Where to live near Berlin: cities and suburbs

Berlin can be quite pricey, and large family homes are out of the question. Beyond the city’s limits, however, are some great hidden gems that offer affordable housing and more spacious living options. Better still, these commuter towns have an easier (albeit slower) pace of life within easy reach of the action.

Discover the magic of Berlin’s suburbs by reading the following sections:

Why move to cities near Berlin?

Berlin is Germany’s vibrant capital, located in the northeast of the country. Known for its tumultuous past, the city has since transformed itself into a global hub of creativity, art, and technology.

Given that the rental market in the capital has exploded in recent years, moving to the outskirts of the city might be a good option for those seeking a suitable home on a budget.

The small cities and charming villages near Berlin provide a great alternative to the dense inner-city housing, offering more space for those seeking a home with a garden, a spare room for visitors, or a place for their growing family to enjoy.

Berlin’s excellent public transport network also makes it possible to commute into the city from dozens or even hundreds of kilometers away. Needless to say, living in the suburbs allows residents to enjoy the best of both worlds.

How to find housing in Berlin’s suburbs

Although property prices in the suburbs are lower than in the city, they have also felt the pinch of an increasingly competitive housing market. As a result, finding accommodation within budget can be a challenge – but not impossible.

There are several ways to find a place to live in the suburbs. For instance, some people use a local estate agent (Makler). As their rates can be quite high, online property portals are also popular to find housing. Notably, some online advertisements are listed as provisionsfreie (i.e., without agent’s fees).

You can find rental accommodation on the following websites:

• HousingAnywhere
• Immobilienscout24
• Immowelt
• Spotahome

When searching for properties to rent, it is important to keep in mind that scams do exist. Be cautious and vet advertisements and agents carefully, especially when you don’t speak German fluently or are contacting people online.

Typical accommodation in German suburbs

One of the big draws of the suburbs is the size of the homes. You are much more likely to find houses with gardens or larger apartments in cities near Berlin.

Population growth has also resulted in the development of more apartment blocks across the region. These can offer lower rents with close proximity to parks or nature reserves.

What are the renting options in cities near Berlin?

Similar to the rest of Germany, Berlin’s suburbia has a large percentage of renters. In 2023, more than half of the country’s population (52.4%) lived in rented accommodation. This was the highest share in the European Union (EU).

Although rental rates have increased as the region’s population grows, rentals are still more affordable rentals in cities near Berlin than in the capital itself. Rent in the suburbs can be separated into the following categories:

• Cheap: €400–550 per month for a one-bedroom apartment
• Moderate: €650–800 per month for a one-bedroom apartment 
• Expensive: €800+ per month for a one-bedroom apartment

If you compare these costs to those in Mitte, for example, where rents regularly exceed €1,900 for a similarly sized apartment, you can see why many people choose to expand their housing search beyond the city limits.

What if you want to buy a property?

For potential buyers in Germany, there’s both good news and bad news. After a decade-long house price boom, real estate prices are in freefall (2024). The housing market is struggling as higher mortgage interest rates and rising inflation have increased affordability constraints.

That said, Germany is still one of the OECD countries with the highest house price-to-rent ratios. Housing is the most expensive in Munich, where you pay an average of €9,931 per square meter (mid-2023). Conversely, Berlin is the most affordable city in Germany, with a square meter price of €4,802.

If you’re employed, you should be able to get a mortgage with no additional requirements – regardless of your nationality. That being said, while there are no restrictions for expats looking to purchase a home, there is also no need to jump into it straight away. After all, buying property makes more sense if you are already familiar with the area or are moving to be close to family.

If you are new to the area, you might want to consider renting when you first arrive so that you can explore the different cities near Berlin. That way, you can be sure to buy property in a suburb where you will enjoy living for the long term.

Berlin suburbs: cities near the German capital

The German capital is entirely surrounded by the Brandenburg region. That means that many villages and commuter cities near Berlin are part of the same government district.

Fortunately, public transport links are plentiful between Berlin and the suburbs outlined below. Similar to other cities, commute time has a large impact on rental prices, with the cheapest housing often being found where commutes are the longest.

Natural beauty is plentiful outside Berlin, too. Many suburbs offer direct access to parks, lakes, and forests. As a result, these areas tend to attract people who are drawn to nature or those seeking a quieter environment. Although nightlife is harder to come by outside of Berlin, some areas, such as Potsdam, are well-known for their events and cultural scene.

Keep reading for a closer look at some of the top cities near Berlin.

Bernau

Well known for its many popular attractions, Bernau has several museums and is the host of the annual Hussite Festival (Hussitenfest), which celebrates the town’s medieval history.

Its fascinating past is still present in its impressive 8-meter-high defense walls that surround the town and its small alleyways that take visitors back in time. Notably, only one original city gate – the Steintor – still remains and now serves as a local museum.

Bernau features a mix of modern high-rise housing estates and historic half-timbered buildings from the early 19^th century. Residents enjoy this scenic town for its quiet streets and pleasant neighborhoods.

Why should you move to Bernau?

• Location: 10 kilometers northeast of Berlin
• Housing costs: fairly expensive, ranging from €800 for a one-bedroom apartment and €1,250 for a three-bedroom house
• Recreation: a large park spans much of the town center. However, there’s little to no nightlife.
• Shopping: the center is home to small boutiques and chain stores, while larger stores typically require a car for easy access
• Neighborhood: residential streets with plenty of green areas
• Parking: limited in some city center areas; most houses have adequate space for a vehicle
• Transportation to Berlin: Bernau is connected to the S-Bahn network, and direct trains can travel to Berlin Mitte in 20 minutes. Buses are also available.

Hohen Neuendorf

Hohen Neuendorf is not an old town but a pleasant one. This city near Berlin was developed as a commuter town in the early 20^th century. Today, it retains its quiet, tranquil setting and easy access to the city center. Trains reach the capital in 30 minutes, making this a popular choice for workers headed to an inner-city office every day.

Most of the housing in Hohen Neuendorf is relatively new, and the monuments, too, date from the 20^th century. The city is

Why should you move to Hohen Neuendorf?

• Location: just outside Berlin’s city limits, 20 kilometers to the northwest
• Housing costs: expensive, from €700 for a one-bedroom apartment to €1,700 for a three-bedroom house
• Recreation: the town itself has small parks and larger ones outside. Sport-enthusiasts can enjoy golf, cycling, and hiking. Hohen Neuendorf also has some cultural events.
• Shopping: the town has limited stores available
• Neighborhood: family houses and apartment blocks
• Parking: limited
• Transportation to Berlin: Hohen Neuendorf is part of the S-Bahn network. Trains to Berlin Mitte take 30 minutes, and buses somewhat longer. There’s much congestion from Berlin’s commuter traffic.

Nauen

Once home to the world’s first radio station, Nauen is a quiet satellite in Berlin’s orbit. Said to be one of the most beautiful in Brandenburg, the old town is a popular choice for families who seek larger gardens and quiet streets.

With wind turbines scattered around the town’s edge, Nauen is set near many areas of natural beauty, making it ideal for outdoor lovers. Expats looking for social entertainment may want to look elsewhere, however. This village does not have many cultural events or substantial nightlife.

Why should you move to Nauen?

• Location: 25 kilometers west of Berlin
• Housing costs: cheap, from €350 per month for a one-bedroom apartment to €900 per month for a three-bedroom house
• Recreation: easy access to nearby lakes, rivers, and wildlife areas. Nightlife and cultural events are limited.
• Shopping: limited; the town center has a few small, independent stores
• Neighborhood: a large amount of low-density housing, often with medium to large gardens. In recent years, apartment blocks have sprung up as well.
• Parking: parking spots are easy to find, and most homes have space for a vehicle
• Transportation to Berlin: direct trains from Nauen take around 45 minutes to West Berlin. The same journey takes about 20 minutes by car. You can reach the center of Berlin in 50 minutes.

Oranienburg

Oranienburg’s pleasant streets hide the town’s dark past, having been a concentration camp for both Nazis and Soviets.

Now a pretty city near Berlin, locals enjoy a pleasant and relaxed lifestyle. Tourists often visit the area for its memorials and the 350-year-old baroque Oranienburg Palace (Schloss Oranienburg). The former Prussian palace with its large open park is home to a museum and a cultural center.

Oranienburg is a good choice if you prefer a village setting and don’t blame a place for its historical past.

Why should you move to Oranienburg?

• Location: 25 kilometers north of Berlin
• Housing costs: moderate, from €550 per month for a 1-bedroom apartment or €1,500 for a three-bedroom house
• Recreation: Oranienburg Palace often hosts music and theatrical events
• Shopping: you can find boutique stores in the city center, with supermarkets and larger shops further out of town
• Neighborhood: many pleasant single-family homes with gardens
• Parking: most homes have parking space available
• Transport to Berlin: express trains from Oranienburg to Berlin Mitte take 25 minutes. There is also easy motorway access.

Potsdam

The capital of Brandenburg, Potsdam, is a tourist destination in its own right. The city near Berlin is home to several palaces, including Sanssouci Palace (Schloss Sanssouci), which was once the summer home of Frederick the Great (former King of Prussia).

Potsdam has many businesses, including a major film studio and 30 research facilities. It is also home to the Berlin Brandenberg International School, which teaches in English and German. As you go further out, the historic town center dissolves into fairly typical Berlin suburbs.

With many cultural offerings within Potsdam’s borders, you don’t necessarily have to head to the capital to socialize and find entertainment. However, it is one of the more expensive suburbs, so it may not be the best option if you are looking to save money by living outside Berlin.

Why should you move to Potsdam?

• Location: at the southwest edge of Berlin’s city boundaries, less than 40 kilometers from the city center
• Housing costs: moderate to expensive, depending on location and house features. You can rent a one-bedroom apartment from €550 per month, though houses often exceed €2,000 per month. Period and deluxe properties can be significantly more expensive.
• Recreation: museums, cinemas, and many events in the city. The palace gardens are extensive and typically free to visit.
• Shopping: small, independent boutiques in the city center and a mall at the train station. Big chain stores are located further out.
• Neighborhood: older townhouses in the center, and single-family homes with gardens farther out.
• Parking: city center has very limited parking, but most single-family homes include space for a vehicle
• Transportation to Berlin: Potsdam is part of the U-Bahn network. There are also regular buses.

Rathenow

Rathenow is a small, pleasant town west of Berlin, with low housing costs and a convivial atmosphere. The satellite city was established 800 years ago and now has a population of 27,000.

Rathenow is a sleepy area compared to Berlin, with little nightlife to be found. The area is popular with families who appreciate having more space and access to nearby parks and lakes.

Why should you move to Rathenow?

• Location: 50 kilometers west of Berlin
• Housing costs: cheap, from €250 per month for a two-bedroom apartment or €700 for a three-bedroom house
• Recreation: large parks and green areas surrounding the town. Little to no nightlife.
• Shopping: limited; some small stores and supermarkets
• Neighborhood: small-town atmosphere, mostly single-family homes with gardens
• Parking: easy. Traffic is generally light within the town.
• Transportation to Berlin: direct trains from Rathenow to Berlin Mitte take about an hour. There are also good road connections into West Berlin if you prefer to commute by car.

Strausberg

Strausberg offers authentic small-town German life within easy commuting distance of the capital. Founded in the 13^th century, this city near Berlin is located just 30 kilometers from the Polish border.
Sports enthusiasts will particularly enjoy Strausberg because of its many sporting facilities and traditions, including amateur golf, watersports, cycling, and professional sports teams.

This long, thin town is a popular option for hybrid workers who want the price and quality of life from the countryside but still need to commute to the big city.

Why should you move to Strausberg?

• Location: 25 kilometers east of Berlin
• Housing costs: moderate, from €600 per month for a two-bedroom apartment or €1,400 for a three-bedroom house
• Recreation: sports facilities include football, gliding, and flying, swimming, cycling, and hiking. The town also has some cultural activities and museums.
• Shopping: primarily small and independent stores. Large chain stores scattered, so a car is useful to have.
• Neighborhood: predominantly quiet residential streets with some historic buildings in the old town
• Parking: most homes have parking spaces available
• Transportation to Berlin: Strausberg is built right along the S-Bahn network. Trains to Berlin Mitte take around 50 minutes. Driving to Berlin from this suburb takes 40 minutes, depending on the destination and traffic.

Teltow

Teltow is located on the outskirts of Berlin. This German suburb has followed the city through its many trials and tribulations and served as a border between West Berlin and East Germany.

The old town is now a heritage site, and new developments continue to spring up to provide affordable housing for workers flocking to the German capital. Its location provides easy access to higher education institutes in both Berlin and Potsdam.

Unlike other commuter areas, Teltow primarily offers apartments and townhouses. If you’re hoping for a single-family house, you are better off looking elsewhere. However, the town does boast plenty of parks and outdoor spaces you can visit.

Why move to Teltow?

• Location: just outside Berlin’s southwest boundaries, near Potsdam
• Housing costs: cheap to moderate, depending on location and house features. Rents from €350 per month for a small one-bedroom apartment or €1,850 for a spacious three-bedroom apartment.
• Recreation: limited, though there are parks, river walks, and other green areas
• Shopping: some small stores in the town. A car is useful to get to larger malls and supermarkets further out.
• Neighborhood: primarily high-rise apartment blocks and terraced houses
• Parking: parking can be difficult unless you have a designated space.
• Transportation to Berlin: Teltow is located at the end of the S25 S-Bahn line. Trains take around 30 minutes to Berlin Mitte, buses typically 45–60 minutes. Traffic is often congested.

Wandlitz

Developed as a vacation resort in the early 20^th century, Wandlitz retains much of its charm. This small town with a little over 21,000 inhabitants is located in a nature reserve between two lakes, making it an ideal choice for those who love the outdoors.

In the early 1960s, a small compound was built nearby to house high-ranking officials of the East German government away from the rest of the population. While the building has been out of use for a long time, the natural beauty that drew officials to Wandlitz can still be found today.

Environment and amenities

• Location: 25 kilometers north of Berlin
• Housing costs: expensive, from €800 per month for a one-bedroom apartment. Houses are common and start at a more moderate €1,250 per month for a three-bedroom property.
• Recreation: the nearby lakes and nature reserve are popular with both locals and visitors
• Shopping: a mix of small businesses and chain stores. Larger stores are out of town and usually require access to a car.
• Neighborhood: mostly quiet residential streets
• Parking: parking is easy in this Berlin suburb and most family homes have an indoor garage attached
• Transportation to Berlin: buses and a direct train line connect Wandlitz with North Berlin. The same journey by car typically takes 40 minutes in light traffic.

Are there cities near Berlin you should avoid?

The villages and cities near Berlin are all fairly safe and can be a good choice if you need more space or crave a quieter environment.

Reported crime rates are also generally lower than in the German capital, with the exception of:

• Blankenfelde-Mahlow
• Eichwalde
• Zeuthen

However, this does not necessarily mean that these areas are to be avoided.

For example, Zeuthen is mostly made up of family homes with gardens, and the rents are typically affordable. The town is a short distance away from Berlin Mitte and has easy access to Schönefeld airport, making it a popular suburb for commuters.

Tips on choosing a German suburb

Whether you’re renting on a budget or buying a spacious family home, you’ll want to be sure you end up in a place that suits you best.

It is important that you consider your housing requirements, budget, and commuting plans before you settle on an area.

For example, if you know you need to work on-site in central Berlin most days per week, moving to a suburb may not make sense at all. On the other hand, if you work from home and bring family, trading in some of Berlin’s excitement for quieter suburban living could be the perfect fit.

Here are a few tips to keep in mind when looking for a city near Berlin to call your home:

• Safety – how does the area feel during the day and night? Be sure to get an accurate feel for a suburb by visiting in person.
• Local amenities – how easy is it to access what you need and enjoy? Does the community meet your requirements?
• Transportation – can you get around using your chosen mode of transportation? How long will it take you to commute to work?
• Lifestyle compatibility – are you sporty, social, or seeking peace and quiet? Find out how the suburb will suit your personality.

Useful resources

• Discover Brandenburg – government website for Brandenburg area
• Deutschland Atlas – government portal with the latest crime statistics in Germany