The best municipalities to live in Brussels

Updated February 27, 2023 by pierre

Living in Brussels, which municipality to choose?

Are you going to move to Brussels but you don't know where to look for an apartment? Without help, it is not easy to know where to live in Brussels… If you have looked a little, you have understood: Although the province of Brussels is the smallest province in Belgium, it is the most densely populated. Not easy to make a choice, knowing that each has its own charm and its own personality. If you are a student, intern, retiree… the choice will be totally different. That's why in this article, we help you find the municipality of Brussels that best suits you to live.

Are you coming to Brussels soon? Are you going to live in Brussels? Here is our selection of Brussels municipalities where to live

Do not miss our article on the best websites where to find accommodation to live in Brussels

Brussels, a province with 19 municipalities

Are you arriving in Brussels or want to change neighborhood? If you don't know where to live, know that the 19 municipalities of Brussels, it's a bit like a box of chocolates. Difficult to choose… Each with its own flavor:

• la more smoothly. of Woluwe-Saint-Pierre
• la wealth from Woluwe-Saint-Lambert
• eccentricity of Saint Gilles,
• la simplicity of Ganshoren,
• the modernity of Schaerbeek,
• the cultural and mythical history of the City of Brussels,
• la tranquility from Auderghem
• excitement from Saint-Josse-ten-Noode
• la vegetables from Forest
• cosmopolitanism from Ixelles
• the famous Molenbeek, which may have a somewhat dubious reputation, but which nevertheless has some great assets, such as its famous midday market and its friendly inhabitants.
• …In short, you understood; Brussels is a cocktail of colors, cultures and personalities that make it a unique and endearing city.

This is why we are going to dwell on the advantages and disadvantages of each municipality to give you an idea of ​​where it is best to go and live according to your profile and desires. Don't waste a moment to discover Brussels real estate.

Do not hesitate to walk with Google Street View to discover the neighborhoods of Brussels

Advantages and disadvantages of the top neighborhoods to live in Brussels

Are you in a hurry? It's perfect, with the small summaries below, you will already have a good view of the municipalities where you want to live (or not)

Brussels city :

This municipality is the heart of Belgium and is considered the capital of the European Union. There we find the historic center but also the European institutions. It is famous for its historical buildings, diverse culture, museums and tourist attractions.

On the other hand, it is worth noting: Living in the center of Brussels is like playing Russian roulette every day. On the one hand, if you are a student or an intern in town for 6 months, it's ideal! You are close to all the bars, restaurants and tourist attractions of the city, not to mention the ease of public transport to reach other areas. Two metro stations from the Thalys, or from the central station to return to your country of origin for the weekend.

Be careful though, you will have to deal with the hordes of noisy tourists, the streets crowded with tourists and the sometimes exorbitant rents. At least you'll never have to get bored looking out the window!

Anderlecht

Located in the southwest of the city of Brussels, Anderlecht is world famous for its football team and its traditional Sunday market.  Anderlecht is a city with a lot to offer. In addition to its famous football club, it is well connected to public transport. However, the neighborhood may not be the safest in the province, so avoid hanging around in dark corners. A very active associative life and a real estate market which remains affordable. The inconvenients ? Heavy traffic at rush hour. At night, we would not go for a walk in any neighborhood…

Ixelles

This city is famous for its universities and residential areas. She is also known for her restaurants, proven cafes and trendy bars where you will find lots of happy hour.Looking for a neighborhood anime et diversified ? Ixelles is the place for you! Benefits include a vibrant nightlife, many restaurants, bars and shops as well as proximity to many parks et green spaces. However, the price of real estate can be high and the traffic can be quite heavy. In terms of public transport, there are good tram and bus connections to get you around. But not always a metro, it depends on which coast of ixelles you are.

Schaerbeek

This city is famous for its Art Nouveau buildings and impressive architecture. She is also known for her parks and green spaces. Schaerbeek: Are you looking for a booming district? Schaerbeek could be the place for you! Benefits include a community multicultural and dynamic, many restaurants et carried, as well as a proximity to Brussels airport. On the other hand, some neighborhoods may be less safe than others and the traffic may be quite heavy. In terms of public transport, there are good connections with metro lines 2 and 6, trams and buses. You like to see there cherry blossoms

Etterbeek

This town is located at east of Brussels and is famous for its international schools, Its residential neighborhoods et its green spaces. She attracts lots of expats. Are you a student or a young professional ? Etterbeek might be the perfect place for you! Benefits include lively nightlife, many restaurants and bars and proximity to the Free University of Brussels. On the other hand, real estate prices are quite high and traffic can be chaotic during peak hours. In terms of public transport, there are good tram and bus connections. Not always a metro… It depends where you are located.

Saint-Gilles

This city is famous for its buildings Art Nouveau and his bohemian atmosphere. It is also known for its bars, cafes and restaurants. This city is known for its bohemian character and artistic vibe. Benefits include vibrant nightlife, tight-knit community, and proximity to many parks and green spaces. On the other hand, some neighborhoods can be noisy and the streets can be narrow and difficult to navigate by car. In terms of public transport, there are good connections with metro lines 2 and 3, trams and buses.

Saint-Josse-ten-Noode

This city is located north of Brussels and is famous for its historic buildings, markets. Living in Saint-Josse-ten-Noode can have advantages and disadvantages…. On the one hand, the town offers a great cultural diversity and easy accessibility thanks to its many public transport. Also, you will be close to the center. On the financial side, it may be advantageous for you… Rents are also relatively affordable. compared to other districts of Brussels. However, the neighborhood can be noisy and sometimes dirty. The sidewalks are often crowded, which can make pedestrian traffic difficult. It is also necessary to pay attention to minor offenses and the presence of certain traffic in certain streets. But overall, Saint-Josse-ten-Noode offers a dynamic, lively and cosmopolitan neighborhood life, which can be appreciated by lovers of an urban atmosphere.

Ukkel

This city is located south of Brussels and is famous for its high-end and rather expensive residential areas, its parks and green spaces. If you are looking for a neighborhood chic and residential, Uccle is the place to be. The houses there are large and the streets are lined with trees. The advantages of living in Uccle are the quality of life, proximity to schools and parks. The downside is that the nightlife is limited and public transport is not very convenient, you often have to take a bus to reach the metro station.

Watermael-Boitsfort

This city is famous for its green spaces, lakes and outdoor activities. She is also known for her restaurants and cafes. A quiet, residential town with many spacious houses. If you are looking for a quiet neighborhood andt green, it is the ideal place to settle down. However, the nightlife is quite limited and public transport is not very convenient, you often have to take a bus to reach the metro station. If you like running in the forest, this could be your favorite!

Auderghem

This town is perfect for families looking to settle down in a place calm et verdant. The advantages of Auderghem include abundant parks and green spaces, a close-knit community and proximity to the Soignes forest. You will probably love the little piece of green boardwalk. On the other hand, there is not much night life in this city, which can be a disadvantage for young people and students. In terms of public transport, there are good connections with metro line 5 and buses. Also, you will be close to R0 if you work outside Brussels.

Sint-Agatha-Berchem

Nicknamed "The Green Commune", Berchem-Sainte-Agathe is known for its many green spaces and parks such as King Baudouin Park. You have understood it, Berchem is a quiet and pleasant town to live in which is perfect for families. The tpublic transport is good, but the options of nightlife is limited. If you're looking for excitement, you may need to look elsewhere… The advantages of living there are the proximity to parks, the peace and quiet of neighborhood life. However, the public transport network is less developed than in other municipalities, which can be a problem for travel.

Evere

Evere is a multi-cultural city that suits anyone looking for an international vibe. Public transport is good and rents are relatively affordable. However, if you're looking for vibrant nightlife, you may need to look elsewhere.

The advantages of living in Evere:

• A frame of peaceful life and pleasant, with many green spaces and parks for nature lovers
• Personalized rental income often more affordable
• A calm and residential atmosphere

The disadvantages of living in Evere:

• Un lack de night life et animation, with fewer entertainment options
• A purchase more remote centers of activity, shops and public transport, which can make travel more complicated
• May be less suitable for townsfolk who seek a longer life lively and dynamic.

All in all, Evere is an interesting choice of life for those looking for a quiet and green living environment, but it may not be suitable for those looking for a more lively and dynamic life in the city.

Forest

Forest is a city ideal for music and festival lovers. With the mythical concert hall of Forest National, there is always something to see. However, the rents can be high and the city can be a bit noisy. Heavy traffic at rush hour.

The advantages of living in Forest:

• A peaceful atmosphere et residential with many green spaces, parks and gardens to enjoy nature in the city
• A big cultural diversity, with many shops, restaurants and boutiques
• Good accessibility to Transportation en common and proximity with the downtown from Brussels

The disadvantages of living in Forest:

• Personalized rental income often more high than in certain other municipalities of Brussels
• Some neighborhoods Peuvent être noisy, especially along major highways
• The presence of certain trafficking and minor offenses in some neighborhoods

Ganshoren

Ganshoren is a quiet residential town that perfect for families. Public transport is good, but there can be a lack of nightlife options. Located to the west of Brussels, Ganshoren is a small residential community which offers a peaceful living environment. With parks and green spaces such as the communal park of Ganshoren, the municipality is very pleasant for families and retirees. The advantages of living there are the tranquility, the proximity of many parks and green spaces as well as the quality of life. However, the public transport network is not very developed, which can cause problems for travel.

The advantages of living in Ganshoren:

• An ambiance peaceful et residential with many green spaces, parks and gardens to enjoy nature in the city
• Personalized rental income often affordable
• Good accessibility to public transport, in particular the tram network

The disadvantages of living in Ganshoren:

• A lack of animation and entertainment options, with fewer shops and restaurants than in some other Brussels municipalities
• Some distance from Brussels city center, which can make trips a bit longer
• The presence of certain traffic and petty crimes can be a problem in certain neighborhoods

Jette

Jette is a quiet town with good access to public transport. It is well suited to families and retirees. However, nightlife options are limited. Affordable homes and a pleasant neighborhood life. The inconvenients ? Heavy traffic at rush hour.

Advantages of living in Jette:

• Jette is a municipality multicultural with a wide variety of restaurants and shops.
• She has many green spaces, including the Parc de la Jeunesse, which offers a playground, a football pitch and a pond.
• Le Brive market de Jette is a bustling place where locals can buy fresh, local produce.
• Jette is well served by transport, with several tram and bus lines that connect the municipality to the city center of Brussels.

Disadvantages of living in Jette:

• La circulation can be dense and noisy in some parts of the town, especially on Avenue de Jette.
• The housing can be relatively expensive in some parts of the town, especially near the Place du Miroir.
• Some parts of the municipality may lack charm and character.
• Although the town has many green spaces, according to some, they sometimes seem less well maintained than in other municipalities of Brussels.

Woluwe-Saint-Lambert

Located in the east of Brussels, Woluwe-Saint-Lambert is a peaceful and green residential community, with many parks and gardens. It is ideal for families looking for a calm and secure environment. The town also has many shops and good schools.

Advantage:

• Woluwe-Saint-Lambert is a municipality residential peaceful with many green spaces, including the Parc de la Woluwe, which offers a playground and cycle paths. Ideal for running in Brussels.
• She has many shops, restaurants et cafes, particularly along rue Saint-Lambert and Avenue Georges-Henri.
• Woluwe-Saint-Lambert is well served by public transport, with several bus lines connecting the municipality to Brussels city center and Brussels airport.
• The town is home to several renowned schools, including the Collège Saint-Michel and the European School of Brussels II.

Disadvantages:

• Accommodation in Woluwe-Saint-Lambert can be relatively expensive compared to other municipalities in Brussels.
• Certain neighborhoods in the municipality may lacking life and animationn, especially outside office hours.
• Cars can often move quickly in certain streets of the town…
• The neighborhood is mainly residential and lack of nightlife, if you are a student

Woluwe-Saint-Pierre

Here is a list of the advantages and disadvantages of living in Woluwé-Saint-Pierre :

Advantage:

• Woluwe-Saint-Pierre is a residential municipality peaceful with many green spaces, including Parc de Woluwé and Parc de la Woluwe, which offer playgrounds, cycle roads and hiking trails.
• It has many shops, restaurants and cafes, especially along rue Vanderkindere and avenue de Tervueren.
• Woluwe-Saint-Pierre is well served by public transport, with several bus and tram lines connecting the municipality to Brussels city center and Brussels airport.
• The town is home to several renowned schools, including the International School Montgomery and the School Sainte-Alix.

Disadvantages:

• Housing in Woluwé-Saint-Pierre can be relatively expensive compared to other municipalities in Brussels.
• Certain neighborhoods in the municipality may lacking life and animation, especially outside office hours.
• Traffic can be heavy during rush hour on some main roads, such as Avenue de Tervueren.
• Nightlife is limited and it can be difficult to find bars or restaurants open late at night.

Koekelberg

Koekelberg is a small residential community located west of Brussels. It is mainly composed of houses and small buildings. The town is very well served by public transport, which allows easy travel through the city. The advantages of living there are the tranquility, the quality of life and the proximity of many shops and restaurants. However, the neighborhood lacks green spaces, which can be a drawback for families.

Advantage:

• Koekelberg is a booming municipality with numerous urban development projects, in particular the redevelopment of the former industrial site of the Bellevue brewery into a residential area.
• The town has many shops, restaurants and cafes, especially around Place Simonet and Rue de la Réforme.
• East Koekelberg well served by public transport, with several tram, bus and metro lines that connect the municipality to Brussels city center and Brussels airport.
• The town is home to several tourist sites, such as the Koekelberg basilica, which offers a breathtaking view of Brussels.

Disadvantages:

• Some areas of the town can be noisy due to traffic, especially around the Brussels ring road.
• The neighborhood can lack of green spaces, although the nearby Elisabeth Park offers a green setting for strolling or jogging.
• The municipality can be poorly served by public transport at night, which can make it difficult to return home after a late night.

Conclusion

Choosing is not easy and mainly depends on your situation. In summary if you are:

• Ready to pay a lot for a house, don't look for the nightlife: go to Uccle
• Limited in terms of budget and looking for a friendly neighborhood: go to Anderlecht
• In search of a nightlife, and the noise does not bother you: go to the center
• Students or young expats, you will probably like Ixelles or Etterbeek
• Young family looking for green space: Auderghem