Now that we’ve gotten past the FAQ on moving to Germany, we better just dive right into the juicy bits and pieces of moving to Hohenfels. While needing to know about passports, what appliances to bring and what clothes you should pack are all necessary, I know that you are aching to figure out the fine print and details to your actual new duty station. So here are a few USAG Hohenfels Resources as well as FAQs to help you out before and during your PCS to Hohenfels.
Housing
I know, I know, you want to get all your ducks in a row. The first thing you want to know is “Where will we be living!?” or “I am (insert rank), what kind of housing can I expect??” Not only is this an exciting part of moving, it can actually be completely logistical. You want to start looking at housing areas online, figuring out floor plans so that you can start organizing furniture, doing your standard PCS Purge and you are just curious and ready to have that part of the move taken care of. Unfortunately, that’s not really how it works for housing in Hohenfels.
Depending on the time of year you arrive, if you are coming in high PCS season (typically the summer), you can expect as long as two months for housing to become available, which makes it frustrating that you can’t plan it out before hand. However, there are so many great housing options that it really, truly does work out in your favor to have to wait until you arrive so that you can see them all in person and get to choose what will work best for you.
No matter what rank you are, there are plenty of choices to choose from. Do not set this in stone, as pending the circumstance, what availability is, etc but you can TYPICALLY expect:
Enlisted: On-Post as well as government leased off-post options (see below for descriptions) (E-6 below= government. Above has the choice)
Upper Enlisted/ Officers: Off post government quarters as well as private rental options
To get more, official information on housing, you’ll need to check out the following Army and Hohenfels Housing Resources:
- http://www.hohenfels.army.mil/sites/directorates/housing.asp https://www.housing.army.mil/ByInstallation/Default.aspx?baseId=66
- http://www.myarmyonesource.com/default.aspx
1) On Post Housing
On Post Hotel: Most likely, when you arrive, you’ll stay on Post at the Sunrise Lodge. Reserve early for PCSing (as in, as soon as you get your official orders), especially if you have a pet.
Apartments (Ranges 2-4 bedrooms): Typically known as “Stairwell” housing. One set of apartments is located behind the PX which gives great walking access to shopping as well as the school and other nearby important buildings. The other apartments are behind the Sunrise Lodge, still on the main drag of Post, so still very walk-able to the PX, school, clinic and more. Even as apartments, these are no teeny tiny spaces. But, considering it is still apartment living, things like extra storage may be more limited than other options.
Townhouses/ Duplex Style: These 3-4 bedroom homes are quite large and spacious and are usually able to fit your typical family room setup as well as a dining set. While an oversized bedroom set may be a tight squeeze, you are safe with average sized dressers and queen sized beds. Some people don’t like living on Post, but there are plenty of pros to these living quarters! In this neighborhood on Post, you get a fenced backyard, THREE sheds for plenty of outside storage of items, a neighborhood playground AND you are within short walking distance to the commissary!
Houses: There are only a few actual houses on-post and are typically reserved for higher ranking officials
2) Off Post Housing
Due to limited on-Post housing options, many Americans find themselves off post. Most families come to really enjoy this.
Government Housing
Throughout many surrounding villages, there are small neighborhoods that have American/ Government leased housing. These homes are operated by the Army, meaning if there are any issues, you go through the housing department on Post, such as repairs. The pro to this is that you can work directly with someone who speaks English well, you don’t have to worry about German banking (your housing allowance just goes straight back to the Army), utilities are covered and you know your lease is good and valid. The cons are that the housing department isn’t exactly known for their timeliness on matters and that it can often take a long time for a spot to open up! So, you win some-you lose some!
These homes are often a duplex style homes that typically have both 110v and 220v voltages in electricity. Many of these homes are huge! Some are as big as four floors, 3 bedrooms, several bathrooms and tons of extra storage space (often as big as bedrooms themselves)- perfect for man caves or toy rooms! Depending on the specific housing neighborhood, some of these homes have fenced in yards and garages, while others will have designated parking and open yards.
Private Rentals
With private housing, you’ll find the whole gamet of houses from small apartments to ginormous, beautiful homes, all depending on your budget and personal preferences. Of course with private rentals, you will be taking care of your own rent (using your Housing and possibly even COLA (adjusted for cost of living) expenses), will have to set up a German bank account to pay rent out of, you’ll have to find your own internet providers, will pay for utilities and you will deal with your (German) landlord for issues that may arise. You can still use the Housing Office though for assistance in finding homes, if major issues arise with landlords and for drawing up leases. While this seems daunting, with the help of a friend who has done it, it’s super simple to set up accounts and live like a local, which is often rewarding and can make your experience abroad even more memorable.
Note: If you are a contractor, you are not allowed to use the Housing Department and unfortuntalely, many landlords only want to work with Americans that can go through the Housing Department. It can become a long and frustrating process. Talk to your HR department about what resources they have to assist you and quickly befriend a colleague that can also help walk you through the process.
Housing Neighborhoods off Post
You could end up in just about any of the endless quaint villages dotting the countryside surrounding Hohenfels, but here are some of the top picks of locations where Americans like to call home for their PCS.
Parsberg: This is our personal favorite, but I’m a bit biased considering we’ve lived there for almost 6 years! You’ll find several grocery stores, plenty of restaurants and a main train station all within walking distance. And considering that one of the best Doner stands can be found here, I think you know my real reason for staying in Parsberg! Approximately 15 minutes from post. Government leased and private rentals both available.
Our “hometown” in Germany: Beautiful Parsberg!
Lupberg: Right next to Parsberg (2 minute drive), this tiny little town is perfect for feeling like you are in the country but close enough to Parsberg for every day amenities and transportation. Both Private and Government leased homes and duplexes are offered; all extremely large and perfect for families.
View on top of the Lupberg castle ruins
Beratzhausen: While not AS many amenities as Parsberg, you’ll still find plenty in Beratzhausen such a grocery store, several places to eat and another train station (albeit, up a decent hill to “hike” up to). Approximately 15 minutes from Post and government leased as well as private rentals both available.
Grossbissendorf: You’ll most likely just find government townhomes here and you’ll either love it or you’ll hate it. Just outside the Hohenfels gate, it is perfect for those wanting to ride their bikes to or just simply be so close to work. Granted, with so many Americans so close, you are bound to get the “small town” mentality here. This is fantastic for those wanting a strong support system and are a bit nervous about diving right into a Germany-immersed life but, not so wonderful for those not good at not airing out their dirty laundry. Approximately 3 minutes from Post
Hohenfels Village: A variety of homes are found in the actual German town (off-Post) of Hohenfels from government to private rentals. Most people that live in Hohenfels appreciate the close commute (approximately 3-5 minutes) to Post. If you’d rather use the Commissary and other US amenities but want to be in a German community, Hohenfels is a good option!
Schmidmulen: This German town is right outside the “Schmidmulen Gate” of Post, but you have to drive through “The Box” or, the training area, to the main post, so plan on at least 10-15 minutes to get to main post. While not too much is in Schmidmulen, you’ll find a few Gasthaus, a grocery store and a beautiful, quaint, colorful German town.
Hohenburg: About 15-20 minutes to post, there are several government neighborhoods throughout Hohenburg. Just like in Grossbissendorf, this is a wonderful community for people who want the support of American neighbors but not ideal for those wanting to live a little more “on their own.” Most people that live here find themselves grocery shopping in Schmidmulen or on Post and you won’t find too many places to eat. However, the size of the homes often over compensate for the lack of nearby amenities!
Other towns people enjoy private rentals in:
Kallmünz: A BEAUTIFUL village with a castle and picture perfect buildings along the river. 15 minutes from Post
Can you get any more gorgeous than Kalmunz, a village just minutes from Post?
Regensburg: Closest big city to Hohenfels and a favorite for everyone to go to, even just for the day. Has tons to do including nightlife, cafes, any kind of restaurant you could be craving, gorgeous historical buildings and is perfect for those wanting to be truly enveloped by a German town, life and culture.
Amberg: Great for families that may be working in both Grafenwoer and Hohenfels often, as it in the middle of the two Posts. A decent sized city, Amberg has a wide selection of places to eat, shop and do. Not to mention it is also beautiful (see a trend here??)
No matter where you end up living, it is like anything else with a move to Germany. Go into it with an open heart and mind and be ready to fall in love with your new location.
Hohenfels Schools
The Hohenfels Tigers are apart of the DoDEA school system and has a:
Preschool and “Sure Start”: limited to kids at risk, children who have been identified as needing extra assistance and families who qualify for Title 1
Elementary School: Services children Kindergarten through Sixth
Website: http://www.hohe-es.eu.dodea.edu/
Middle and Highschool: (combined) 7-12 grades
Website:http://www.hohe-hs.eu.dodea.edu/
Homeschool: While homeschooling is actually “illegal” for Germans, US Military personnel are allowed to homeschool. More information may be found at http://www.dodea.edu/upload/02OD002.pdf
For further information about all educational services at Hohenfels, including adult education, check this page out
If you would like to have one less thing to do when you arrive to Hohenfels, you can register at the school before arriving.
If your child will be playing any sports or will be attending any form of childcare on post, all immunizations are required to be up to date (religious exemptions are not accepted). A physical AT Hohenfels will also need to be done before starting any sports.
School Buses
Most of the housing areas are serviced with buses to and from the school. If you are going to be living in a private rental, please check with the transportation office as to the nearest bus stop.
Note: German driving laws are different from those in the US. PLEASE take the time to talk to your children about bus safety. For example, drivers are not required to stop for a school bus and traffic will not stop.
German Schooling
Some families choose to send their children to off-post, German schooling.
Pros: They get immersed in the German culture!
Cons: If they are not young and have no German language skills, this is a very difficult assimilation. Many people also say that the education systems are quite different and that some kiddos struggle to transition back to a US school when the time comes.
Kita: Kita is the perfect option for families with young children and are looking for off-post daycare options. While Germans call this “school” an American may view it more like a daycare, although it is still more structured than a typical child-care option that you would find in the US. Children up to 2 can attend Kita. While it can often be hard to get your child into the German school because they have limited spots for non-Germans, it is actually extremely affordable and the perfect alternative to a true “Day care” type setting
Kindergarten: Kindergarten is what Americans think more of “Pre-School” but kiddos as young as 3 can start going.
Grundshule: “Basic School” is the German equivalent to elementary school. Unless you intend on staying in Germany or you are a German yourself, while the idea of sending your kids to Grundhule sounds intriguing, it can be a tough transition.
Hauptschule, Realschule and Gynmasium: Interesting enough, after 4th grade, kids go to a variety of schools depending on family preferences and invidivual abilities. To read more about the different options and if you think it would be a good fit to send you child to a German school, check out some quick facts on the schooling system http://www.howtogermany.com/pages/germanschools.html
Day Care
There is limited day care available on Post. Many families actually prefer to send their kids to the German “Kita” and “Kindergarten” (see above in “schools”) if there is one in their town and if they can get accepted in because it is close to home and MUCH cheaper. However, if you choose to send your littles to the day care on post, you can find out more about that here: https://hohenfels.armymwr.com/europe/hohenfels/programs/childcare
Part Time: As of the current writing, part time day care doesn’t really exist sadly as they simply don’t have the resources for this
Drop In: If you are wanting a day care plan where you can drop the babes off for a few hours here and there to run to the gym, pop into the commissary and finish your errands, don’t hold your breath. Drop in at the CDC on Post is used more for families that have occassional doctors appointments and the such. Ask for anything even semi-regular and they’ll ask you to jump all the way up to full time.
Full Time: This is really your only main option on Post, which works out perfect for some families. Prices vary according to rank
SAC: The school age program is where kiddos needing childcare before or after school due to parent work schedules go.
Job Opportunities in Hohenfels
So you should know by now from my “Hohenfels at a First Glance” and “Hohenfels and Travel Opportunities” that whenever I can, I am going to be as positive about Hohenfels as possible because there is really only one person that should form an opinion on the place, and that is you (Oh, and the fact that I really, truly do love the place, despite some of it’s flaws). With that being said, job options for spouses is probably my biggest complaint about life at Hohenfels. So here is the deal:
Yes, there are job opportunities on Post. You may go into ACS to ask for career help (a wonderful service they offer, including resume building and more), you can look all throughout USAJobs and you may even nail an interview, but here’s what you should know about the “careers” at Hohenfels
1) Spouses are primarily seen as secondary to the soldier. AKA: You are only there because of your spouse, not to find a stellar career. Now, this isn’t entirely wrong, but it is nice to feel appreciated for your skills and services once in awhile!
2) Therefore jobs that are not the primary sponsorship often get paid diddly squat. I was in a job on Post that had the exact same position in the US (both military installations, same organizations etc) and I got paid about $8.50/hr (no benefits) where my counterpart was on a full salary with benefits. Hmmmm
3) The system knows that spouses are desperate for work…and they use that to their advantage. You may be the most qualified person in Bavaria for a job, but because they know that they have 10 other applicants willing to take the job for less, they are going to offer you less.
4) Openings aren’t common. Despite such high turn around of people moving in and out of Hohenfels, finding a job opening can be tough. They often will post a job because they have to, but may already have someone internally in mind to move into that open slot. Also, there are rules about needing to have a certain ratio of German locals hired, so it’s possible that a position that you would be highly qualified for won’t ever even open up to an American.
Now, the above is not a hard and fast rule. Some people get a sponsorship job at Hohenfels (often seen at places like the school and health clinic) and they make good money and are in qualified positions. But I’ve also seen far too many spouses come in with hopes of subbing at the school in order to get their foot into the door to a teaching position or a nurse be told that if they volunteer for so many hours a week for so many months that they could get in…only to be doing it for 2 years and no job offers.
So, my biggest piece of advice on jobs at Hohenfels is to come in with a strong determination, but realistic expectations. Spend some time trying to find if there would be a good fit for you, but don’t wear or stress yourself out. If you can afford it for the short time you are stationed here, instead spend your time volunteering at activities that don’t have drama or stress (The Red Cross, schools, different organizations like the HCSC (Hohenfels Community and Spouses Club), churches and more). Spend your time traveling instead of trying to impress a boss that isn’t even yours yet. You have all the time in the world to work when you return back the States, but you only have a few short years to fully experience Germany.
Some people don’t have the luxury of not working though, so while there are still many other opportunities, a few places that are typically always looking for workers are: Subs at the schools, Burger King/ Subway, Child Services. Again, stop into any of them, look at USAJobs and see what the ACS (Army Community Service) building can help you out with.
Getting Around Without a Car
To and From Post: There are Post shuttles that go to several of the main off-post towns. Due to OPSEC, times and locations are not posted online. In general, there are a mid-morning (9amish), Noon(ish) and evening (5pmish) stops pending exact locations. The shuttles run to various neighborhoods and then drop you off by the PX on Post. Once you know where you will be living, just ask around for the location of the stop, go to it and look at the timetables.
On Post: There are shuttles that run on Post, for example down to the mailroom, which otherwise is a decent walk from the hotel, PX and other popular spots on post. These run regularly throughout the day
Taxis: To get a taxi is downright expensive. I’ve seen people get charged as much as 50 Euro for a ride from the Parsberg train station to Post (only a 15 minute drive!)
Trains: If you want to head to nearby places like Regensburg, Nurnberg and elsewhere, the two nearest train stations are Parsberg and Beratzhausen.
Photo Courtesy: Darris Brooks
Other USAG Hohenfels Resources
EconomicalExcursionists Posts: Don’t forget to check out our other posts on your first glances into what to expect being stationed in Hohenfels as well as overall things to prepare yourself for life in Germany.
“So You Got Stationed Overseas: Why you NEED to make TRAVEL a part of your short PCS abroad”: Our official E-book for helping you transition to your new home in Germany and help you figure out how to affordably travel despite excuses, money, weather, bad schedules and more.
Official USAG Bavarian Site: http://www.bavaria.army.mil/
Official Military Newcomers Site: https://home.army.mil/bavaria/index.php/newcomers
MilitaryInstallations.dod.mil: This goldmine of a site offers basic information on anything from in processing to housing.
Facebook Pages
EconomicalExcursionists: Give us a “Like” in order to get great travel tips, inspiration and advice on Germany and Europe.
Official Garrison Facebook Page: Get updates on anything from what is going on both on and off Post as well as other current updates like weather advisories.
Official Hohenfels MWR Page: Looking to get fit, social, go on a trip and more? MWR is the place to find out what fun activities are being planning on Post.
Hohenfels Military Spouses: The admins do a beautiful job of keeping gossip, rumors and negativity away from this page. Instead, it is the perfect resource when looking for advice on local customs, not sure the best place to shop or look for something on the economy, curious about something on or off Post and is a great place to find fellow spouses.
Army Wife Travelers (Bavaria) Army Wife Travelers: Since I KNOW that travel is on your top things to do while in Europe, this page is the ultimate in getting tips, asking for advice and finding inspiration on things to do both near and far from Hohenfels.
Hohenfels for Dummies: This group posts useful information about living in the community
Buy and Sell Pages: There are a few buy and sell pages, but one of the main ones are the Kwik Klassifieds and Take My Stuff. Perfect for finding 220v and other items to get for cheap as you settle in or to get rid of before your PCS back home.
Ramstein Passenger Terminal: If you are interested in flying Space A back to the US at all, this is the page to be checking out.
Phew….I’ll let you take a moment to take all of that in!!! Still have a question about moving to Hohenfels? I’d love to help ease your mind and welcome you to the community! Drop me a line in the comments and I’ll be sure to help you figure out your way. Looking forward to having you here!
Have you lived in Hohenfels? What did I miss that could help a newcomer find his/her way and get excited about their move and PCS to beautiful Bavaria?
LeAnna Brown
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