“No long commutes, no over-priced rent and a slower pace of life.” The list that would roll off my tongue when asked what I liked about living in Frankfurt compared to London.
Of course, there were other benefits too, but these were definitely my top three. After 3.5 years, I had settled in Frankfurt and was enjoying the life that this city offered me. Saving time, saving money, and feeling less stressed.
People always asked if I would move back to London and although I’d say “If at all, then not anytime soon,” moving back to London was not something I often thought about.
READ ALSO: What moving to Berlin as a British exchange student during the pandemic taught me
But then, as we all experienced, the world went into lockdown. And whilst I’ve been fortunate not to lose my job, this huge shift in lifestyle made me think about what else Frankfurt offered.
Jordan in Frankfurt. Photo:Â Ulrike Lachmund
After numerous months of what people had hoped would only be a several-week-lockdown, life has never been so slow. There was no longer a need to live close to the city, and as for the commute – well, what commute? My commute in Frankfurt had now been reduced from walking from my home to the office, from walking from my bedroom to my living room.Â
This lifestyle had become the new norm, not just for me but for everybody. When it was clear there was no end in sight, plenty of expats started heading back to their home countries, as they didn’t need to physically be abroad anymore.
But for me, moving back to London due to the pandemic wasn’t my first thought. After asking myself what else I like about Frankfurt, I realised there are several positives about living in this city – benefits that aren’t related to work! So what is it that’s keeping me here in Frankfurt?
Easy access to the nature
I’m ashamed to say that it’s taken a global pandemic for me to really explore Frankfurt’s local nature. Within just half an hour, you can be at the foot of the mountains, ready to hike, discover castles and see the breath-taking views over the city. And what’s more, you don’t need a car to get there! At a time when we’ve never been indoors more and have taken one too many walks at our local parks, it’s a luxury to practically have the Taunus mountains on my doorstep, whilst living in Frankfurt city centre.
You can walk everywhere (almost)
Even when travelling to the other side of the city, you can still go by foot. Yes, you need to factor in the extra time, but it beats using public transport when we’re supposed to be social distancing. Plus, the extra steps are great when you’ve been sitting indoors all week. Ok, walking everywhere might be a stretch, but Frankfurt’s close proximity means that you don’t usually have to travel too far, and you can do at least one stretch of the journey by foot.
People stroll through the Mönchbruch nature reserve near Frankfurt. Photo: DPA
Safety during the pandemic
I personally feel very safe in Frankfurt when it comes to the pandemic. Wearing masks was introduced fairly early, and even though being in another lockdown is tough, I do feel safe knowing that precautions are being taken.
There’s social distancing in London too
Funnily enough, rather than missing being able to go home, what I’ve actually missed more is friends and family not being able to visit me here.
The one-hour flight from London to Frankfurt means that, when there’s no pandemic, I host regular visitors throughout the year. I love taking my friends around Frankfurt and going on day trips to different towns and cities. Whilst I do miss my friends and family, being in London wouldn’t make socialising much easier, as social distancing rules apply there too.
Community
Although social meet-ups are currently few and far between, there is a strong community of international people in Frankfurt.
People having an open mind and a willingness to offer a helping hand has enabled me to build a community here. A friend once said that when you live abroad, your closest friends become your family, and this is a family that I’m not ready to leave behind yet.
READ ALSO: More than business: Why Frankfurt is an ideal city to live and work in
The pandemic was obviously an unexpected part of my living abroad experience. Although I had always planned to move to Germany, it was work that brought me to Frankfurt. When the nature of working life changed in a way that no one saw coming, I had the extra time to reflect on my experience in Frankfurt and what it is about this city that makes me happy.Â
It can be quite daunting when work, where I’ve spent most of my time since moving abroad, changes and you suddenly don’t have all the add-ons, such as regular social contact and events, that come with it. If I am honest, I am just glad to have realised that there’s been more to my time in Frankfurt than “No long commutes, no overpriced rent and a slower pace of life.”
Even if it has taken me four years to discover it!
You can reach more of Alisa Jordan's writing through her blog Alisa Jordan Writes, detailing life as an international resident in Frankfurt.
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