Jihn-Young and Nadine from Borken: From the big city back home

Nadine van Reimersdahl still remembers the trigger for the drastic move. She had to leave her flat in Düsseldorf with her husband, child and dog due to her own needs and had to start looking for a new flat in the big city from one day to the next. "And that with a small child. That was just cruel," the 38-year-old remembers. So she turned her gaze back to home, she as a native of Borken, her husband as a former Raesfeld resident. When they found what they were looking for in Borken-Gemen, they said goodbye to the big city. A new phase in their lives began.

It was similar for Jihn-Young Kim-Krott, her husband and their two children. "We simply wanted more space, to be closer to our parents again," says the 38-year-old. And so her family finally turned its back on the big city. The right decision, Jihn-Young is sure today: "I have never regretted the move." And for many reasons.

Deceleration in the countryside

"You are simply forced to slow down here." The distances are shorter, you can get almost everywhere by bike, "the children can play much more independently. Just dashing off on a bike, climbing a tree outside - "none of that was possible in Bochum."

In addition, Borken has changed, say the two childhood friends. "With so many people coming back, a lot of things are changing in the city. New restaurants are opening, the leisure facilities are changing." And thanks to its location, you can get to Holland just as quickly as to the Ruhr or Münster.

Professionally, they were also able to gain a foothold in the region. Jihn-Young looked for a job in an advertising agency, Nadine started her own business as a trainer for yoga mama and outdoor fitness. "That was immediately well received," she recalls. She currently gives fitness classes almost every day of the week, mostly outside at Lake Pröbsting, in all weathers. And because the demand has become so high, she now gets support from Jihn-Young. "A month ago I had my last day at the advertising agency," says the mother of two. Now she is joining Nadine as a fitness and children's sports trainer. She already has her first trainer's licence in her pocket.

The two women would like to see some things from the big city in Borken - such as better bus and train connections, more diversity. But for both of them, these are rather minor downers, as they say. They like Münsterland, "it's relaxed and greenhere," says Nadine, "beautiful and tidy," adds Jihn-Young. "At first glance, the Münsterlanders are very stubborn. But once they've taken you to their hearts, they'll do anything for you."

"I wonder if our children will blame us later for going back," Nadine says, looking at Jihn-Young with a laugh. Then they both shake their heads. "I remember what it was like for me back then," Jihn-Young says. "I wouldn't want to miss that carefree childhood."

Many people have come back to Münsterland and are more than happy with their decision. Read through more portraits of people who have chosen this region as their new home and tell us what appeals to them about Münsterland.