Success Stories

Whether it's fulfilling jobs with room for self-realization, short commutes, a strong community, or the immediate proximity to nature – the Görlitz district offers a unique balance. Here, work, leisure, family, and nature can be harmoniously combined. The short videos and the following testimonials authentically demonstrate the diverse reasons for staying and making this region home – and just how much quality of life it offers.

Dr. Swapnil Chandrate

Sagar Borra

Viktor Wesolowski

Rigart Sokolai

Jeanette and Nick Kullaki | New residents

Country living is IN

“The fact that we were able to find such a garden and dream apartments here, exactly as we wanted, still makes us happy,” says 57-year-old Jeanette Kullak, who moved from Berlin to Görlitz in May 2022. She followed her son Nick, who had already “crossed over” to the land of unaffordable goods a year earlier. He ventured into self-employment with his business “Das grüne Gold” (The Green Gold), a specialty shop for hemp products, on Demianiplatz in Görlitz. “I couldn’t have found or afforded such a centrally located shop in Berlin,” the 33-year-old is certain. Bringing his mother over was simply the logical next step. The big city, the stress, and the long commutes had taken a heavy toll on Jeanette. In Görlitz, she can finally breathe a sigh of relief. She immediately made friends and helps her son organize his business. She loves spending her free time at Lake Berzdorf and growing fruit and vegetables in her own garden. 

A woman stands in a garden next to an old half-timbered house. She smiles and stands beside tall yellow flowers. In the background are green trees and a meadow.
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Jeanette and Nick Kullaki | New residents

Country living is IN

“The fact that we were able to find such a garden and dream apartments here, exactly as we wanted, still makes us happy,” says 57-year-old Jeanette Kullak, who moved from Berlin to Görlitz in May 2022. She followed her son Nick, who had already “crossed over” to the land of unaffordable goods a year earlier. He ventured into self-employment with his business “Das grüne Gold” (The Green Gold), a specialty shop for hemp products, on Demianiplatz in Görlitz. “I couldn’t have found or afforded such a centrally located shop in Berlin,” the 33-year-old is certain. Bringing his mother over was simply the logical next step. The big city, the stress, and the long commutes had taken a heavy toll on Jeanette. In Görlitz, she can finally breathe a sigh of relief. She immediately made friends and helps her son organize his business. She loves spending her free time at Lake Berzdorf and growing fruit and vegetables in her own garden. 

The picture shows a man riding a bicycle along a paved path by the shore of a lake. He is wearing a green hooded jacket, jeans, and athletic shoes. The man is smiling and appears relaxed. In the background, a sandy beach, water, and wooded hills are visible. The sky is overcast, suggesting a cool day. The image conveys a tranquil, nature-oriented atmosphere and conveys the joy of outdoor activity.

Ralf Iwan | New Citizen

From Singapore to the land of the priceless

After completing his sports management studies in Cologne, Ralf Iwan worked for many years in Great Britain, Arabia, South Africa, Brazil, and Singapore as a trainer, lecturer, and coach. A trip took him and his wife to Görlitz in 2020. They fell in love with the city and two years later moved into a house in Tauchritz on Lake Berzdorf. "We were surprised ourselves that we found our perfect new home here so quickly," he says. Ralf Iwan quickly became an enthusiastic ambassador for the region. As a lecturer at international universities, he regularly invites his students from India, China, Abu Dhabi, and many other countries to seminars. "For someone coming from a megacity like Delhi or Beijing, this is paradise," he explains with a smile. "Like me, they appreciate the peace and quiet, the nature, the quick connections to Dresden, Berlin, and Wrocław, the international location in the border region of three countries, and the countless outdoor sports opportunities."

Weinhold Family | Returnees

Back there

“We are so happy to be back. We've found so many things here that are truly priceless to us,” says Stine Weinhold. She and her husband lived in the Stuttgart metropolitan area for many years. With the birth of their daughter in 2017, their desire to spend more time with their family grew. In 2021, they returned to their old hometown. The Weinhold family hasn't regretted this move for a single day. Here, they now enjoy an immeasurably higher quality of life and the proximity to their family. They have been able to rekindle old friendships, and financially, they are no worse off than before. Although their net income is about 800 euros lower here, the lower cost of living completely compensates for this. “Besides, we're not only saving money, but also time thanks to the short distances.” For example, not only is her grandparents' house just down the street, but so is the school. “Maybe I'll soon be able to get back to my old hobby, horseback riding,” Stine adds happily.

The picture shows a family out for a walk. A man is carrying a little girl on his shoulders. The child is smiling happily, wearing a hat and a thick jacket, and holding a cuddly toy. The man is wearing a green jacket, glasses, and a hat. Walking beside them is a woman holding his hand. She is wearing a dark blue jacket and a scarf, and has short, dark hair with purple streaks. In the background, there is an autumnal scene with bare trees, parked cars, and houses. The picture conveys a cozy, familial atmosphere.

Weinhold Family | Returnees

Back there

“We are so happy to be back. We've found so many things here that are truly priceless to us,” says Stine Weinhold. She and her husband lived in the Stuttgart metropolitan area for many years. With the birth of their daughter in 2017, their desire to spend more time with their family grew. In 2021, they returned to their old hometown. The Weinhold family hasn't regretted this move for a single day. Here, they now enjoy an immeasurably higher quality of life and the proximity to their family. They have been able to rekindle old friendships, and financially, they are no worse off than before. Although their net income is about 800 euros lower here, the lower cost of living completely compensates for this. “Besides, we're not only saving money, but also time thanks to the short distances.” For example, not only is her grandparents' house just down the street, but so is the school. “Maybe I'll soon be able to get back to my old hobby, horseback riding,” Stine adds happily.

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