We're Moving to Germany! Why We're Throwing Away Our Lives in the USA | Our American Perspective

After three years of living in Munich, Germany, we thought we'd let you in on our experiences moving from the United States to Germany. In this part one, we talk all about why we moved to Germany. Please like and subscribe for part two where we talk about how we set up lives in Munich. Visas, apartments, health insurance: it's some pretty exciting stuff, kiddo.
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Channel: near.fromhome
Ben: strawbennyjam
Camille: freshspringham
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[@L00pTroop]

With respect to the German beer garden culture, we often say "There is no bad weather, just bad laminated menu cards" too ;D

[@NearFromHome]

wait, that's hilarious. I'm using this from now on.

[@ellejay4497]

My husband, who is German, and I, an American, were living in San Francisco and had the same discussion in 2015 about what our future would be in terms of work, places to live, and things we want to do and accomplish. He got his American citizenship in 2016 due to the political climate change to protect assets and have the ability to come and go into America. We decided to look at opportunities abroad and in 2019 he landed a job in Germany, and I was able to join him in 2020. So glad we are here! We are in Bonn and now considering next year moving closer to the Alps. We both love skiing, mountain biking, hiking, and all those interests would be more accessible if we lived closer to mountains.

[@NearFromHome]

Glad that you made it work! I have noticed a lot more Americans trying similar moves in recent years

[@DidierWierdsma6335]

Greetings from the Netherlands🇳🇱 Congratiulations with the move Germany is a beautiful country a wise choice well done. I have to agree Japan is a cool country i'm a huge fan of Manga and Anime. Other than that a great video keep it up👍

[@NearFromHome]

Thank you so much! I have watched a few anime, and can appreciate it!

[@BicyclesAndStreetcars]

I love watching your couch videos. I've binge-watched a bunch of them today, and as someone who is (struggling) learning German at my university it is very encouraging to see that my ultimate goal of living there someday is worth the effort.

[@NearFromHome]

wow haha. Thanks so much! Glad to help. Learning a language in a purely academic setting can be really difficult.

[@rainer-martinhartel4310]

It's really fun to listen to you guys sharing your experiences and thoughts 🙂

[@NearFromHome]

thanks so much!

[@rosascreativeworks5403]

Awesome move! I wish you all the best, and hope you find all the happiness and fun you are seeking. 😇

[@NearFromHome]

Thanks!

[@LaureninGermany]

The why I can totally understand. The how is the kind of video I would have like to have seen when I moved here. It’s so fantastic here, but there is most definitely a learning curve..! Looking forward to it. Great series, really nice for these times we‘re living through. Greets from up the road (well, the A9)!

[@NearFromHome]

Thanks so much! Hopefully we can meet up soon to compare notes. haha

[@bobert6259]

Your couch videos are awesome! I have a move to Germany in my plans, and have had those plans for a while, but it’s still scary uprooting your life after you’ve lived somewhere for 6 years. Videos like these convert some of that nervous energy into excitement! :) hope you’re enjoying yourselves there btw

[@NearFromHome]

Thanks so much!! :) Hope your move goes well!

[@TideKnotTravellers]

This was really interesting to watch and learn how you chose to move abroad, can definitely see how you decided Germany before Japan given the Brexit situation. We miss having the freedom to travel around Europe without the visa stress. Love the cats causing mayhem at 12:20 😂

[@NearFromHome]

Thanks so much! We also miss the freedom of movement. Living with three cats, we have learned to embrace the chaos. haha

[@jiayongkoh1291]

Loving the series!

[@NearFromHome]

Thank you so much!

[@Kwahntum]

You guys are great! I am actually heading with my family to Frankfurt next week from Mount Vernon area (had a beer or two in Balston over the years). Super excited to experience something totally different but also freaking out. Your videos are actually helping a bit! Thank you.

[@Luziemagick]

So, you+family move for good? I am sure as soon as you all get used to the way it works here you won't regret it.

[@lauraasimon8492]

I wish you an easy and hassle-free move :) If you ever need some tips. I grew up in the area and lived there for almost 20 years. Feel free to ask ahead!

[@NearFromHome]

Wow glad to help! Good luck. We actually used to go to the Mount Vernon Wine Festival every year when we lived in the area. hahahaha

[@berndschaffmann8522]

Very much welcome to Germany. Do you intend to stay for ever?

[@NearFromHome]

Not sure about forever, but we have no intent to move right now. We shall see how to plays out.

[@Carlos-ov3sz]

Kudos to you both for taking that big step. Would love to hear the 'How'!

[@NearFromHome]

Thanks so much for watching. I am editing it as we speak. hahah

[@Carlos-ov3sz]

@@NearFromHome awesome! My wife and I are planning a trip next fall to Munich and the surrounding areas, these videos have been extremely helpful and full of insight.

[@LucasBenderChannel]

I'm scared to take a leap of faith and move to another country... but it's definetly something I'd like to do.

[@NearFromHome]

yeah, it is really scary! Feel free to reach out if you have any questions. :)

[@Luziemagick]

It is scary..i moved from germany to the us..didn't like it and moved back with my american hubby. I say a leap of faith will do you well. And if you feel it's not for you than you go back to your native space!

[@UlaAlicjaAlexandra]

You are a very positive couple. I love watching your coverage from Bavaria. Good luck in Munich!

[@NearFromHome]

Thank you! We really appreciate it!

[@UlaAlicjaAlexandra]

@@NearFromHome You're welcome. Have a great weekend!

[@ilkahellerling2345]

1 vlog and i subscribed asap. You are so humble, nice and smart people. 😘

[@NearFromHome]

Lol thank you! :)

[@jurgenwittmann2905]

Congratulations and welcome to Munich! I'm native bavarian and have rarely thought of moving - even in germany. Holidays in Italy, Spain, Seychelles, Maldives, Bali, Greek are wonderful. But after 2 weeks I'm homesick and I miss the bavarian beer and food.

[@NearFromHome]

Hahaha I guess we are becoming Bavaria, because we’ve been doing the same 😎 We love it

[@moloids]

No, worries they offer Bratwurst and import beer even in paradise. My great uncle finds that kind of stuff wherever he goes. Never touched undeutsches food his whole life.

[@NearFromHome]

@@moloids hahahah amazing

[@leahpetersen5321]

We just found your channel and got a bit addicted!!! My partner and I are planning a move from the US to Germany in the next few years and your channel is really adding some interesting perspectives. Thanks for making unique and valuable content! Looking forward to part two.

[@berndschaffmann8522]

Please come - we really need a lot of hard working Americans with western modern mindset!

[@user-sm3xq5ob5d]

I suggest to look up "Black Forest Family" and "My Merry Messy Life"

[@NearFromHome]

suggesting our competition in the comments section?! The audacity. hahaha We also watch them. lol

[@NearFromHome]

Thanks so much! Good luck with the process!

[@user-sm3xq5ob5d]

@@NearFromHome Those will show up anyway once KZbin finds out what people are up to.

[@spirwes64]

It's a great thing when friendly people like you come to us! Welcome, I hope you find your runway in Germany

[@NearFromHome]

Thank you! I’m glad you think we seem friendly 😅

[@weltuntergangsbote]

Your setup is so lovely!

[@NearFromHome]

Thank you so much! :) We spent a long time making it haha

[@tommyedodson2412]

enjoyed hearing the back story.

[@NearFromHome]

thanks! :D

[@enimaroon4631]

I kind of like your pragmatic approach to the topic. Sometimes that's the best approach. Also all the traveling you did to find a place that suits you. When I visited Munich the first time I just felt very good about the city. It was not some sunshiny tourist day. In fact it was gray and rainy and I went to some job related meeting near the city. Still, something felt right. As did Hamburg when I first moved there. I had the opposite experience with Berlin.

[@NearFromHome]

Thanks! It's how Camille is very pragmatic, and Ben is very emotional. hahah Both methods have their pros and cons, but in this instance, I agree that the pragmatic approach was better. We are probably going to visit Hamburg in 2022, so stay tuned!

[@gruelichkulsheim9445]

you guys are awesome thank you

[@NearFromHome]

🥰 thank you!

[@crazydrifter13]

Pretty good production quality and content 👍🏼

[@NearFromHome]

Thank you!

[@BearMeat4Dinner]

I want to move there!!! Tolless video!!

[@NearFromHome]

danke!

[@usbxg3474]

Very great entertaining, funny and informative video! I like you both and your channel and have subscribed a few weeks ago. I´ve always asked myself why a young, progressive couple would choose munich instead of the more "hipster" and "international" citys like Berlin or cologne which are also just a few hours drive away from other great european states/cities, but since you have mentioned the alps I kind of get that you are more into hills and woods and hiking than a moderate climate, the ocean and communities/people/cities that are way more different and diverse than the alpine regions. Great video! thumbs up and all the best to you both and your future!👍

[@NearFromHome]

Thanks so much! :) Honestly, coming from the US, all of Germany seems radically progressive and left to us. We don't see much of a difference between Munich and Berlin outside of aesthetics. I'm sure as we become more familiar with the culture and politics, that will change, but for now, it's hard to discern much of a difference.

[@canisxv9869]

Wilkommen, if you guys have some time I can recommend doing a factory tour at Audi in the city I live in, Ingolstadt (30 min north on the A9 from Munich) or BMW in Munich its very fascinating.

[@NearFromHome]

Sweet! Thanks! We have been to Ingolstadt, but never to the Audi factory. We have been meaning to check out the BMW museum as well 😎

[@kcjazzy]

I moved to the Black Forest from Florida almost 30 years ago. It was the best decision I ever made;). One husband and two kids later I have never ever regretted my decision.

[@NearFromHome]

So wholesome! Three years, and we’re still feeling good!

[@sanderschierer6097]

I won't take your bash again Austin too personally :). Thanks for sharing your story and I can't wait for part 2

[@NearFromHome]

Haha. Thanks so much!

[@pokergroupdigital5290]

Nice to welcome you in Germany, greetings from Saxony.

[@NearFromHome]

Thanks so much 🥰

[@_SpamMe]

Japan is a lure I can understand, but for me personally, aside from some other smaller issues, the wörk culture there ... just too many things I can't stand. And work is ultimately a big part of life. I'll stick with visiting occasionally.

[@NearFromHome]

That's what we are starting to realize. There are many things we love about Japan, but it seems like the work life balance is even worse than the US's.

[@madrooky1398]

@@NearFromHome "Karoshi" is japanese and means "worked to death". I dont know any other country or culture were this kind of issue has its own name. Japan has a suicide problem related to work. I admire japanese culture in many aspects and they make in terms of reliability better cars than germany. But i would not want to live For work like they do. Family, or better reproduction of the species, has to be the center of life imho, however that may be culturally exercized^^ And that is a problem in Japan too... reproduction rate is one of the lowest in the world.

[@haruyanto8085]

Japan is great to visit for everyone

[@snow_hass3938]

This good sharing of thoughts from moving to another country new experience ,new environment speaking of Germany I feel I want to live with him soon in future his a German guy 🌅🙂💙

[@NearFromHome]

Thanks so much! Good luck!

[@nikitaverdera2335]

Congratulations. I also considered to live in Munich but it is such an expensive place. Given EU citzienship we choose Mallorca more than 25 years ago and never regreted. I highly recommend, to check Mallorca for vacatiobns. It has oil, wine and marvellous outdoor experiences.

[@NearFromHome]

Makes a lot of sense! Also, we actually just got back from Mallorca. Watch out for our three part series coming in January! You know we included oil, wine, and outdoors experiences ;)

[@poonamsingh67]

Love your videos. Camille needs to get more screen time in your other videos. Thank you for your work.

[@NearFromHome]

You gotta tell her that! But Camille gets rather camera shy, especially in public.

[@olivermiller2013]

It seems that more people from the US like the idea to move to Germany. I come from Munich and there are big differences to USA. You have a lot of possibilities in Munich with the connection to a lot of high quality places including many interesting nearby countries. But you also will see some downturns. It is not so easy to find friends like in the US and it is even not easy to find something to live for an acceptable price. And everything in Europe is smaller, I think for American people this is quite surprising. I wish you the best starting in Munich and I hope you will enjoy it. You already found the right beer (Augustiner) before moving. This is good preperation :).

[@seanthiar]

Disagree - I lived in the US and you earn friends for live in DE but only aquaintances in the US

[@NearFromHome]

Thanks! Honestly, I have so many more friends in Germany than the US, but then again, all my friends here are other foreigners. I am finding it difficult to make German friends 🤷🏼‍♀️

[@eliass6200]

Herzlich Willkommen in Deutschland. Ein sehr interessantes Video. Grüße aus Marburg :)

[@NearFromHome]

danke sehr! :)

[@GabrielGarcia-bl9yw]

Brah, my wife and I are ready to leave and move to GERMANY. So jelly yall live there.

[@NearFromHome]

Yes! I hope you do!

[@typxxilps]

no weather in germany is about having the right clothes. If you do not have that you might be lost in a cold or hail storm or whatever hot sunny day germany can offer. Kids learn that from early days on when they go to Wald Kindergarten, a kindergarten that has not a real home except being in the forrest with a tiny small shelter there and a small building they only use when it is too dangerous to enter the forrest. Right clothes is the answer to any weather - and then you do not have the feeling about a good or bad weather, just a more or less challenging weather.

[@jan-arwedrichter4558]

Fascinating. But you missed out on the best city option of them all: Hamburg

[@NearFromHome]

Now if there is one thing that Münchners and Berliners can agree on, it’s that Hamburg comes second ;) :p

[@faultier1158]

@@NearFromHome Ah yes, the rivalry triangle. :D Tbh, between Hamburg and Munich, the main differences mostly boil down to whether or not mountains are important to you. If they are, then Munich is the way to go.😅 If not, then Hamburg has probably the upper hand.

[@stampcollector74]

I think I like you both. Sry for different weather here. ; )

[@NearFromHome]

Thanks so much! :) I prefer the weather here ;)

[@talesfromthelab]

Greetings from Nuremberg :)

[@NearFromHome]

Servus! We love Nuremberg. We will be making a video on the city at some point. :)

[@nikhilsrl]

Man, I also would love to at some point live in Japan even if it is only for a year or so. I though wouldn't want to work there. Those people work crazy hard. The other place I want to live in is Germany.

[@NearFromHome]

Yes! We agree. If you can work for an English speaking company, I have heard that the Japanese work hours don't apply, but otherwise... :(

[@RustyDust101]

While I am not saying that Germany is perfect, far from it, I would consider leaving the USA for Germany to always be a win-win situation. Leaving a deeply bisected country with little to no real alternatives to the two big parties, a faltering healthsystem, disturbing employment practices and laws, a car- and materialism-centric society based around suburbian dystopia and work-centric downtown (those factors are deeply interlocked) for Germany leaves behind nearly all of those factors at once for at least somewhat better solutions. There are quite a few factors that I haven't mentioned yet, but that'd make my comment too long. Not dissing the USA, I am just pointing to serious issues I see from across the pond, which have been confirmed by many, many youtubers and vloggers. Just in the way I point to serious issues in Germany as well. I firmly believe that without pointing out such issues and making people aware of possibly better solutions there is no chance of ever improving on the situation. Just complaining won't accomplish anything; constructive criticism is the way to go.

[@NearFromHome]

Oh feel free to diss the US. 😅 We completely agree, and we are basically going to reiterate all these points in an upcoming video about why we’re not going back to the US.

[@berndschaffmann8522]

I am shure our work life balance and social system make every American coming abroad feeling like heaven. It’s the other way around now after 100-200 years. People are coming back home.

[@NearFromHome]

@@berndschaffmann8522 Yes! totally

[@marklord2221]

Hallo Servus. München ist wunderbar. Visit Eibsee yet? If not. GO

[@NearFromHome]

Ja natürlich. Wir haben vor einem Jahr einen Eibsee video gemacht. Bitte schauen Sie! :D

[@jensschroder8214]

If you arrived in November then the weather couldn't get any worse!

[@NearFromHome]

It was not the best introduction to Munich, that’s for sure. However, it was really nice going to all the Christmas markets not too long after, I’d never done that before so it was really exciting.

[@heindaddel2531]

You missed out Hamburg, you would have been fallen in love with it in a whizz!

[@NearFromHome]

We will go there soon! The city looks beautiful anddddd gets lots of clicks on KZbin ;)

[@Falke615]

@@NearFromHome From someone like you two but ended up in Hamburg; The city is recommended. You two will have a great time.

[@neilrobinson7965]

I think a move to Germany is a very good choice. Out of interest, did you also consider moving to Switzerland?

[@NearFromHome]

We did not, but we don't know if we will settle in Munich, so we plan to check out Switzerland in the coming years.

[@lilinectar4045]

I'm a Japanese who wants to move to munchen so badly!! Everybody deserves one's comfortable place, and I just cannot vibe with this country.

[@NearFromHome]

I hope you make it there! 🥰

[@wolfriderpack]

🥳

[@NearFromHome]

danke!

[@swanpride]

...your title is incorrect! You are moving to Bavaria, not Germany! ;-) (Honestly, be aware of this attitude in Munich....). Also you picked the most expensive German city of them all. Just out of curiousity, did you try Leibzig? Smaller than you might like, but that's a city which draws in a lot of young people. It's only big drawback is that it is in Saxony.

[@NearFromHome]

Lol, yes that is true. It's basically a different country culture wise. WE would love to title our videos "Moving to Munich" or "Moving to Bavaria" but those search terms don't do well with the YT algorithm. :) We did visit Leipzig. We really liked it, but it's just far from the mountains.

[@HenryAusLuebeck]

Hahaha, Miau to you too. German: Dir auch ein Miau! xD I love Cats. Greetz from northern Germany. München ist teuer. Kommt nach Lübeck. Da gibt es Meer, Wälder, Flüsse, keine Berge. ;) Eastcoast, baby!

[@NearFromHome]

vielleicht für einen Besucht. ;D Like and subscribe to see the third cat in the next video. hahah

[@ulliulli]

I have just ONE question: Why do you wear street shoes/boots in your appartement? oO

[@NearFromHome]

Americans wear shoes in the house 🤷🏼‍♀️ I don’t ever put my shoes on the couch, but I really wanted to prop myself up with my leg, but also didn’t want my giant foot in the shot

[@ulliulli]

@@NearFromHome I mean... why do you think "house shoes" are a thing in germany ;) And isn't one of you bri'ish? "I'm american" is just a sorry excuse for someone who IS an american ;)

[@NearFromHome]

@@ulliulli I am aware of house shoes. I just think they're ugly. We do it for the A E S T H E T I C

[@MitchVanHayden]

Herzlich Willkommen, Leute!

[@NearFromHome]

Danke! 🥰

[@DW-os6un]

you need house shoes that is such a German thing :D

[@NearFromHome]

yeah, but my house shoes don't with my outfit. trying to keep things aesthetic

[@NapiRockAndRoll]

Maybe a strange question: Why are you wearing shoes inside your house?

[@NearFromHome]

Because my foot would be in frame, and I didn’t think anybody would want to see that 🤷🏼‍♀️

[@sgschmidt]

we central yo

[@NearFromHome]

Yes

[@sallyharrison6563]

You were actually 10 years old when you moved to the US and your whole world changed, no family around and schooling was very alien to you as the UK was metric and history was from the view point of the British.

[@NearFromHome]

Time. What even is it.

[@brucefritchey8055]

It's definitely not because of any measurable youtube success, that's for certain. Smug and uppity are the first words to come to mind.

[@NearFromHome]

lol ok

[@wandilismus8726]

What is servus? I am german and don't speak Exile austrian 😉 Moin

[@NearFromHome]

Moin is FORBIDDEN on this channel 😉

[@wandilismus8726]

@@NearFromHome 🤣

[@peterkoller3761]

You are not throwing away your US-lives, you are upgrading to a European life!

[@NearFromHome]

Hahahah we also see it that way now. :D It's a major upgrade.

[@bastonor]

First thing to do: buy thermal underwear. My kind of people.

[@NearFromHome]

Mate, that gave me a genuine laugh out loud, unlike the cold.. which is no laughing matter.

[@ingevonschneider5100]

The husband sounds British.

[@NearFromHome]

He is

[@marklord2221]

Now you will assimilated into the FC Bayern gang lol

[@NearFromHome]

Natürlich. Mia san Mia :)

[@Grohlizm]

Neele if you see this can I move in with you XD

[@NearFromHome]

👀

[@JohnHazelwood58]

Spoiler: They moved to Munich, Germany, because of the excellent beer! [and food, of course!] :-) ^^+gg

[@NearFromHome]

Shhhh no spoilers! 😅

[@rolandscherer1574]

You are not Germanized! No Hausschuhe!

[@NearFromHome]

I guess I will never truly integrate. :O

[@rolandscherer1574]

@@NearFromHome ok, but you are welcome nevertheless! ;-)

[@NearFromHome]

@@rolandscherer1574 thank you for being so accepting hahah

[@bertram5798]

Was machst du da mit dem bier?! Die volle Flasche wird doch warm? Bruder, organisier mal dein Leben!

[@NearFromHome]

😅

[@Kazuya720]

Why does this video has this constant zoom-faktor ? It is really irretating. Just stay with one zoom position!

[@NearFromHome]

You really wouldn't like that. It looks pretty bad.

[@Kazuya720]

@@NearFromHome Well it would help, not to get sea-sick :D Serious... am I the only one who is annoyed of this?

[@WesterwalderAdler]

Just say it honestly,you moved here because of beer 😁

[@NearFromHome]

We've been outed hahaha

[@berndschaffmann8522]

We are glad about everybody moving to Germany belonging to our modern western civilization. Really. And people who are not forced to be 1000 years more to be ashamed of being German. Great you’re moving here and i hope there will come a lot more of your kind. Welcome to our beautiful country.

[@berndschaffmann8522]

Just an idea for people wanting to move here….since our new government is forcing migration to Germany, why not a lot of Americans? Just thinking…would help to stay at least a bit a Christian country. But there is a kind of a hurry in point of housing/renting/buying something. Since the plains become more and more inhabitable (condolences to very hard hit states) I could imagine a lot of people would be glad living in securer environments.

[@newbeginnings8566]

I wish Americans would stop saying 'it's like' and 'really' in every sentence... Drinking beer from the bottle - not very German..

[@NearFromHome]

…ok? 🤷🏼‍♀️🤷🏼‍♀️🤷🏼‍♀️🤷🏼‍♀️

[@christophsandgruber1848]

Can you please take off your shoes indoor? That is disgusting. Welcome to Germany!

[@NearFromHome]

no

[@casperklerk5054]

You can drop in a coin and they keep talking.

[@NearFromHome]

Ok?

[@dermannausdemall5223]

I understand the arguments, but the reality to live for a long time in Germany is completely different. Japan is much better than Germany. In Düsseldorf, at least you will find a large Japanese community within Germany. Why I would not move to Germany: - The average wage is low and rents are high (In France, Belgium, Switzerland, Scandinavia you earn better) - Digitization and infrastructure is worse than in other TOP industrialized countries - You will live only to work - Almost half of the salary goes to the government - Munich is one of the most expensive cities next to Hamburg and Frankfurt - The service in Germany is miserable and often unfriendly (In Japan just the opposite) - There is no air conditioning in the apartments - Finding a parking space in big cities is almost impossible - Without neighboring countries, Germany has a relatively boring landscape - The traffic in inner cities is catastrophic - Traffic lights are directly above your car instead of in front of it. - Many ugly post-war buildings, graffiti and garbage (Japan is much cleaner) - Public transport is not reliable and overpriced - You can't get your own decent house for less than 1 million € anymore - The people are not as friendly as in America or Japan. - Crime has risen sharply due to migrants and refugees And much more. I am really glad that I no longer live in Germany. The country has been completely run down in recent decades. And you don't notice much of a German culture either. Soccer, bread, bratwurst and beer are not enough for me and there is not much interest in this barbarism. But you have to make the experience yourself. In my opinion, there are much better and more people-friendly places in the world.

[@gaiaorigin9569]

... and judging on your comment, we don't really miss you here.

[@Nemshee]

Wow, coming into the comments of a video about Germany with so many bold lies (outright and of omission) about the country is bit ridiculous.

[@dermannausdemall5223]

@@Nemshee Hello, which point do you think is a lie? I would be glad to exchange sources with you on this. How many years did you live in Germany?

[@dieminervaeule]

It's FOOTBALL for Christ's sake, NOT soccer!!!

[@nomad1980]

@@dermannausdemall5223 Almost everything, except the digital infrastructure and parking space in major city's. You sound like someone who only heard about something but never experienced it. Btw I live 29 years here.... So my whole live.