Moving to Munich from the US

Greetings,
My wife and I (late 30s) and two daughters (ages 12 and 8) are moving to Munich in June 2007 from North Carolina, USA. We will be staying for two years. My wife will be working in Riem and the girls will probably go to Munich International School in Starnberg or Bavarian International School in Haimhausen (busing provided for a cost). I will be a stay home dad. I have extensively reviwed the postings about where to live, district overviews, etc., but still have questions. We don't speak any German (but are taking a crash course at home).

1. Should we consider a relocation specialist? I found three listed on TT, but are they worth it? Any recommendations?
2. We are more "house people" than "apartment people". Are most of the English-speaking expats in the city in apartments or out in the suburbs? We want to be actively social with other expats.
3. Are there any free local support groups (through TT or otherwise) for new English-speaking expats or are these services typically for a fee from a relocation specialist? (we call it the Welcome Wagon here in the US).
4. What kind of activities with other expats are there for non-working guys like me?

Thanks for your replies. We are looking forward to out new adventure in Munich!

Welcome to Toytown. I'm afraid I can't answer all your questions but I would advise you to have a relocation agent assist you in your move, especially if you're not fluent in German. Happy New Year and all the best for your stay in Munich.

1. Personally I don't see a need for a relocation specialist. If you've a level head on your shoulders then you'll get through it and most questions you may have can normally be easily answered through TT. Unless someone else is footing the bill I wouldn't bother.

2. Most of the expats I've met live in apartments in, or close to, the city. If you are talking about having an active social life at night then so long as you are on the U-Bahn lines you'll have no worries. S-bahns are fine too but run less frequently so can be a bit of a pain for going out in the evening.

3. TT is basically a free support group. I'm not sure exactly what kind of support you are referring to but there are a lot of people on here who have been through and are going through what you are doing. Advice, assistance and support are freely given.

4. There's lots you can do here. Whatever takes your fancy really. Maybe mention a thing or two that you like to do and we'll see what's on offer.