An Expat Talks about Moving to Stromberg, Germany

What is the name of the city or town that you are reporting on?

Stromberg

Name three things that you wish you had brought and three you wish you had left at home.

I wish we could have brought our car, my sister and my kitchenaid. I wish we would have left half the junk that my husband packed (who needs old clothes that you know you will never wear again?) computer junk and the attachments for my kitchenaid...don't ask.

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What advice would you give someone preparing to move to your area about the actual move, choosing a neighborhood and finding a home?

Okay start looking early, in the adds (if you look on your own) show dates as to what month an apartment is free, you can wait up to 6 months to move in, unlike in the states where if it's in the paper it's fair game. Also if you only have one car and there is someone who is at home all the time keep in mind that the 3 main stores are located in the Neubau area and if you live in the valley you either have to walk up the mountian or take the bus to get there.

What type of housing do you live in? Is this typical for most expats in your area?

We live in a 2 bedroom apartment. I think it's pretty small but not too small, I would like one more room for an office. Most of the expats that live here are not from Europe or the states and I've been told it's normal.

How did you choose your neighborhood and find your home or apartment?

We were staying with my father-in-law and his wife who had a 1 bedroom apartment, hmm 4 adults, one toddler and 2 cats. We called just about every listed apartment in this area (Mainz/Ingelhiem/Bad Kreuznach) and found this one as soon as possible. We were lucky, this is the first place we looked at, it's a little small but the location and the view are pretty good.

Are your housing costs higher or lower than they were in your home country? What is the average cost of housing there?

I'd say it's about the same.