We know what we want – not only in terms of prices

Mülheim an der Ruhr, the home base of ALDI SOUTH: attractive living space, excellent road network, and an inner city with one of Germany’s oldest pedestrian areas – since 2003, a lot has been happening in Mülheim thanks to the “Ruhrbania” project. The result: the river promenade, the museum mile, and a lively range of cultural activities which, besides the long-established open-air stage, offer a year-round programme. Nature-lovers can also find an oasis of peace and tranquility near the city: the “Ruhraue” river meadows and MüGa public park and gardens invite you to sit down and relax or power it out on a bike ride, a jog or a stroll around the vicinity.

The city with a population of 580,000 is very active in environmental matters and has therefore managed to transform itself from a heavy industry coal-mining town into the pulsating green heart of the region of Northrhine Westphalia in just a few years. This role model performance impressed the “Green Capital Jury”, which comprises various EU institutions, so much so that Essen won the title of “Europe’s Green Capital” in 2017. On top of this there is also the “Zeche Zollverein” UNESCO world heritage site and the title of “Cultural Capital of Europe 2010” – definitely loads of good reasons to consider Essen as a place to live. Especially for families there is a lot on offer: the Gruga park and Lake Baldeney are perfect destinations for a daytrip.

Duisburg is traditionally a harbour side city for trade and industry: but it has also transformed in recent years. Besides the industrial areas and the largest inland harbour in Europe, the number of local recreational areas, sports events and cultural attractions is constantly on the rise. In particular, festivals like the “Traumzeit” (Dreamtime) festival characterise the city’s cultural landscape. But also Landschaftspark Duisburg-Nord, the former coal and steel production plant turned public recreational facility, is now a stage for various different cultural events, such as the summer open-air cinema and the “Ruhrtriennale” annual music and arts festival. Duisburg is also located on an important hub of the dense transregional network of motorways, railway lines, and waterways which service the Rhine-Ruhr area.

Dusseldorf belongs to those German cities that time and time again win the title of most liveable metropolitan area: window-shopping along the Königsallee (King’s Avenue), strolling through the laneways of the old town centre, and at the same time benefiting from excellent international connections via road, rail and air. Whether Amsterdam, Paris or Brussels – it’s all just a hop, skip and a jump away. Dusseldorf airport is the third-largest airport in Germany and the most important international travel hub within the region of Northrhine Westphalia. The city is clearly the most important metropolitan area within the Rhine-Ruhr area and is located just 30km from Mülheim.

Particularly well-known in the earlier days for its coal and steel industry, today Dortmund is a hub for the logistics, insurance and retail sectors. Above all though, beyond the German borders it is also famous for its football team and fan culture. In addition, Dortmund offers a solid infrastructure: seven universities and modern media agencies are located in the city, the half of which is also covered in greenery. The inner city is also home to countless appealing cultural establishments as well as the popular event and sports venue, the Westfalenhalle. The Westenhellweg is one of the most highly-frequented shopping precincts in Germany and is also found in the heart of Dortmund’s inner city.

The Dom cathedral, Cologne Carnival, and Kölsch-style beer: with more than one million residents, Cologne is the most populated city in the region of North Rhine Westphalia. The Rheinauhafen is the best example of how even the smallest area can also become a pleasant living space. Culturally speaking, Cologne has a lot to offer even in the carnival off-season: Germany’s leading media city provides an active nightlife with countless Kölsch bars, a classical programme by the Philharmonic Orchestra, concerts and sporting events in the LanXess Arena, as well as a wide selection of museums.