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  • City or country – living in the city of Berlin

    Experience the urban life in Berlin

    Berlin Großstadt Stadt oder Land

    “Being woke” – there is probably no other city where this is as possible as in Berlin. A legendary metropolis with impressive people that unites subcultures. Old with young. Alternative with conservative. Families with students.

    The decision between living in the city or in the country is often influenced by personal preferences, but also by various factors such as infrastructure, the job market, cultural offerings and proximity to friends and family. The German capital Berlin is a particular focus here. In this article, we will shed light on the advantages and disadvantages of city life in Berlin and take a look at the development of residents in major German cities and in the districts of Berlin.

     

    Rural exodus –
    Population development in large cities and in Berlin

    Rural exodus is a phenomenon that has been increasing in recent years. In 2021, the Federal Statistical Office published a map showing the catchment areas of major cities in Germany (source: destatis.de). This map provides information on the development of the population in the various regions of Germany.

    City areas in Germany

     

     

     

    In 2022, 60 million people in Germany lived in large cities and their surrounding areas, which corresponds to 71% of the population. A major city is defined as a settlement with more than 100,000 inhabitants. The map shows that the surrounding area also plays an important role for commuters who travel to work in the city every day. Germany has 50 metropolitan regions, 16 of which have more than 1 million inhabitants. The focus on these metropolitan regions shows their central importance for the economy and culture. In 2022, there was a renewed increase in metropolitan influx, mainly due to immigration. Germany attracts people from different parts of the world – be it because of professional opportunities, good education or a high quality of life.

    Berlin’s population development shows a strong overall increase of 11%, from 3.5 million in 2012 to 3.9 million in 2022. Treptow-Köpenick, Lichtenberg and Mitte in particular recorded significant population growth, mainly due to new construction, especially in Mitte.

    There was a redistribution in Lichtenberg and Treptow-Köpenick, with young families in particular moving to these districts. Neukölln initially recorded lower growth due to smaller families and less construction activity, but new families are now increasingly moving to the district again.

    Some popular Kreuzberg neighborhoods now have fewer residents, which is due to the change in family structures towards more childless couples or single people.

    Heidestraße with the new EuropaCity, on the other hand, has the largest neighborhood growth in Berlin.

    More about Europacity

     

    City life –
    What makes Berlin so special

    Berlin is not only the capital of Germany, but also a city known for its diversity, rich culture, thriving job market, excellent infrastructure and the countless opportunities of a metropolis. The exceptional properties in Berlin also contribute to the city’s appeal.

    “What our customers appreciate most about Berlin is the diversity in the various districts. Everyone can live here according to their own individual ideas – be it in an old apartment in Prenzlauer Berg, a modern loft in Friedrichshain or a detached house in Spandau or the surrounding area.”

    Nico Haagaard, Member of the Management Board & Head of Sales

    The diversity of people and the cultural scene make Berlin a unique place. A wide variety of lifestyles and perspectives come together here, making the city a melting pot of cultures. Every district in Berlin has its own fascinating special features:

     

    Berlin not only offers a wealth of cultural activities, but also numerous professional opportunities. The job market is diverse, especially in sectors such as technology, creative industries and tourism. The excellent infrastructure, including a well-developed public transportation network, supports mobility and access to different parts of the city.

    The real estate landscape in Berlin is as diverse as the city itself. From historic old buildings to modern apartments and loft apartments – Berlin offers the right housing option for every taste and budget.

    Exceptional real estate in Berlin

    See all properties →

    Advantages of living in a city

    City life brings with it numerous advantages that not only affect the quality of life, but also career prospects.

     

    • Good infrastructure

      The distances are short

      Cities like Berlin have a well-developed infrastructure. Access to public transport, schools, hospitals and shopping centers makes daily life convenient and efficient.

    • Diverse labor market

      Find a job quickly

      The job market in cities is often more diverse and offers a wider range of career opportunities. Especially in sectors such as IT, media and finance, there are numerous job opportunities in metropolitan areas such as Berlin.

    • Cultural diversity

      Cafés, restaurants or concerts

      The cultural selection in a city is an essential aspect of city life. From museums and theaters to concerts and festivals, cities offer a wide range of cultural activities for all tastes.

    • Stable housing market

      Sustainable, smart investments

      The housing market in cities is often characterized by a higher stability of property values. Investments in urban real estate are often considered secure and profitable in the long term.

    The new trend

    Living in the countryside

    Beautiful life in the countryside – The trend towards rural living is experiencing a renaissance, as growth in metropolitan regions has slowed since 2019 due to the effects of the coronavirus pandemic. Population growth in 2020 and 2021 amounted to just 0% and 0.1% respectively, almost stagnating. A positive increase can only be seen again due to increased migration to the countryside.

    Discover the benefits of living in the countryside and the opportunities it offers. Find out more about the real estate market and the attractiveness of living in the countryside, especially in Brandenburg.

    Read more