“I’m moving to Neustadt.” A sentence that caused horror in my circle of acquaintances. Didn’t I know that I was moving to a “dangerous” part of town? Although these comments unsettled me, my decision was firm. I wanted to have my own experience. My life has shown me often enough that you can only judge what you have experienced yourself. I have lived in Neustadt for a year now and I haven’t regretted my move for a single day.
Right from the start, I met very nice and helpful neighbours. I use the good transport links and shopping opportunities in the immediate vicinity almost every day and enjoy the abundant green spaces and the valuable art and buildings from GDR times. Nevertheless, I am also aware of the social challenges in Neustadt. But these exist elsewhere too and are only one facet of Neustadt.
That’s why I’m a Neustadt fan
At the same time, I also got to know many initiatives in Neustadt, supported by great people who do everything they can to make Neustadt a place worth living for all residents. People who pick up on the different wishes and needs of the residents and organise many cheerful festivals with great commitment, creating opportunities for encounters, sport, play and creative activities.
Every day I experience Neustadt as a lively, active, colourful, and open place. A lot takes place outdoors, there is always life around you – a vibrant sense of neighbourly cooperation and community. In a short time, Neustadt has become not just a place to live, but a place of life where I feel absolutely comfortable and at home.
I recently retired and have many opportunities here to stay active or get involved. But I can also just relax here and chat with other people. There is room for everything here. In one year, I met wonderful people from the most diverse cultures, which led to friendships that I would not want to miss.
The Bengali philosopher Rabindranath Tagore said: “He who plants trees, knowing that he will never sit in their shade, has at least started to understand the meaning of life.” Here there are many people who plant “trees”, carefully nurture them and watch them grow. Neustadt has so much potential and positive energy, which is why I quickly became a Neustadt fan and will certainly remain one. It is my HaNeu (Home/New) and it is Our HaNeu!
By the way: The only thing that makes me nervous and anxious is the sight of my calendar. Because it is often so full that I can’t decide where to go – a situation I can live with just fine.