Frankfurt, a bustling metropolis that serves as Germany's financial hub, is a great city. It's one that has preserved the history and heritage of bygone eras all while looking forward to the future. It remains an integral center of finances and is instrumental to the economy of one of the wealthiest countries in the world. With all of that said, is it still any wonder why so many people want to relocate here? It's no secret that Frankfurt is the type of city where opportunities run abundant. But don't think, even for a second, that it's easy to move here on your own.
Overview
As of 2021, Frankfurt has a population of around 784,780 residents. Although it's one of Germany's major cities, it still has fewer residents than those of the capital city, Berlin, which has over three million, and even Munich, which has over one million. Nevertheless, since Frankfurt serves as the financial hub of the country, it remains an integral metropolis. One that also sees all four seasons. Snow falls every winter here and during its coldest month, January, the average temperature here is -1.1°C (30°F). And while Frankfurt's international communities continue to rise, German remains its dominant language. Those who don't speak it would benefit from learning in the
language schools here.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Getting Around
When it comes to getting around in Frankfurt, those without cars have nothing to worry about.
The city's public transport is alive well, offering up efficient systems that many can easily go for to get to where they need to be. It has both an underground metro and aboveground tram systems, buses that travel throughout the different parts of the city, many taxis you can hail off the street, and more. For better convenience, you might want to get a
Frankfurt Card to gain unlimited access to these systems for a given period of time. You can also rely on
transportation apps to help you commute here in Frankfurt.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Where to Live
When you plan to relocate to Frankfurt, the first question you ought to answer is where you will live here. Don't think that just because the place is smaller than most major cities, most of the areas here are one and the same. On the contrary, the different
neighborhoods in Frankfurt cannot be further apart from each other. From old quarters to financial districts, each part has its own conveniences and unique charms to offer. But on the question of where you should settle down, a good option would be the Europaviertel area in the Gallus district. It's become known for its apartment complexes that offer stunning
luxury homes to foreigners living in Frankfurt.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Real Estate
As the financial center of Germany, one of the wealthiest countries in the world, it's safe to assume that
the living costs in Frankfurt are rather high, right? Since this is where most of the country's finances are handled, it makes sense that living here will cost an arm and a leg. However, the truth of the matter is a bit different. Though Frankfurt truly is a pricey city, the costs here aren't as high as you might think. In fact, when it comes to renting a place, the city's common rental fees range from a minimum of €800.00 to a maximum of €3,000.00 a month. These are both lower than those in other major European cities.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Employment
Expect a lot of job opportunities in Frankfurt. Big cities like this one are already rife with job openings left and right, no matter what industry you're in. However, the fact that Frankfurt is Germany's financial center also helps a lot. Overall,
Germany's job market is already one of the most stable in the world, boasting a currently low unemployment rate of 5.9%. So if the situation looks good nationwide, what more in a bustling metropolis like Frankfurt, right? In any case, from finance to IT and beyond, you'll need to
find work that fits your skills and abilities. The Germans are pretty particular when it comes to who they hire.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Education
An important point of concern when you relocate to Frankfurt with your entire family is your kids' schooling. You probably think that you'll have a hard time finding the right educational institution for your little ones, especially if you came from a non-German-speaking country. How will they continue and finish their studies now? Well, enroll them in any of
Frankfurt's notable international schools! The city boasts a handful of fine educational institutions that are even recognized around the world. From
Frankfurt International School to the
International Bilingual Montessori School, there are lots you can choose from!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Healthcare
Now, let's talk about healthcare! As you might expect, when you move to Frankfurt, you also become a legal resident of Germany. This will prove vital when it comes to registering for
the country's healthcare system. Since it operates as a universal system, all legal residents are allowed to gain access to it. And only when you've registered will you be able to reap its benefits, especially when it comes to medical costs. But what about if you're not a legal resident yet? How can you get treated to any of
Frankfurt's finest hospitals then? Well, you'll need to go for private health insurance instead.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Safety
Since Frankfurt is a big major city, you'll likely assume that it's not that safe of a place to call home, wouldn't you? After all, despite their reputation, the major cities in the world don't have the lowest crime rates. So how does Frankfurt fare in all of this? The truth of the matter is it's not that bad.
Frankfurt's crime rates aren't that high but they're not the lowest either. Currently, it enjoys a moderately high crime rate at 46.87% but with a slightly higher rate of increasing crimes at 63.58%. Nevertheless, the city's safety rates are also high. It's 71.20% during the day and 48.44% at night.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Taxes
The moment you become a legal resident of Frankfurt, you automatically become a taxpayer in Germany as well. This means you have to adhere to
the country's tax system as you live and work here. Fortunately, the country's system is relative to many others around the world. For instance, your income tax rate depends on how much you earn in a year. If you earn less than €9,744.00 a year, your income tax rate is 0%. But if you earn more than €274,613.00 a year, it's 45%. You'll also have to deal with property taxes for when you purchase or inherit land in the city.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Relocation Tips
When you move to Frankfurt, make sure you
open a local bank account here. Since the city is Germany's financial hub, this won't be that difficult for you regardless of your legal status. And only when you have a bank account can you properly manage your finances here. Furthermore, you ought to
join a local mobile network as well. Don't just depend on the internet by way of wifi hotspots throughout the city in order to connect with your loved ones back home. It's way easier to get a local SIM card and keep in contact and get your own wifi coverage.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Although Frankfurt seems like the type of major city where one can easily settle down, there's more to relocating here than meets the eye. Let this relocation guide show you the ropes and help you every step of the way!
