Hello!
I am considering a contract job at Ramstein and would be coming to the area in the Fall if I accept. My employer will pay to ship my furniture and car. I don't really want to live in a "military town" like Kaiserslautern, but want to be a reasonable commuting distance away. Is there public transportation so I don't have to drive every day? Where would you start looking for a house? I have two dogs that will come with me. How hard will it to be to find a place that takes pets? What would be a reasonable rent for a two bedroom place with a complete kitchen (I've heard that's not a given) including the costs of utilities. Lastly, how has the devaluation of the dollar affected you in the last few years? Has it made things really expensive? What would you consider a "living comfortably" salary as a experienced professional ( salary paid in USD)? Obviously, I have a lot of questions and would really appreciate any input! Thanks for any advice you can share.
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Where to live when working at Ramstein airbase
And related advice on finding housing nearby
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The search tool is your friend in this case, but a couple of comments anyway.
Of course getting paid in USD over here hurts. As in, it's not just a bit of an annoyance, rather it hurts - a lot. It's impossible to say, however, what a decent income would be without knowing whether you're fine without a lot of disposable income or you are a bit more luxurious.
I'm sure there's some sort of public transport that would enable you to not drive as often, but someone from the area would have to tell you for sure what the connections are like.
It is possible to find a place with a kitchen already installed (Einbauküche), but still be prepared to buy light fixtures, etc. Sometimes you can buy the kitchen from the last tenant rather than building your own. However, talk to your potential employer, as some contracters subsidize some or all of your rent; they can also help you find something.
And another thing is that Germans don't usually have carpets in apartments, so if you enjoy carpets, be sure to shell out some money for those. (Random comment, I know, but I wasn't used to the concept of wall-to-wall tile or laminate when I got here.)
Oh, and you shouldn't have many problems with your dogs, seeing as Germany is way more pet friendly than back home. Just make sure it's in any lease you sign that you're allowed pets.
Anyway, good luck!
Of course getting paid in USD over here hurts. As in, it's not just a bit of an annoyance, rather it hurts - a lot. It's impossible to say, however, what a decent income would be without knowing whether you're fine without a lot of disposable income or you are a bit more luxurious.
I'm sure there's some sort of public transport that would enable you to not drive as often, but someone from the area would have to tell you for sure what the connections are like.
It is possible to find a place with a kitchen already installed (Einbauküche), but still be prepared to buy light fixtures, etc. Sometimes you can buy the kitchen from the last tenant rather than building your own. However, talk to your potential employer, as some contracters subsidize some or all of your rent; they can also help you find something.
And another thing is that Germans don't usually have carpets in apartments, so if you enjoy carpets, be sure to shell out some money for those. (Random comment, I know, but I wasn't used to the concept of wall-to-wall tile or laminate when I got here.)
Oh, and you shouldn't have many problems with your dogs, seeing as Germany is way more pet friendly than back home. Just make sure it's in any lease you sign that you're allowed pets.
Anyway, good luck!
Unless things have changed, you will need a car to get to the base and around it. Ramstein does have a train station, but it's not within walking distance of the base.
Count on renting an apartment rather than a house.
How far away from the base would you be willing to live?
Count on renting an apartment rather than a house.
How far away from the base would you be willing to live?
in which German state is Ramstein AFB anyhow? Is it Hessen? AFAIK, Kaiserslautern is in the Pfalz.
Ramstein is in Rheinland-Pfalz.
She probably meant that, as this thread was under 'Life in Ffm', it should probably be moved into 'Life in RLP'. Which it has now been.
Thanks for replying, all. Yes, I'm sorry I don't know Germany's geography (yet) so I appreciate the move to the right forum. As far as my lifestyle, I am not lavish, but I do want to be able to afford to travel while in Europe and go out to eat, do some entertainment (movies, theatre, spas, etc). I am not a a nightclub kinda' girl, and typically stay home on weeknights. But it would be nice to explore on the weekends and time off. What would be a reasonable salary to cover living expenses and throw in some travel and fun? I would have access to the base's commissary and BX so that will help, I'm sure.
Interesting to know about the carpets issue. Actually with two dogs wall to wall is high maintenance. I have a lot of carpets and throw rugs. I'll bring them along.
As far as how far I am willing to commute; I'd like to keep it to 30 minutes. I have been in Seattle the last 14 years and the traffic has become hideous. It sometimes takes an hour to get to work and it's only 12 miles door-to-door. I like a bit of walking in my day, so walking to the bus or walking from the train is fine with me.
So anyone have suggestions as to which villages would be nice? I am not opposed to apartments per se, but with dogs its nice to have a yard, and I don't like big complexes with noisy neighbors. A duplex would be fine. I also like to walk, as I mentioned, so living where it's easy to walk to the store, coffee houses, restaurants, would be great!
I have done a lot of google searches but I need to know where to narrow things down with location, and what a reasonable rent for a 2-bedroom would be. Because I don't know German (yet) I find it hard to navigate the German-only sites. Any more ideas?
Thanks again.
Interesting to know about the carpets issue. Actually with two dogs wall to wall is high maintenance. I have a lot of carpets and throw rugs. I'll bring them along.
As far as how far I am willing to commute; I'd like to keep it to 30 minutes. I have been in Seattle the last 14 years and the traffic has become hideous. It sometimes takes an hour to get to work and it's only 12 miles door-to-door. I like a bit of walking in my day, so walking to the bus or walking from the train is fine with me.
So anyone have suggestions as to which villages would be nice? I am not opposed to apartments per se, but with dogs its nice to have a yard, and I don't like big complexes with noisy neighbors. A duplex would be fine. I also like to walk, as I mentioned, so living where it's easy to walk to the store, coffee houses, restaurants, would be great!
I have done a lot of google searches but I need to know where to narrow things down with location, and what a reasonable rent for a 2-bedroom would be. Because I don't know German (yet) I find it hard to navigate the German-only sites. Any more ideas?
Thanks again.
Since the OP mentioned a contract, I wonder if she is going to run into some of the same problems that some people whose Technical Expert Status got disputed by the Finanzamt. I sure hope not.
Hi,
some good suggestions here on your impending move.
i'd like to add though that k-town is not really a military town i don't find. ramstein is of course, so is landstuhl and some of the smaller villages around ramstein are quite military. kaiserslautern, however, really doesn't have a military feel at all. but since there are many americans around, you can find houses that not only have kitchens but also light fixtures. we have one of those houses...one source for you to look for houses is the kaiserslautern american (kaiserslauternamerican.com). houses and more houses. houses here seem to be rented via relators and they charge sometimes two months rent as finders fees. just be aware of that.
if you'd like more pointers regarding moving, living, bureaucracy, or whatever, you're welcome to email me!
I was born and raised in Germany, spent 20 years in the states, came back with my family last year september. it's been quite a culture shock for all of us...
some good suggestions here on your impending move.
i'd like to add though that k-town is not really a military town i don't find. ramstein is of course, so is landstuhl and some of the smaller villages around ramstein are quite military. kaiserslautern, however, really doesn't have a military feel at all. but since there are many americans around, you can find houses that not only have kitchens but also light fixtures. we have one of those houses...one source for you to look for houses is the kaiserslautern american (kaiserslauternamerican.com). houses and more houses. houses here seem to be rented via relators and they charge sometimes two months rent as finders fees. just be aware of that.
if you'd like more pointers regarding moving, living, bureaucracy, or whatever, you're welcome to email me!
I was born and raised in Germany, spent 20 years in the states, came back with my family last year september. it's been quite a culture shock for all of us...
Hello,
I just came across your posting from I think July? Not sure if you can still need the info, but here it goes:
I was born and raised in Germany, in the states for almost 20 years now, planning on moving back to Germany next year.
These are some hints/tips I have:
I never lived in that area, but most areas have similar things going on regarding housing. The only difference is that if you live around a lot of military people in a military area you WILL play more rent then in regular areas, because landlords know they can charge that. If you live further out, you may find something for less money. Houses are usually way more expensive to rent then in the states, that's why a lot of people just rent apartments. Most rents for a 2-br are approx. 350-600 Euros KALT (before costs of water/heating) and WARM (after costs of water/heating), so if you see an add for a place for rent for let's say 400 Euros that doesn't mean that is what the rent is. You have to add 100-200 for those costs, but most adds will mention that in the body of the add. Also, 90 percent of rentals go through these Maklers (like realtors) who charge 2 months plus the rent plus a percentage before you can even move in to a place. So be prepared to pay 2000-3000 Euros to get moved in. Look for the EBK in adds if you want a place what has a kitchen in it already (built in kitchen cabinets and applicances). Some cities especially Munich and some other larger cities have very high rental prices, so looking in an outskirts area is better financially.
There are a few places what have wall-to-wall carpet, but mostly it's all real tile, linoleum or hardwood floors. Landlords will accept pets, but just like in the states they will charge extra per month or at least charge a deposit for the pet/s. Germans are VERY picky regarding cleanliness, so I would advise that you take very good care of appliances and the apartment itself. Make sure you do a walk through BEFORE you move in and point out EVERYTHING you see wrong with it, have it in writing, and do the same when moving out. Make sure you ask if you can paint walls or even put nails in the walls, german landlords are not as easy when it comes to that, and they could charge you if you do that and they don't agree to that.
I would say that approx. 3000 Euros a month should be comfortable living if you pay your bills and just want to do a little dining out and traveling on the weekends, but of course that depends on how much you pay for rent and utilities. Just because you pay rent plus Nebenkosten (water and heating) doesn't mean that's all you pay. Once a year they check those meters and if you used more they will bill you extra for that. So keep that in mind and perhaps put a few dollars to the side every month, so when that bill comes you have the money for it.
Some apartments in a 2-3 story house have use of the garden, so if you have dogs that would work.
That's about all the basic info I have regarding that, hope it's helpful. Hope you enjoy yourself in Germany! Oh, if you are interested in learning german, you can go to any VHS (Volks Hoch Schule) and take classes there for a few Euros per class. Good Luck!
I just came across your posting from I think July? Not sure if you can still need the info, but here it goes:
I was born and raised in Germany, in the states for almost 20 years now, planning on moving back to Germany next year.
These are some hints/tips I have:
I never lived in that area, but most areas have similar things going on regarding housing. The only difference is that if you live around a lot of military people in a military area you WILL play more rent then in regular areas, because landlords know they can charge that. If you live further out, you may find something for less money. Houses are usually way more expensive to rent then in the states, that's why a lot of people just rent apartments. Most rents for a 2-br are approx. 350-600 Euros KALT (before costs of water/heating) and WARM (after costs of water/heating), so if you see an add for a place for rent for let's say 400 Euros that doesn't mean that is what the rent is. You have to add 100-200 for those costs, but most adds will mention that in the body of the add. Also, 90 percent of rentals go through these Maklers (like realtors) who charge 2 months plus the rent plus a percentage before you can even move in to a place. So be prepared to pay 2000-3000 Euros to get moved in. Look for the EBK in adds if you want a place what has a kitchen in it already (built in kitchen cabinets and applicances). Some cities especially Munich and some other larger cities have very high rental prices, so looking in an outskirts area is better financially.
There are a few places what have wall-to-wall carpet, but mostly it's all real tile, linoleum or hardwood floors. Landlords will accept pets, but just like in the states they will charge extra per month or at least charge a deposit for the pet/s. Germans are VERY picky regarding cleanliness, so I would advise that you take very good care of appliances and the apartment itself. Make sure you do a walk through BEFORE you move in and point out EVERYTHING you see wrong with it, have it in writing, and do the same when moving out. Make sure you ask if you can paint walls or even put nails in the walls, german landlords are not as easy when it comes to that, and they could charge you if you do that and they don't agree to that.
I would say that approx. 3000 Euros a month should be comfortable living if you pay your bills and just want to do a little dining out and traveling on the weekends, but of course that depends on how much you pay for rent and utilities. Just because you pay rent plus Nebenkosten (water and heating) doesn't mean that's all you pay. Once a year they check those meters and if you used more they will bill you extra for that. So keep that in mind and perhaps put a few dollars to the side every month, so when that bill comes you have the money for it.
Some apartments in a 2-3 story house have use of the garden, so if you have dogs that would work.
That's about all the basic info I have regarding that, hope it's helpful. Hope you enjoy yourself in Germany! Oh, if you are interested in learning german, you can go to any VHS (Volks Hoch Schule) and take classes there for a few Euros per class. Good Luck!
Hi again, and thanks tinisoul for your recent input. I am here in Germany now and I did find a house; although I won't move in until Nov. 1. It's about 20 minutes from the base. I got help from the housing office so no realtor fees. I do have a deposit, but I think that is reasonable. I am finding that unlike many others involved with the military, my contract does allow me FMO (loaner appliances) so now I need to buy a refrigerator, washer and dryer. I'll be watching the KA newsletter and TT for those! The house does have a built-in kitchen and overhead lights. So I'm pleased. Next step - passing the Germany driver license test : )
Great to hear everything went well, and no Realtor fees.
Depending on what state you are from here in the states you may not have to take the entire drivers license test of writing exam plus classes and test. Certain american states have this agreement, not sure where you are from and if your state is included, but ask about that. You may can either 1. just exchange your american license for a german one or 2. only take the writing test or in the worse scenario 3. do it all.
Good luck, hope you enjoy your stay!
Depending on what state you are from here in the states you may not have to take the entire drivers license test of writing exam plus classes and test. Certain american states have this agreement, not sure where you are from and if your state is included, but ask about that. You may can either 1. just exchange your american license for a german one or 2. only take the writing test or in the worse scenario 3. do it all.
Good luck, hope you enjoy your stay!
or in the worse scenario 3. do it all.
and that will set you back a lot: if you have to take driving lessons here you get the full course (there are many mandatory exercises which are reasonable if you start from scratch). When my son learnt to drive it cost us just under 2k Euros...So, as previous poster wrote, examine the possibility of exchanging your US license. Maybe you have already done that though...
There are a number of threads on this subject.
Lucky me...I only have to take the written test. I'm scheduled for 730am this Thursday and I have been given a study guide with a sample test. I do fine with the word problems but the picture ones (wich of these three cars gets to go first, second, third,etc) are hard! Different "right of way" rules than the US; where I have been driving for over thirty years. Wish me luck!
Hi Katie,
well, that's great. Good luck on Thursday!!! Don't sweat the test, just take it, if you pass, fine, if not....take it again.
well, that's great. Good luck on Thursday!!! Don't sweat the test, just take it, if you pass, fine, if not....take it again.
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