In 2023, Geoffrey and Sarah, a married couple, moved from the US to Breisach, a town situated on a hilltop along Germany's Rhine valley. After two and a half years, they are content with their new life, having been welcomed by the local community.

"This has nothing to do with us; it's because the people here truly opened their hearts and were hospitable," Geoffrey said. Despite their comfortable days in Germany, the couple said moving to the country was never part of their plan.

The town of Breisach from above. Photo: Wiki.

Their journey began after Geoffrey experienced depression in 2016. Married in 2005, they were content with life in Colorado until this period. A year later, the software engineer was laid off. He described this as being "pushed to the brink," prompting them to seek new opportunities.

They initially moved to Dublin, Ireland, Sarah's ancestral home. Leaving the US was difficult, as they had a strong network of family and friends and a newly renovated house intended for long-term settlement. Upon arriving in Dublin in June 2018, they bought a boat, designed as a mobile home in the Netherlands, and moored it in Malahide, north of Dublin. The boat cost nearly 75,000 USD, with a monthly docking fee of 508 USD. After living on the boat for one and a half years, they moved ashore.

After five years in Ireland, they decided to move to Germany. Both Geoffrey and Sarah had studied German and previously lived there briefly. They also considered returning to the US but did not. In 2022, the family of three arrived in Germany, visiting Freiburg im Breisgau, where Sarah had studied. They were drawn to the nearby town of Breisach, close to the French border, and subsequently purchased a two-bedroom house there.

Geoffrey pictured on the boat where the couple lived in Ireland for 1.5 years. Photo: CNN.

The family quickly integrated into the community. Neighbors invited Sarah for coffee and cake, demonstrating the local hospitality. While the parents adapted quickly, their son initially struggled, sometimes exhibiting uncontrolled behavior. It took them five months to help their son adjust to his new environment.

Life gradually stabilized after their son enrolled in a forest kindergarten. This unique educational setting emphasizes nature, with children spending most of their time outdoors. Currently, the boy is thriving. His teachers lead him into the forest to climb trees and pick berries, creating an experience Sarah described as resembling a scene from "The Lord of the Rings."

Two and a half years after moving to Breisach, Geoffrey works remotely for a US-based company. The family feels their life is stable and believes they made the right decision to move to Germany, attributing their satisfaction to the open and close-knit community. Residents primarily engage in community activities rather than for services or profit. Geoffrey volunteers with a group that runs the local cinema, and Sarah joined a choir.

Geoffrey and Sarah's son. Photo: CNN.

Despite the positive aspects, they still encounter cultural differences. Germans are known for being direct, which Geoffrey often had to remind himself was a local trait to avoid feeling offended. He noted that Germans are straightforward in conversation. The couple was initially concerned about the German education system, which differs significantly from that in the US. Sarah also faced obstacles communicating with her son's teachers due to her lesser fluency in German compared to her husband.

Nevertheless, they appreciate the tolerance and willingness of Germans to interact with children in public. Locals readily intervene if a child's behavior affects those around them, a contrast to the disapproving looks they often received in similar situations in the US. Regarding living costs, they found prices in Germany affordable, with Breisach being even cheaper than many major cities. The couple was surprised by the high cost of restaurants and groceries during visits to the US.

Geoffrey joked that after living in Dublin, one of Europe's most expensive cities, they felt like they were "living for free" in Breisach. Sarah's family plans to live between Germany and the US or Ireland after their son finishes school. Reflecting on their relocation journey, they advise other families not to rush into choosing a long-term settlement until they find the right place. Sarah's family initially kept their house and belongings in the US as a backup plan, only selling the house last year once they decided to stay in Germany. "After many moves, we now feel content, satisfied, and want to stay here for a while," Sarah said about their life in Germany.

Anh Minh (Via CNN)