Most guys with school-aged children are living in the Bonn area, south of Cologne. They have access to a couple of international schools there. A few empty nesters, and families with young children, are living closer to or in Cologne itself.

Plenty of great options for living in Cologne. If one is looking for a larger home and more room, then Bonn and suburbs out of town are best. If you have a small family and can adapt or are used to, condo living, then Cologne has many great "quarters" to choose from.

I agree with Lindy, join the fb page for a wealth of info on all subjects relating to the CGN base.