Stuttgart, Germany Report of what it's like to live there - 04/17/25
Personal Experiences from Stuttgart, Germany
Background:
1. Was this post your first expatriate experience? If not, what other cities have you lived in as an expat?
Technically yes, but have been stationed overseas in Afghanistan.
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?
Washington, DC. Pretty easy with direct flights to Frankfurt, then a relatively quick 1hr train to Stuttgart. Alternatively, you can connect via Amsterdam or Paris or London.
3. How long have you lived here?
3.5 years.
4. What years did you live here?
2021-2024.
5. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
Military
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
This is an LQA post, so you have to find your own housing. Housing is expensive for Germany and very competitive. The housing options range from old historic homes to beautiful modern new builds. Most single or younger couples tend to live downtown whereas most families leave closer to base or out in Sindelfingen.
I had a 2 bedroom modern apartment downtown below my budget allowed and absolutely loved it. The benefit of downtown living is the reverse commute with traffic.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
You can find basically everything you need between the commissary and local grocery store. The quality of food is not only significantly better than the commissary, but significantly cheaper. There are also some specialty stores for Hispanic, Asian, and Middle Eastern, so its not hard to find good spices and things you need for cooking.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
None, I could find everything I needed.
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
Leiferando or Wolt are big with food delivery. Uber eats is relatively new, with limited restaurant options.
Carls Brauhaus or Schonbuch Brewery were very popular with the DoD community.
5. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
Nothing out of the ordinary, screens for windows are not common, so in the summer you'll get some random insects, almost always harmless.
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
APO, quick and easy.
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
For my apartment is was 100 euros per month for cleaning once a month, which I was able to add as part of my rent.
3. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
Lots of different gyms in town, but I am unsure about cost. I utilized the base gym since its free and relatively big.
4. 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?
Super safe. I walked or biked everywhere or took public transit. There are many hiking and biking trails scattered all throughout town.
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?
No. Stuttgart is still pretty cash heavy, but its slowly changing. ATMs are common everywhere, even at the big festivals and I would trust them.
6. What English-language religious services are available locally?
Base has some, but never utilized.
7. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
It's good to know the basics, but almost everyone speaks English.
8. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
The city is very hilly, but public transit is accessible for those with physical disabilities.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
Local buses and trains are super safe and affordable! its about. 5 euros per day or about 2.25 one way. Taxis are super expensive!
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?
Honestly any vehicle would suffice. I would recommend a European model car because its easier to maintain here. The smaller the better, especially if you chose to live in the city.
If you have the means, buying a brand new car here is such a savings with all the DoD Discounts they offer for a new vehicles.
Wouldn't recommend massive SUVs or trucks.
One thing to keep in mind is if you do bring a vehicle over, it must pass inspection. Germany has high standards for safety, so you may end of spending more to fix up your car just to be able to drive it.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
High-speed internet is accessible. Stuttgart is slowly installing fiber, but germany isn't known for having the fastest or best quality internet.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
I kept my U.S. number (granted I am on my parents' plan) connected via Wi-fi calling so I wouldn't get roaming charges, then had a local prepaid sim for all my data. 15 euros a month for 15GBs, then 7 cents per minute for calls.
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?
A lot of people have pets here, but you can't leave your animal alone for more than 4 hours, so you need to have a sitter or walker check on your pet. I didn't have a pet so no idea the cost.
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?
Almost everyone worked on the base. There are a lot of opportunities for full-time and part-time jobs from defense contracting to working the gas station.
2. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
Business casual.
Health & Safety:
1. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
None
2. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
Medical care is good on the economy, fairly quick and easy to set up appointments. There is one clinic that caters to American expats. If you're active duty, you can use the base hospital.
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?
Pretty good. Pollen is a big deal in the spring time.
4. What do people who suffer from environmental or food allergies need to know?
Europe is good about labeling all their allergies on their menus.
5. Are there any particular mental health issues that tend to crop up at post, such as Seasonal Affective Disorder (winter blues)?
Winter can be depressing, but we are far enough south that all you need is to take a drive to the Alps and get above the cloud line for some sunshine! or a quick flight south.
6. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
Comparable to Seattle, Washington. dark, damp, and cold winters, then amazing beautiful summers.
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
One private international school in Dagerloch that DoD contracting sends their kids to, otherwise they go to the DoD School on base.
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
It's definitely a good size, especially the military expat community. Almost everyone loves it here and morale is very high.
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?
There are expat Facebook groups that people utilize to meet. Then there are always festivals you can meet locals or other expats.
3. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
Good for all kinds of people! Centrally located for traveling, safe for families, small enough to be livable, but offers everything a bigger city does.
4. Is it easy to make friends with locals here? Are there any prejudices or any ethnic groups who might feel uncomfortable here?
No, in my opinion, local Germans are difficult to make friends with. It's nothing against expats, but that's just how Germans culturally are.
5. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
Yes, although this is southern Germany, which tends to be more conservative, no one will ever be rude or mean towards you. Stuttgart has one of the bigger Prides in Germany and a decent amount of gay bars throughout the city.
6. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
There are minor racial prejudices, which stem just from the influx of immigrants in Germany and lack of integration.
7. What have been the highlights of your time in this country? Best trips or experiences?
Traveling! It's so east to explore most of Europe from Stuttgart because it is so centrally located.
8. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
So many things to list. But the summer is the absolute best with festivals almost every weekend.
9. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
Not really.
10. What are the particular advantages of living in this city?
High quality of life and location.
Words of Wisdom:
1. What do you wish you had known about this particular city/country before moving there?
How hard it would be to leave here.
2. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
Absolutely.
3. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
trucks
4. But don't forget your:
rain jacket and bike!
