Is Bonn really such an outdated, horrible city to live in?

Question

Why is Bonn good or bad to live in? I heard that even though it was the capital of West Germany, it is one of the worst cities in Germany. Aren't the cities in what used to be West Germany usually better--as in standard of living, less violence, etc?

Answer 1

There is little violence in Bonn - it's just a rather small, but beautiful city, (Beethoven was born there) without the pulsating life of Munich, Berlin, Frankfurt, but also without the crime and violance. you could do worse.

Answer 2

To my opinion - and I stay in Bonn for 2 years now - the city is neither outdated nor horrible. Since the government moved to Berlin it might have become less glittery but it is still a beautiful city with the facilities and cultural activities (lots of open air concerts in summer but also operas, theatres etc...) of a big city and ex-capital and the atmosphere of a smalish town. Especially when I moved here I found the inhabitants very helpful and friendly - e.g. if you ask for directions they even walk with you to show you the right way. Like in every big city there are areas you should rather avoid when you are alone and it's dark but generally I haven't experienced a higher risk of violence and feel very safe here. The standard of living is high - and so are the rents... Over all I would say that Bonn is definitely not one of the worst cities in Germany! Come here during Carneval and see yourself ;-)

Answer 3

I completely agree with Tigger. Bonn has an Opera house, several theaters, several world known museums. An airport nearby with flights to New York.

Bonn has continuously shown up in Der Spiegel as one of the best places to live as it has low unemployment, good standard of living, weather is ok, and education and family conditions are great.

Further lots of good wine valleys withing 20-30 minute drives. Cologne - Köln one of the major cities is also near. The Rhein is nearby.

There is the joke that it is the Ex-Haupdorf, but as a result of its lower stature as a politicaly centre, it has been rebuilt as Telecom and Post centre. Thus diplomatic money is gone, but IT money is in. Further the UN has located their Environmental Arm here.

It all depends what you like. If it is wild nights and discos, well Bonn was never that kind of city anyway. If you like music, art and beautiful landscape, well then it is for you.