A US-based family that once called Colorado home has opened up about their decision to move to Germany, revealing how a mix of personal, financial, and lifestyle factors reshaped their lives.
Married since 2005, Geoffrey and Sarah had never planned to leave the United States. But a job loss in 2017 set off a chain of events that led them across the Atlantic — a journey increasingly common among professionals seeking better work-life balance in Europe.
A Turning Point: Job Loss And A Shift In Perspective
Geoffrey, a software engineer, lost his job in 2017 — a moment that forced the couple to rethink their future. He also described feeling emotionally drained following the 2016 US presidential election, which further influenced their decision to seek a fresh start abroad.
“It pushed me to want some emotional and geographical distance,” Geoffrey said, reflecting on the period that triggered their move.
Ireland First: Testing Life Abroad
Thanks to Sarah’s Irish citizenship by descent, Ireland became their first destination. In 2018, they relocated after Geoffrey secured a job in Dublin.
Their early days abroad were unconventional — living on a houseboat in Malahide before moving into a small home in Dublin. The family spent nearly five years in Ireland, gradually adapting to life outside the US.
Why They Ultimately Chose Germany
As their family grew, the couple began exploring long-term options and eventually turned to Germany.
A visit to Freiburg im Breisgau in 2022 proved decisive. Familiarity with the language and culture made the transition easier, leading them to settle in nearby Breisach.
“We’re older, and learning a completely new language would have been difficult,” Sarah explained.
They purchased a two-bedroom apartment and relocated about a year later.
Challenges Of Starting Over Abroad
Despite a warm welcome, the transition wasn’t seamless — especially for their young son. The move proved emotionally challenging, with the child taking around five months to adjust to his new surroundings.
The family later enrolled him in a Forest Kindergarten, where he adapted well and began to settle into his new routine.
Geoffrey also noted cultural differences, particularly the direct communication style common in Germany, which took some getting used to.
Life In Germany: Community, Culture, And Parenting
Now, over two years into their new life, the family says they feel at home. Geoffrey works remotely for a US-based company, while Sarah appreciates the strong sense of community in their town.
One notable difference, they say, is how society interacts with children.
“In the US, you might get a glare if your child misbehaves. Here, people often step in to engage positively,” Sarah said, highlighting a more community-driven approach to parenting.
However, the couple admits some uncertainty about the German education system and language barriers, particularly when communicating with teachers.
Cost Of Living: A Major Advantage
One of the biggest reasons the family prefers Germany is affordability. Compared to their experiences in the United States, they find everyday expenses far more manageable.
They say they are often shocked by restaurant and food prices when they return to the US. Eating out, in particular, feels significantly more expensive.
Sarah noted that while their town of Breisach may be more affordable than larger German cities, the overall cost of living still feels reasonable.
Geoffrey even joked that after living in Dublin — one of Europe’s most expensive cities — life in Germany sometimes feels “like things are being given away for free.”
A Growing Trend: Moving For Better Balance
Their story reflects a broader trend of professionals moving from the US to Europe in search of stability, affordability, and improved work-life balance.
For this family, the decision to relocate wasn’t just about finances — it was about building a lifestyle that felt more sustainable and supportive.