Sometimes after a vacation, thoughts arise that it might be much better to live somewhere else: in another city, in the countryside, in another state, by the sea, or in the mountains. What are living conditions like in Germany?
Since reunification, for example, more young people have been moving from the east to the west than vice versa. Some seek their fortune in the cities. Others want to try out country life. The decision for or against a place of residence is complex and very individual. Young people tend to move away for training and study, but tend to return to their home region to start a family.
Regional development affects all areas of people's lives: How do I get to work in the morning? Can I find an apartment near my workplace, and what public services are available? To support planning and participation processes and create equal living conditions in different regions, the Federal Ministry of Housing, Urban Development, and Construction has now launched the "RegioStrat – Strategic Regional Development" program.
Together with Verian and the Berlin Institute for Population and Development, Prognos has examined the status and progress of equality of living conditions in Germany. The analysis included over 157 indicators of quality of life from the areas of economy and finance, society, infrastructure and public services, as well as the environment and climate.
The study shows clear differences between the German regions of east and west, north and south , and rural and urban areas. The unemployment rate is higher in eastern Germany. Western Germany has higher median wages. These contrasts are also reflected in quality of life, crime rates, and access to services. Despite these differences, living conditions are converging. While rural regions struggle with migration and aging populations, cities suffer from a lack of housing and overburdened infrastructure. The survey shows a predominantly positive level of life satisfaction. People in rural regions feel safer and more satisfied with their living situation than those in cities.
Photo: © Cindy Chao, Pixabay
