An Expat Talks about Living in Munich, Germany

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

Munich

How long have you lived there?

1 year

What activities, clubs and organizations would you recommend to newcomers to help them meet others?

www.toytownmunich.com It's a forum dedicated to English-speaking expats in Munich. There you get a lot of first-hand information regarding English-speaking medical professionals, exchanging info about where to make the best of a long-weekend, etc.

William Russell
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William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.

William Russell

William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.
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In terms of religious, racial, economic and cultural diversity, are the people of this city or town diverse? Are they accepting of differences? Describe.

Munich is not a cosmopolitan town like say Berlin or London. Munich attracts a lot of high-tech people, as a result, there is racial diversity, but not culturally diverse. Munich is liberallly run (SPD), but Bavaria is conservative (CSU/CDU). I am a person of color and feel comfortable and welcome here.

What are the main industries in this city? What types of career opportunities commonly exist? How do most people find new jobs?

Mostly hi-tech and IT. To find new jobs, you got to use the internet or the employment office website (Arbeitsamt).

In general, what are peoples' priorities in this city? For example, do lives revolve around work, family, socializing, sports, etc.?

Apparently Munich has the highest number of single households in Germany. Family is no. 1, then friends and socializing. The English Garden attracts leisure walks in all months and of course beer garden visits in summer or when the sun is shining (even in winter!)

If a friend of yours was thinking of moving to this city or town from far away, what other advice would you give them.

Do it! Munich is on the cusp of the Alps. Good ski areas are 1 hr. south of Munich. Lake Garda (for wind surfing, MTB, etc.) is 400 km south of Munich in Italy. Prague is a 4 hr. drive to the east. This is a safe, clean city.