In my opinion ditch the Rosetta Stone idea. Get some Pimsleur CD instruction. Start with the starter set then get the more advanced ones. Follow that with a decent phrase book.

When you get to Germany do the Goethe Institute. They have schools around the world and the best certification system around. It's worth the money, especially if you are interested in German for life. As for living locations, Heidelberg is nice, Mannheim is also nice. Take some time to look around then pick what suits you best. Nice thing about Germany is that for the weekends everything is a close drive.

I enjoyed my years living there and would go back in a heartbeat. Also, German women are babes, while being intelligent and sophisticated.

Cheers,

M8