How exciting! You are preparing for an OCONUS move to Germany! This will probably be one of the more anxious yet exciting chapters in your life.
As a military spouse and mom of two little kids, I have been blessed to experience a life overseas. It is truly incredible.
But like many incredible experiences, It has also presented numerous challenges and hardships.
One of your biggest decisions regarding your upcoming OCONUS move to Germany is whether you want to live on or off-post.
This is a huge decision that will largely determine the type of experience you will have living overseas.
For those who don’t have a choice- embrace the pros and work through the cons.
This guide will help you evaluate the pros and cons of each and make a more balanced decision about which home is best for you and your family.
This guide is written based on our experience living a few hours from the closest American base. That being said, some of the pros and cons may differ if you’re living off-post but relatively close to the American base.
Living On-Post Pros & Cons
12 Pros of Living on Post
1. Easier Transition
I’m not going to lie; the immediate transition to moving to Germany was significant. It was far more terrifying than I expected.
Living on Post will still give you the familiarity of home, which can be nice during the initial PCS process.
2. Minimizes Cultural Shock
Living on Post minimizes this initial cultural shock. You will have all the resources you could need on Post.
And you won’t have to worry about the language barrier.
This is especially nice when you need to accomplish basic daily tasks.
3. Less likely to Feel Homesick
Of course, living on a post in Germany isn’t home. But it has many of the familiarities of home, which can be helpful if you’re feeling homesick or overwhelmed.
I think the community of other Americans and comfort items, such as food, can ease those emotions.
4. Logistics May Be Easier
No matter the PCS, the logistics of finding a home are always overwhelming, and house hunting is always stressful.
On-post housing helps alleviate the hassle of house hunting.
If you decide to live on Post, you can mark this to-do off your list.
5. No German Landlords and Contract Requirements
We have not had any issues with our German landlord, and I don’t know any other American family who has had problems.
But this is something to consider.
Things may seem more complicated between the language barrier and cultural norms, whereas living on Post can feel like an easier option.
6. A sense of Community
Living on Post allows the advantage of being surrounded by other military spouses and families.
People who understand and know exactly how you feel and what you’re experiencing.
And this can go a long way to building lasting friendships and acquiring a support system.
7. Easier to make friends
It’s always easier to make friends when you share similar experiences. It’s a special bond.
I’ve heard a number of times that it takes a long time to become friends with a German, but once you do, you have a friend for life.
The USO is a great organization; they really make you feel welcome.
- Related Post: How to make friends while living overseas
8. Housing Expectations
If you’re moving on Post, you will likely have an idea of what your home will look like, how much space you will have, and whether or not you will have storage.
This can be a great advantage when preparing for your move and determining what you should set aside for Non-Temporary Storage.
Either way- check out these important reasons to downsize before your move to Germany; you’ll want to read this before your big move!
You should also have a parking spot.
Tip: Talk with your sponsor about whether on-post housing will have some 120V outlets. (All German outlets are 220V, which means you cannot use any electrical device that is limited to 120V)
Your utilities should be included in your OHA (overseas housing allowance, and you should not have to deal with fluctuating utility bills)
9. Easy Access to Healthcare
Accessing healthcare on Post should be pretty straightforward. You will likely be assigned a provider at the Post’s health clinic.
You shouldn’t have to worry about the language barrier of seeing physicians and other medical professionals.
In my experience living in Southern Germany (a few hours from Post), many older people don’t speak English, this includes some of the physicians.
I went through my entire second pregnancy and birth of my baby girl with a physician and practice that spoke very little English. It was really tough.
The medical care on Post and off Post can be quite different.
Related Post:
What to Expect when Having a Baby in Germany as an American
Expectations of living Abroad while Pregnant
10. DOD Schools
Once you find out if you will be moving OCONUS to Germany, you must start figuring out schools for your kids.
Putting the kids in the DOD school on Post alleviates concerns about finding a school or dealing with a long commute.
It can be more manageable. And you may not have to deal with long waiting lists for the off-post kindergartens.
Sports Programs
The on-post schools can offer more athletic options for children, such as those who want to compete in volleyball or play American football.
Easier access to child development programs
As a mom of a speech-delayed son, this is probably one of the resources we miss out on the most.
It may be more straightforward to get children the help they need.
This is why screening with the EFMP is mandatory before receiving official orders for your OCONUS PCS. It helps determine whether or not the resources will be available at your next duty station.
11. Convenience to the Commissary and PX
The food quality in Germany is top-notch—hands down, better than that in America.
However, sometimes you want the comforts of home, and that can be with food.
The Germans don’t make great peanut butter, and chocolate chip cookies are not a thing.
12. Celebrating American holidays
Being a few hours from Post, we missed celebrating special holidays, such as the 4th of July.
This is one of our favorite holidays!
This shouldn’t be an issue if you’re living off-post but very close.
Related Post: The Best Ways to Celebrate American Holidays While Living Abroad
5. Cons of living on Post
1. On-post availability
Needless to say, you can only live on Post if there is housing available. This makes perfect sense.
There can be a waiting list for on-post housing in Germany. You can likely move both up and down the list.
Tip: You must contact the housing within two days of your arrival, and the in-processing period can take 60 days.
For additional resources, check out MilitaryOneSource
2. Lack of housing choices
Living on Post, you will be given whatever the military seems appropriate for you and your family. This eliminates any freedom of having options and preferences.
This also takes away some of the European experience of living in Germany.
I haven’t heard any horror stories about the on-post housing in Stuttgart, Germany. However, I have heard plenty of horror stories about older housing on other military installations that have not been maintained.
3. It may be more rowdy
Living near families with kids can be pretty rowdy- and what do you expect, right? Kids are supposed to have fun and play outside.
The Germans are a quieter group of people. I jokingly say that they use their inside voices while outside, and it’s true. My kids are consistently among the loudest on the playgrounds.
Related Post: Funny But True, 21 Germany Facts You’ll Need To Know
4. Less authentic German experience
To have the comforts of living on base, you will be giving up on experiencing an authentic German experience. This includes a more in-depth cultural experience and celebrations such as local traditions and holidays.
It may feel like a mini America.
5. Higher rate of petty crime
* I just wanted to say that the only issues I am aware of regarding petty crimes are listed in various Facebook groups: scratched or dented cars in parking lots and petty theft, like missing bicycles.
I don’t have any personal experience, nor do I know anyone who has had these issues. I’ve just seen this pop up on Facebook and thought it was something to consider when writing this Post.
Read these related guides!
- A Military PCS: How to Prepare and Pack for HHG, UAB, and NTS
- 5 Reasons You Need To Downsize Before Your Move To Germany
- Create the BEST PCS Binder with Free Printables
- A Complete OCONUS Guide for Shipping Your Car to Germany
- An OCONUS PCS: A Checklist for Moving Overseas
- How to Deal with the Challenges of Moving Away from Family
- Pros and Cons of Moving Abroad: From a Military Spouse and Mom
6. Pros of Living Off Post
1. More housing options
Although the process may be a bit harder, finding housing on Post gives you the flexibility to find what you and your family prefer.
From apartments in the city to a house in the country, you’re likely to find something you may really enjoy while you are stationed overseas.
Finding a place off Post may also increase the chances of having more privacy. And you never know; you may discover a hidden gem!
Related Post: 5 Reasons to downsize for your move to Germany
2. Less Military presence
You and your service member may prefer not to have as much of a military presence in daily life. It can feel like you’re bringing work home every day.
3. Different schooling options
Living off-post can open the door for some incredible school options. There are seven different Swiss International Schools (SIS) in Germany. You can read more about it on their official website.
I know a couple of families whose kids attended the International School of Schaffhausen, Switzerland, and they can’t speak highly enough about their education and experiences while stationed overseas.
If you’re moving to Germany with little kids, I have really enjoyed the German kindergarten model. They primarily focus on letting kids be kids. They learn how to socialize and make creative play.
4. More opportunities to make German Friends
If you are living on the German economy, you have more opportunities to make unique German friendships. There is something really special about forming friendships over cultural differences and traditions.
5. Completely immersed in the culture and way of life
Initially, this was so incredibly difficult. Honestly, the transition process was so hard. However, it is one of the most incredible experiences I have had, and to share it with my family makes it even more special.
Truly immersing yourself in a different culture and way of life fosters understanding, growth, and independence you didn’t know you needed.
It is incredible, but it takes some time to get used to.
This is my biggest benefit of living off and far from Post, and it may not be for everyone.
You’ll be able to participate in major German holidays like Fastnacht and St. Michaels and experience the several small local parades and events unique to each town.
Even buying food from the local markets and butchers is an experience.
It’s experiences you will likely not have while living on Post.
Check out: Funny But True: 21 Germany Travel Tips You’ll Need to Know
6. Walk or use public transport
Sure, you walk on Post. But, if you’re living in a small German town, you can likely walk to the grocery stores, markets, and restaurants.
For those farther out, simply hop on public transport. The bus systems and trains are so easy to use!
My husband and I share a vehicle. However, he uses it 98% of the time. I don’t need a car. I take the bus to drop my son off at kindergarten, and for everything else, I can walk.
I load the kids in the stroller, and we make an easy walk to the grocery stores, Müller, playgrounds, etc. Amazingly, I don’t have to load them in the car to go anywhere.
When we move back to the United States, this will be one of the aspects I’ll miss most about living in Germany.
7. Cons of Living Off Post
1. Contracts and leasing agreements
This can be an overwhelming experience for some. I think if the previous tenant was an American service member, it would help this process.
Landlords often require a security deposit upfront, which can be particularly detrimental when considering all the costs of an OCONUS PCS.
2. Replacing the kitchen and light fixtures
This is one of the most bizarre things Germans do. When they move out of an apartment, they bring the kitchen, light fixtures, and who knows what else.
It is then up to the next tenant to put in their own kitchen, fixtures, etc.
I don’t get it, mainly because the dimensions of one kitchen are unlikely to match in the new home. But it is a thing.
Sometimes, the previous tenant may sell their kitchen to you at an additional price. Then, it’s up to you to do what you want when you move out, which may be taking the kitchen with you and selling it.
3. Longer commute to work
This, of course, varies with how far you are living from Post.
4. Forgoing easy access to American amenities
We are far from the PX and Commissary. Because we live a few hours from Post, we head up to Stuttgart every couple of months to shop.
Our biggest issue is running out of honey-nut Cheerios, which are a staple in my son’s diet.
5. Navigating TriCare and the Medical System
This is probably one of the biggest headaches of living far from Post. It’s ridiculous and incredibly frustrating.
This should only pertain to those who live far from Post. If you’re relatively close, you should still be able to access the clinic on Post for care and referrals.
For those who live hours away, we have to rely on Tricare International SOS for referrals. And you’re at the mercy of who they will send you to because you may be out of network.
6. Cultural barriers can be overwhelming
The culture shock took some time to get used to. I was so fearful every time I went to the store. It was so intimidating.
Honestly, it took me a few months to start transitioning. And to eventually flourish in this experience, you must be open-minded.
We have definitely felt like second-rate citizens at times
7. Trash and Recycling Rules
The anxiety that I have built up from living off-post in Germany regarding trash disposal is insane. The Germans take this very seriously!
Restmüle – Trash (but not recycling or food)
Biomüle – Food products
Gelba Sacs – All recycled materials
Papier – Paper and cardboard
Glass – Glass separated by color
We share a normal-sized trash can with four other families, and the trash is picked up every two weeks.
My Final Thoughts
This Post may seem like I am pro-post housing. I really wanted to include many of the struggles we have faced as one of three American families in our little town of Uberlingen.
We have had to navigate this overseas chapter independently, with very little support.
It has been challenging.
But it has also been incredible. It’s an experience that I would never change. And I can honestly say it’s been an entirely different OCONUS overseas assignment than for those who live on or very close to the Post.
Being fully immersed in a culture and way of life has a way of changing your perspective.
And despite all of these challenges, I don’t want to leave this little town.
I hope this guide gives you a good idea of what to expect and the pros and cons of each.
Ultimately, it’s up to personal preference and the experience you and your family want. That’s the beauty of it.
I would love your feedback on this! Let me know in the comments!
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