If you're moving to Belgium, you'll need to look for housing months before your arrival, especially if your destination is the capital. Ironically, the best neighbourhoods of Brussels are outside of the actual city borders! That’s because the Brussels-Capital Region that you see on the map is made up of 19 different municipalities also known as communes or gemeentes. And only one of them is the City of Brussels itself.

Most of Brussels City is chaotic and packed with tourists throughout the year. And while we definitely advise you to explore every corner of it, we don’t recommend living in the centre of Brussels. Instead, we’ll introduce you to the 8 different communes of the Brussels-Capital Region. Each of them has something unique up its sleeve!

Where to live in Brussels:

1. Schaerbeek
2. Ixelles
3. Saint-Gilles
4. Etterbeek
5. Woluwe-Saint-Pierre
6. Woluwé-St-Lambert
7. Watermael-Boitsfort
8. Uccle

Best neighbourhoods to live in Brussels

As a student or someone just beginning their career in Brussels, you might want to choose a neighbourhood that’s closer to the centre, with good public transportation connections and cool places to go to. But most importantly, the one where you can afford to live. The best Brussels neighbourhoods for you’d be Schaerbeek, Saint-Gilles or the university area of Ixelles.

Are you looking for a balance between quiet living and being close to action? Or maybe you’re planning to start a young family but not ready to live the suburban lifestyle just yet? If your budget allows you, you can look into the more upscale neighbourhoods in Ixelles and Etterbeek.

But if you’re looking for a village-like suburban environment to raise your kids or retire, Woluwe-Saint-Lambert, Woluwe-Saint-Pierre, Watermael-Boitsfort and Uccle will offer you the most safety and tranquil. These municipalities are also praised for their town halls with English-speaking personnel which is helpful and efficient when it comes to things like arranging a residence permit.

Now, let’s take a closer look at each of the best neighbourhoods in Brussels!

Schaerbeek

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For anyone seeking cultural diversity, affordable housing and a family-like communal feel.

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Quality of life

Schaerbeek is a cultural melting pot in the northeast of Brussels. Wide, open streets and green spaces characterise this residential neighbourhood.

Chaussee de Haecht is where you find the best halal butchers, little Turkish shops and Moroccan bakeries at very affordable prices.

Fancy a more hip and trendy feel? Head to the Plasky neighbourhood and get a cocktail at Chez Felix or a craft beer at Le Python. As you walk towards the heart and lungs of Schaerbeek, Parc Josaphat, you should check out Cafe 1030 — one of the best places for coffee in the neighbourhood.

Ponds, greenhouses, sculptures and playgrounds are scattered around Parc Josaphat. It’s a great place for reading a book alone or spending time with your family or friends.

And to the west of it, you’ll find the cultural centre Les Halles, hosting heritage exhibitions and monthly Neighbours’ Day parties open to the public.

And it's all pretty close to the centre - you’ll be in the heart of Brussels within 15 minutes by bike. The metro coverage isn’t great and buses tend to be overly full in this part of town.

Internationality

Foreigners make up a total of 36.9% of the residents in Schaerbeek. There’re over 140 different nationalities, with especially vast Turkish and Moroccan communities.

Thanks to the commune’s kaleidoscopic culture, family-like feel and stunning Art Deco and Art Nouveau architecture, it's one of the best neighbourhoods to live in Brussels and a favourite of many internationals.

Safety

Schaerbeek used to be associated with drug dealers and sketchy alleys. Right now most of the neighbourhood is very safe and family-friendly. Especially, the gentrified area around Parc Josaphat, including the Pesky neighbourhood is a lovely place to live in.

However, as you go down towards Saint Josse and the North Station, things might feel a bit unsafe due to the number of homeless people and unpleasant smells. Unfortunately, that’s the case with many train stations in Brussels. You don’t need to worry about your safety but do watch out for pickpockets.

Rental prices

Here’s what you can expect from the average rental prices in Schaerbeek:

• Private room: €450
• Studio: €550 – €650
• 2-bedroom apartment: €900 – €1,100

Ixelles

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Both students and younger expats will find their home in the upscale Ixelles. However, be prepared to pay slightly more than in other neighbourhoods.

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Quality of life

One of the most sought-after and expensive neighbourhoods in Brussels, Ixelles offers a variety of areas for any lifestyle. You’ll find everything you need within its borders without having to go to the overcrowded central areas.

For more upmarket and luxury living, look into the Châtelain and the Flagey areas, famous for their cosmopolitan vibe with buzzing cafes, chic shopping street Avenue Louise, and high-end houses around the ponds. Any day of the week, you can go to the local market for some fresh fruit and vegetables, flowers or clothes.

Students flock to the area surrounding the VUB (Vrije Universiteit Brussel) and the ULB (Université Libre de Bruxelles) with its huge urban park Bois de la Cambre.

Want to live closer to downtown? Bordering the upscale Sablon, Matongé is one of the trendiest quarters that merges African cultures and Belgian bohème. It’s where you’ll find endless bars, boutiques and restaurants while staying well-connected by public transport.

Internationality

Many expat families and international students populate Ixelles thanks to its central location, vibrant cultural landscape, greenery and proximity to the European Quarter and universities. Half of the neighbourhood’s population is non-Belgian!

Safety

Ixelles is one of the safest areas in Brussels; you can’t go wrong anywhere there.

Rental prices

Here’s what you can expect from the average rental prices in Ixelles:

• Private room: €550 – €800
• Studio: €670 – €750
• 2-bedroom apartment: €1,300 – €1,500

Saint-Gilles

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For younger internationals seeking an alternative vibe and cheap rentals in an up-and-coming neighbourhood.

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Quality of life

The hilly neighbourhood of Saint-Gilles is as diverse as it gets, with each street bringing its unique character. The area is loved for its central location, good public transport connection, alternative vibe and limitless entertainment options. And, compared to the nearby upper-class Ixelles, Saint-Gilles is way more affordable and down-to-earth.

In fact, Saint-Gilles is still one of the poorer neighbourhoods of Brussels, though it's been vigorously gentrified in the past years. It’s a hotspot for nightlife, with many quirky cafes, galleries, cinemas and theatres to choose from. Some of the best ones are found around Parvis, including Café Maison du Peuple, where you can listen to a DJ set while sipping a cocktail on a terrace.

©Carnets de Normann

Internationality

Saint-Gilles is one of the most ethnically- and socially diverse neighbourhoods in Brussels. Foreign nationals make up 48% of the neighbourhood’s population.

Safety

Even with the undergoing gentrification, Saint-Gilles is a relatively poor neighbourhood. If you’re not used to living in such a place, you might feel unsafe around Brussels Midi and Place Bethleem at night. But truth be told, there is no real danger there. You might however encounter some pickpocketing or unpleasant catcalling as a woman.

Rental prices

Here’s what you can expect from the average rental prices in Saint-Gilles:

• Private room: €650
• Studio: €580 – €700
• 2-bedroom apartment: €1,100 – €1,300

Etterbeek

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One of the best inner-city suburbs for raising a family.

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Quality of life

Etterbeek is a quiet residential neighbourhood of Brussels bordering the city centre, Ixelles, Schaerbeek, Auderghem, Woluwe-Saint-Lambert and Woluwe-Saint-Pierre communes. For many families, its appeal is in its relatively central location away from the buzz of the downtown. Compared to the other residential areas, Etterbeek has great public transportation links, including several metro lines and a train station.

What’s more, this family-friendly neighbourhood is home to 3 excellent international schools: Brussels International Catholic School, European School of Brussels and Montgomery Bilingual School.

In your free time, you can visit the vibrant Park Cinquantenaire, where you find the Arch of Triumph, the Art & History museum, and a public running track. In summer, you can catch an array of summer events and festivals here.

For more tranquil surroundings, you can head to Leopold Park – an oasis right next to the European Quarter where you'll find a lovely pond and a playground. Your children will also love the Belgian Natural Science Museum located outside the park.

Internationality

Thanks to the European Quarter, expats flock here in pursuit of their careers. In fact, expats make up a whopping 49% of Etterbeek’s population!

Safety

Etterbeek is a very safe, clean and prestigious neighbourhood in Brussels.

Rental prices

Here’s what you can expect from the average rental prices in Etterbeek:

• Private room: €550 – €800
• Studio: €650 – €720
• 2-bedroom apartment: €1,200 – €1,400

Woluwe-Saint-Pierre & Woluwé-Saint-Lambert

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For families looking for a safe and green place with a suburban feel.

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Quality of life

Woluwe-St-Pierre and Woluwé-St-Lambert are upscale residential communes to the east of Etterbeek. They’re green and peaceful, with a calm atmosphere that fits perfectly for raising a family.

The Parc de Woluwe and the Mellaerts Ponds are great places to soak in nature and play with kids. And on a weekend, you can head to the nearby Sonian Forest in Watermael-Boitsfort or the leafy Tervuren Park.

Woluwe-St-Pierre and Woluwé-St-Lambert boast many great French schools, kindergartens and international schools such as The European School of Brussels, Montgomery International School Brussels and International Montessori Schools. Besides having great facilities for your children, you’ll have all the amenities you need for shopping, medical needs, sports, you name it!

Internationality

Close to 38% of the population in these municipalities are international.

Safety

There’s not much to worry about in Woluwe-Saint-Pierre and Woluwe-Saint-Lambert neighbourhoods. Woluwe-Saint-Pierre has the lowest crime rate of all communes. While Woluwe-Saint-Lambert used to have some history of violence and burglary, it has been steadily improving.

Rental prices

Here’s what you can expect from the average rental prices in Woluwe-St-Pierre and Woluwé-St-Lambert:

• Private room: €550 – €800
• Studio: €695 – €850
• 2-bedroom apartment: €1,300 – €1,500

Watermael-Boitsfort

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For families that seek a quaint village feel close to nature.

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Quality of life

Watermael-Boitsfort is a quiet and peaceful residential area stretching from the edges of the Ixelles in the north to the Flemish border in the south. More than half of the commune’s territory is covered by verdant forests and natural reserves.

Among nature, you’ll find a variety nurseries and French and international schools, including Saint-Hubert college and the International School of Brussels. And at the local community centre, La Venerie, you can enjoy different shows and workshops with your whole family.

© Retrieved from Wikimedia Commons

One of the favourite weekend activities of the Watermael-Boitsfort residents is going to the Sunday market at Place Wiener. Shop for organic vegetables and fruits, local cheese or try some street food. You’re in for a real suburban feel!

While Watermael-Boitsfort is all about suburban living, it still has enough places to go to. From Le Crabe Fantôme for a French-Thai fusion dinner to a glass of wine in Winery, you’ve some hidden gems to discover. And thanks to the conveniently located tram 8, you can get to the Brussels centre in no time! Whereas, if you feel like going to the nearby Auderghem or getting out of town for a weekend, metro line 5 and one of the 3 railway stations are your best friends!

Internationality

Watermael-Boitsfort is predominantly a local neighbourhood of Brussels. Yet still, 20% of its residents are foreign nationals!

Safety

Watermael-Boitsfort is a safe area with the third-lowest crime rate in Brussels. In 2021, it only had 1.025 crimes registered compared to 22.748 of the city of Brussels.

Rental prices

Here’s what you can expect from the average rental prices in Watermael-Boitsfort:

• Private room: €570 – €695
• Studio: €585 – €780
• 2-bedroom apartment: €1,300 – €1,500

Uccle

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For families and retirees with cars looking for a quiet living in the most prestigious neighbourhood.

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Quality of life

Uccle is one of the least populated municipalities of Brussels and easily the wealthiest one. It’s characterised by an abundance of green spaces, expensive diplomatic residences and beautiful old houses built by noble Belgian families back in the days.

Within its borders, you’ll find various foreign embassies, a luxurious David Lloyd health club and many nurseries and international schools such as Bogaerts International School and the European School of Brussels. But keep in mind that the best schools are in demand in this residential neighbourhood and tend to have long waiting lists.

With its pond and leafy surrounding, Bois de la Cambre might quickly become your favourite place for jogging in Uccle. In summer, you can bring your kids to the Parc de Wolvendael instead and catch a live concert under a bright sun.

There’s a real sense of community in Uccle, where most of the life is concentrated around a few buzzing squares: Place Saint-Job and Parvis Saint-Pierre. However, once you need to get to a different part of the city, things aren’t ideal. The residents of Uccle voted against the construction of metro lines in the neighbourhood, so the only way to travel is by car, tram or bus. With the traffic congestion that Brussels is known for, you can be stuck in traffic for hours.

Retrieved from Inside properties

Internationality

In Uccle, you’re most likely to share your street with Belgians and expats alike. 33% of Uccle’s population are foreign nationals.

Safety

Uccle is one of the safest places to live in Brussels, with only 3.338 crimes registered in 2021.

Rental prices

Here’s what you can expect from the average rental prices in Uccle:

• Private room: €550
• Studio: €585 – €780
• 2-bedroom apartment: €1,400 – €1,700

Now that you've learnt about the 8 best neighbourhoods of Brussels, where are you going to find you new home?

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