Frankfurt, Germany Report of what it's like to live there - 10/12/25
Personal Experiences from Frankfurt, Germany
Background:
1. Was this post your first expatriate experience? If not, what other cities have you lived in as an expat?
Seventh post and first time in Europe.
2. What is your home city/country? How long is the trip to post from there, with what connections? How easy/difficult is it to travel to this city/country?
Midwest USA. Connect through Dallas or the East Coast. Flights are a breeze compared to trans-Pacific flights.
3. What years did you live here?
2025-2027.
4. How long have you lived here?
Three months.
5. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
Diplomatic Mission.
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
We were very worried before we arrived due to all of the negative reviews, so perhaps it was good, as our expectations were low. The Siedlung is not fantastic housing, but it's definitely not as bad as the reviews indicate.
It's similar to any other apartment living. Kids love to play outside, there are a ton of friendly dogs, and people are out grilling and walking. We live on the third floor of a walk-up, and it's not bad. There is a large storage room you get in the basement for bikes, tires, suitcases, or anything else you want.
It's big! The size of the apartments is nice, and it's great that they have 110 outlets in the kitchen. It's also nice to have a dishwasher. The washer and dryer are a bit small, but they work great. The apartments are old, but they're way better than the reviews make them out to be.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
Groceries are surprisingly affordable, especially compared to some high-cost-of-living Asian cities we've lived in. There are a handful of grocery stores in walking/biking distance from the housing compound, and you can order groceries with apps without much trouble. Also, the Wiesbaden base commissary is fantastic, and you can drive a longer distance to larger bases with even more options.
There are Asian grocery stores all over the city, and there's really not much you can't get here. Steaks are expensive at local groceries, so I buy mostly on the base, but bread, yogurt, cheese, milk, and other stuff is easy to find and not too expensive. Rewe is probably the nicest/biggest grocery store near housing, but there are a bunch of options.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
Nothing, really. Trader Joe's snacks are nice to have, but you can find everything here.
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
I would say restaurants are not amazing here, but they're good enough. There is Chipotle, which was a nice surprise. There are tons of great doner places as well as German restaurants. The Community Support Association (CSA) recently had a meeting that compiled a list of all the popular restaurants people love, and it was quite long.
You can find any type of food, but it might not be as good as what you'd find in larger cities. Going out to eat can be pricey as well, so we don't go out to eat as much as we did in some other places. There are several food delivery apps. I've mostly used Flink for groceries.
5. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
There are a lot of bees/hornets in Frankfurt. They're always buzzing around cafes and in the park. If you open your window for long, they'll probably find a way inside. Other than that, no issues.
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
DPO. If you want to buy something locally, you send it to the consulate as they don't want people mailing things directly to your apartment. The system is EZ. There are DHL drop spots all over the city. I once returned an item I purchased on the German Amazon site, and returned it at a local corner store.
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
I think it's too expensive or hard to find for most people. There are a lot of dogsitting/walking and babysitting opportunities on the compound for kids.
3. Do you feel that it is safe to walk, run or hike outside? Are there areas where bike riding is possible? What is the availability and safety of outdoor space for exercising? Are these easily accessible?
Yes, very safe. We are right next to a large park that is lovely. Frankfurt is also a dream to bike around, with bike paths on every street and a good driving culture of accommodating cyclists. We have a car, but in many instances, like going downtown to shop or eat, it's easier to bike with the family.
Further out, Frankfurt has many well-manicured parks and outdoor spaces with playgrounds and also dog parks. There is also a dog park with two gated areas on the Siedlung.
4. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
There is a gym on one of the compound for people who live here. It costs money but isn't expensive. There is a ton of equipment, both machines and free weights. There's everything you can need in there.
There is also a dance studio where people have workout classes and dance classes for kids. Our kids go to Frankfurt International School (FIS), and there are plenty of sports opportunities there. If you're looking for more there are sports clubs, martial arts studios, or whatever classes you need. Language might be an issues but most places do a good job of working around English-German difficulty.
5. Are credit cards widely accepted and safe to use locally? Are ATMs common and do you recommend using them? Are they safe to use?
There have only been two or three times when I've been somewhere that only takes cash. Some places have a minimum charge, like 10 Euros or something, but almost everyone takes mobile payment or credit cards. Haven't had any trouble or safety concerns. There is an ATM I used at the Rewe grocery store, and there's one on the Wiesbaden base. You can also open a bank account and use your credit card with the consulate cashier to draw money into your account.
6. What English-language religious services are available locally?
I believe there are English Christian church services around but don't know anything other than that.
7. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
Everyone speaks great English here. Sometimes, when you drive out of the city, people will be hesitant to speak English to you, but we make it work without much trouble. I'm taking German classes, and do my best to try at first to speak German, but their English is so much better that we often default to English. People are very friendly about it. I use a site called italki for langugage classes online with a local, but you can probably find a tutor without much difficulty.
8. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
It's probably one of the easier places to live, other than getting in and out of the apartment buildings because of the steps/heavier main door. They are all walk-ups.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
They are all safe and available. My kids ride a tram all over the city and it stops right outside of FIS. I would let my 5th grader ride it alone. We Uber if necessary, but can bike or drive most places. You could get by here without a car if you don't care about going to the base for groceries. Prices are on par with what you'd pay in the U.S.
Many school kids purchase an unlimited annual public transportation pass. There is a bus stop right outside of the Siedlung that takes you in the direction of the consulate.
2. What kind of vehicle(s) including electric ones do you recommend bringing to post, given the terrain, infrastructure, availability of parts, burglary/carjacking risks, etc.? What kind of car or vehicles do you advise not to bring?
I heard that people don't bring electric cars, but there are a few e-vehicles in the parking lot. There aren't any places to charge them around here, though.
We bought a local German car after moving here, but people don't seem to have too much trouble dealing with car stuff. There are two friendly no-nonsense people in the consulate who manage the car registrations. The process can seem complex, but you just have to be patient and it sorts out.
I wouldn't be worried about any sort of crime other than crimes of opportunity if you leave the doors unlocked and something valuable out in the open. The roads are nice, and the freeways are easy to navigate. People tell me there is a mechanic next to the consulate they use for oil changes and other basic maintenance.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
I believe for a nominal fee, the CSA will set up your internet, AFN, and some local cable (I believe) before your arrival. It was nice to have it in place when we moved in. Some people complain about having to keep paying CSA for the privilege once it's set up (it's a quarterly fee), but it's to help pay for an underground fiber optic installation that was paid for in the past. It's still cheaper or the same as what you'd pay in the States. The internet is overall good for streaming, gaming, and surfing for our family of five. I think we get 250 down and like 40 up.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
We use Google Fi, but the kids are on prepaid plans that you can buy at any grocery store or online via apps. You can top up with a U.S. card. The main difficulty is that the company i chose doesn't offer English on their site, so I have to hold up a phone to use Google Translate. Hopefully, I'll be able to navigate it by heart after a bit. I pay like 10-15 euros a month per phone.
Pets:
1. Are qualified veterinarians and/or good kennel services available? Do animals need to be quarantined upon entry to the country? Are there other considerations regarding pets that are particular to this country?
We don't have pets, but my kids dog sit. There are vets and good kennel services, from what I've heard. Some will even come to Siedlung and pick up your dogs for you. No other concerns, really. The German gov requires pet insurance, but the consulate can walk you through it.
Employment & Volunteer Opportunities:
1. What types of jobs do most expatriate spouses/partners have? Locally based or telecommuting? Full-time or part-time? Can you comment on local salary scales?
Hiring has been off and on, but it seems like the consulate has jobs for EFMs if you want them. There is a group that meets together on the Siedlung for teleworking spoues, so there must be several of them. I haven't met people with local jobs, but I know some work at DOD schools on base or coach sports at FIS.
2. What volunteer opportunities are available locally?
Most require basic German skills, but there are some volunteer groups on the Siedlung. One example is a group that helps support refugees.
3. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
Same as the U.S.
Health & Safety:
1. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
No. You can watch scenes from the drug neighborhoods around the main train station on YouTube. It's a small area of the city and I don't think it's very dangerous. I've ridden through it on bikes with my kids a few times. They leave you alone. It's not somewhere you'd want to hang out. Other than that, I give my older teens free rein of the city without worry. I've walked all over the city on foot without worrying about my safety.
2. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
Haven't had experience with medical care yet, but doubt it would be a concern. I've heard some locals complain about wait times, but I think having private insurance negates that, at least that's how they made it sound in consulate orientation. I just made an appointment with an orthopedic surgeon, and they're seeing me in a week.
3. What is the air quality like at post (good/moderate/bad)? Are there seasonal air quality issues? Does the air quality have an impact on health?
Air quality is very good. When we got here, the skies, air, and overall weather were a dream. It was hot for like three days, then it was mid-70s and blue skies with puffy white clouds. Now it's getting into fall and it's been overcast for days. The sun will pop out for a couple of hours, so I run outside to get some sun. I imagine the grey can get to people.
4. What do people who suffer from environmental or food allergies need to know?
I can imagine pollen can be quite bad on the Siedlung in spring. We are fairly sensitive to allergens, but allergies haven't been a problem.
5. Are there any particular mental health issues that tend to crop up at post, such as Seasonal Affective Disorder (winter blues)?
Already touched on winter blues a bit. People have told me to buy some Vitamin D supplements, so I can imagine it's a recurring issue.
6. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
The climate is a bit like D.C., but milder. I haven't lived through a full winter yet, so who knows. We appreciate having four seasons and putting on a jacket after living in the tropics for so long. The overcast can certainly get to me, but I try to do a good job of being outside when it's sunny and turning on enough lights in the house to make it feel bright inside.
I don't know if we'll stay over for the summer, but people say it's hot. The consulate gave us three large indoor AC units with window setup contraptions. It's not super ideal, but it's a fine solution, and you can buy more air conditioners if you need them. We live in a 6-bedroom, two-story unit, and put two of the ACs upstairs, and the cool air flowed down into the rest of the apartment just fine. The windows in the apartments are nice and open two ways to let however much of a breeze you want inside.
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
FIS or the European school seem to be the default, but I didn't do too much research after my kids got into FIS (which wasn't a problem or anything).
Our kids have loved being in FIS. The student body seems quite welcoming and diverse. The staff does a great job of integrating new kids. My kids are in sports and clubs and doing well. They ride the bus from the Siedlung. There are late buses for kids with activities, or they can take the train if they need to stay later than that. The campus is beautiful.
2. Are preschools available? Day care? Are these expensive? What has been your experience with them, if any? Do the schools provide before- and/or after-school care?
There is a CSA school on the Siedlung that I see people dropping off and picking up at. It seems like most people have a positive experience there. I know they offer after-school care and all-day care for school breaks when parents have to work.
3. Are local sports classes and/or activities available for kids?
Yes, lots. Some coaches even come to the Siedlung to cater to the consulate kids. I see soccer lessons and games from my window.
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
It seems large. There are a ton of people on the Siedlung. In orientation, they kept citing the number of units they turn over each summer. There are hundreds of apartments. There is also some off-compound consulate housing in small but modern townhomes (I've only visited friends in one, and it was four stories with a new kitchen and backyard). There are also a lot of foreigners in Frankfurt working at banks and going to school, so locals are used to dealing with people from all over.
I was quite surprised at the negative reviews on Talesmag, mostly about the housing. I can imagine it's hard to live somewhere for two or more years in a place you don't like; that hasn't been my family's experience. We've only been here a few months, but the housing is just fine. I think a major challenge with the consulate community is that so many people are in regional jobs, and they travel a lot. It can probably be hard to connect with people when you see them infrequently. People are always coming and going. I've had to come out of my shell a bit on the compound, but I've been glad I did. Most people are very friendly.
2. What are some typical ways to socialize, either with local people or with other expatriates? Are there groups or clubs that you can recommend?
It takes effort, but you can attend CSA events at the restaurant on the compound. Halloween is coming, and there's a trunk-or-treat on the consulate grounds, trick-or-treating on the Siedlung, a haunted house on the tennis courts, and people will probably be having parties at the several cookout pavilions around the apartments. The Community Liaison Office (CLO) organizes some trips and tours as well. The newsletter is full of tennis groups, running groups, boot camps, reading clubs, faith-based get-togethers, and more.
There will always be something to do; it just takes some active participation, and you'll find people to connect with.
3. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
I don't know why this would be a bad city for anyone other than maybe the grey winter season. We've had a good time so far. For families, there's a lot to do. This week we went to a pumpkin patch with a haunted house, bouncy castles, a corn maze, and other activities. You can drive to historical sites around Frankfurt, go see castles, or drive to France, Italy, or anywhere else around Europe.
4. Is it easy to make friends with locals here? Are there any prejudices or any ethnic groups who might feel uncomfortable here?
Probably more difficult here because we're here for such a short time. However, every local I've interacted with has been open and friendly.
5. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
I don't see anyone running into negativity here.
6. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
No.
7. What have been the highlights of your time in this country? Best trips or experiences?
Honestly, access to the facilities on bases has been one of the best aspects of living here. We've never had it at any other posts, so it's like a dream going to the commissary or exchange. Of course, we've driven to Paris and have other vacations on the list. Just around Frankfurt, there are old towns with squares and views of the city where you can sit and eat or have a drink and relax. As mentioned, it's our first post in Europe, so we're soaking it in. I've eaten my body weight in pretzels, I'm sure. It's all great.
8. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
My friend took me to Rhudesheim, which is a vineyard/historical site on the main river, where you ride up on old cable cars. It was beautiful and a lot of fun. There are lots of outdoor activities. The base offers fishing and hunting licensing courses if you're into that. I'm in contact with a boating school in Wiesbaden to learn some sailing.
9. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
I'm not really into the aesthetic, but there are a lot of mugs, nutcrackers, clocks, and other German handicrafts for sale around.
10. What are the particular advantages of living in this city?
It's a nice, mid-sized city with easy travel around Europe. I've been to Warsaw, Paris, and I'm going to Prague next week in just two months.
Words of Wisdom:
1. What do you wish you had known about this particular city/country before moving there?
The housing was nowhere as bad as you thought it would be based on other reviews. Any problem we've had with the housing (like a broken dryer) was taken care of quickly. They're basic but spacious.
2. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
Yes.
3. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
Can't think of anything. Just to reiterate, the housing really isn't that bad.
4. But don't forget your:
easy-going attitude. Coming to Frankfurt is overwhelming with cars, local ID cards, banks, and other setup items. The people here have to do everything on a larger scale than at other posts, so it can feel quite regimented at times. I just had to stay patient and let go of trying to control the outcome so much. In the end, it took us about six weeks to purchase a car, register it, get our IDs, bank account, driver's licenses, etc., which actually isn't too bad.
5. Do you recommend any books or movies about this city/country for those who are interested in learning more?
I was surprised at the lack of information online or on YouTube about Frankfurt before coming here. Almost everyone revolved around Old Town, which is nice but quite small. There are a lot of nice suburban areas and cool neighborhoods in the city to explore.
6. Do you have any other comments?
Reach out to someone on the Facebook group you know (or take a chance and ask someone you don't know) for a video walk-through of an apartment. We were able to do that with the person living in our unit before we moved to Frankfurt, and thought it looked great compared to what people said online.
