areas are easy to reach and get around on foot or by bicycle.
- CON: Parking is expensive
While parking is available in downtown Frankfurt, it is pricey. Most residents prefer to get around using public transportand don't see the need for a car, but it does provide greater freedom and in some cases may be necessary – if expats are planning on driving, then they may encounter some expensive parking fees.
+ PRO: Wide range of housing options
There is a wide variety of properties available in Frankfurt, from apartments, big and small, in central areas to larger houses in surrounding suburbs, and everything in between.
- CON: High demand and high rental costs
Frankfurt is a relatively small city, and the demand for housing is greater than the supply. This has driven rent up and made it difficult to secure a home. Home insurance is also a must and is an added cost. Upon finding their perfect accommodationin Frankfurt, expats must act quickly to submit a lease application.
- CON: Most accommodation options are unfurnished
Most apartments and houses have minimal furnishings and new arrivals will either need to ship or buy furniture. For tenants who prefer to put their own stamp on a place, this could be a 'pro'. That said, an expat’s stay is often short and many prefer to find a fully furnished home.
+ PRO: Excellent standard of schools
Both public and private schools in Frankfurt offer a high standard of facilities, well-trained teachers, and aim to provide children with a well-rounded education. Public schools are better for expat children to integrate into German society quicker, while a bilingual or international school may offer the comfort of their home language and a familiar curriculum.
- CON: International school fees are exorbitant
While public schools are a viable option, many expats families choose international schoolsfor the aforementioned reasons. Parents who go this route should bear in mind the often astronomical tuition fees at these institutions.
+ PRO: Great universities in Frankfurt
Some of Germany’s best universities are located in Frankfurt, such as Goethe University Frankfurt and Frankfurt School of Finance & Management.
- Thriving economy. As a renowned financial centre, Frankfurt has earned the nickname "Bankfurt" due to its multitude of banks and financial institutions.
- High salaries. Working in Frankfurt offers expats significant advantages. The city's high average monthly salary of €3,361, surpassing the national average, provides excellent income potential and a comfortable standard of living.
- World’s best universities. Choosing to study in Frankfurt is a great choice because there’re numerous English-language universities in Frankfurt, like the Johann Wolfgang Goethe University and the Frankfurt University of Applied Sciences.
- Highest concentration of expats in Germany. The city's international flair attracts a diverse expat community, providing opportunities to connect with people from around the world.
Quality of life in Frankfurt is very high – a lot of well paid jobs, especially in the finance sector, and a lot of green in and around the city. Furthermore Frankfurt offers a lot of cultural highlights such as theatres, museums and a football team in the Bundesliga.
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Dec 24, 2023 · Best for suburban comfort: Ilchester. Best for education and family life: Rockville. Best for green spaces and family activities: Scaggsville. Best for diversity and convenience: Silver Spring. Best for neighborhood charm: Tilden Woods. Best for rural beauty and growth: Urbana.
