I wish to reside in Heidelber, germany, I am retired military, any pointers?

Question

Cost of living, share an apartment, how long can I stay?

Answer 1

If you want to work there also, you should apply for GS position.

Answer 2

Your retirement pay converted into Euro will not last long....

Heidelberg is a Tourist Town, everything will cost more.

You are not entitled to use the Commissary, BX/PX, etc

If you find a job on Base, 4 yrs is the max., job wise that is.

Answer 3

Depends on where you are living now? Are you already retired military in Germany? If not, when you get to Germany and want to live here you will have to apply for a Living Permit. Should not be too hard(not easy either!) since you are retired you will have an income and health insurance that the German government does not have to provide. I am not with the US Military so I can not give you guidelines on access to the US facilities(PX, etc.) But, if you can use the Army Mail System - APO that will save you money. Not sure what tourists have to do with the cost of living? Heidelberg is not that exspensive when compared to Frankfurt or Hamburg. If you live just outside the city in one of the smaller towns the rents are of course cheaper. Many of those towns are on the train and street car lines that go directly into Heidelberg. Gas is very exspensive in Germany so I would suggest to save money live somewhere that you use the public transportation system. Then again, if you have a good retirement and pension you may not be worried about the money?

Again, before I go on giving you more tips it would be good to know where you are now?