aries

I'm wondering why you've chosen Bad Reichenhall and if you have any knowledge of the language?

Small towns in Oberbayern with an older population can often be difficult for communication, though of course children in German primary schools learn English at an early age. It would be sensible to have some knowledge of German, even if at first they don't understand you.

I've lived more to the west in Weilheim, situated between Munich and Garmisch-Partenkirchen, but joined a sports club to quickly know more people. Almost anywhere in Bayern would be marvellous to live, but it depends on what you want from life.

If you have instantstreetview.com choose your location and click from map to satellite, you can see more of the places which interest you.

I've also lived in Ladenburg, another small town alongside the River Neckar near Heidelberg, but that's a different region and another story!

Richard8655

Thanks for the very informative reply. I've focused on Bad Reichenhall because that's where I had relatives and my parents took me often to visit at a very young age. I have fond memories of the beauty, atmosphere, and scenery of the area, including Berchtesgaden and Konigsee, and have always been attracted to mountainous regions. The proximity of Salzburg is also a plus.

It sounds like you've lived extensively in this region and have a good feel for the area. I think you're right about the need to know the language better in these traditional and somewhat conservative areas deep in Bavaria and Oberbayern. I also have the impression this is where a lot Germans retire and tends to have an older population, as you mentioned.

I'll check the website you provided and many thanks for that. I'm curious as a Brit expat what attracted you to live in Oberbayern? I have the impression not many Brits work or retire there, preferring warmer and sunnier coastal areas in Spain and Portugal. Also wondering how you found housing to be in terms of types, cost, and availability.

Moses2013

Germany in general has an old population, so I don't think it's solely Oberbayern where you'll find many pensioners. Housing in general is of good quality, but again depends what you are looking for. A 2 bed apartment like this would cost €700 + €180 Nebenkosten (Water, Heating) every month. ( Sehr schöne 3-Zimmer Wohnung in zentraler Stadtlage


You also have to consider that many ask for SCHUFA Auskunft and in Germany there is always plenty of paperwork. Depending on area you will find plenty of people who speak English and try their best, but you will also find the opposite and people might be offended if you don't speak German (especially older people). Lake Constance might also be an option for you and there just seems to be more life there and they are more or less probably more used to foreigners.

Richard8655

Many thanks Moses. Also good suggestions and advice. I've never been to Lake Constance, but as a vibrant area in this region definitely worth a look and consideration.

aries

I agree with Moses2013 about Lake Constance, but bear in mind that the closer you are to the lake, property costs more.

If money isn't a problem, Lindau is a marvellous location. It is an island with a causeway, and is close to Austria and Switzerland.

scot47

I tend to agree with Chancellor Bismarck who considered Bavarians to be a "cross between Homo Sapiens and Austrians". You will be lucky to find anyone who speaks Hochdeutsch. Worse than Yorkshire !

aries

This reminds me of an Austrian cleaner working in Bayern. Frau Wagner came 5 days a week, and sounded like someone speaking German with a strong Welsh accent. A lovely lady.

I know people in Munich who speak Hochdeutsch, however they were imports from another part of the country. But then, Munich is a different kettle of fish from Bavarian villages.