New life in Damsdorf: Ex-Potsdam residents find peace and community

New life in Damsdorf: Ex-Potsdam residents find peace and community

What is currently happening in the small community of Damsdorf, which is located in the Potsdam-Mittelmark district? Birgit (71) and Wolfgang Walther (75) have lived here for 30 years now, after moving from Potsdam to escape the hustle and bustle and noise of the city.

Looking for a quiet retreat, the two found a single-family home on a spacious 2,200 square meter plot for 250,000 German marks. This paradise is located right next to the forest and, in addition to a large garden, also offers a workshop and two garages. At the beginning, the Walthers didn't miss Potsdam because they commuted to work every day. But the shrinking infrastructure in Damsdorf concerns them: the once numerous shops, including a supermarket, a butcher and a baker, have now closed. The nearest shop today is in Lehnin, which requires a ten-minute drive.

Life in the village community

Life in Damsdorf is characterized by a close neighborhood where people support each other. The town has around 2,000 residents and offers extensive property, but the Walthers also warn about the challenges of country life. Birgit emphasizes that a large property involves a lot of work, especially in old age. Despite these concerns, the Walthers considered moving back to the city, but ultimately decided against it. Her advice to young families is clear: building flat and planning realistically to master the practical aspects of living in the country are essential.

A ray of hope for Damsdorf: In recent years, young families have moved into the community again. This is widely seen as a positive for the community, particularly as a local developer has sold around 25 properties in recent years. The new residents are mostly from the city and bring a breath of fresh air into the village community. But whether they will enjoy country life, including the work challenges such as gardening and property management, remains to be seen.

Social and historical insights

The development of the social structure in Damsdorf is not only reflected in the influx of young families. The changing times is also a topic that is discussed again and again. Interestingly, society in the rest of the world has also changed. Just think of historical milestones such as the election of Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf as President of Liberia in 2005, the first woman to lead an African country, or the election of Donald Trump as the 45th President of the United States in 2016, which triggered a wave of new discussions.

Speaking of discussions: Platforms like Instagram are also being considered in various circles. An alert user recently made suggestions on how the app's display could be improved. He criticized the rectangular grid system and asked whether users who appreciate old formats shouldn't be offered alternatives. Such innovations contribute to the versatility of digital lifestyles as people continue to seek a balance between modern technology and tradition, as is also happening in Damsdorf.