For some, deciding where to live in Brussels is a question of price and little more. But with its 19 communes varying in amenities, green space, and distinctive neighbourhood character, there are certainly some areas more enviable than others.
Numerous lists rank the Brussels communes from most expensive to cheapest, which can influence where people decide settle in the region. However, for many who are looking to make the capital their home, other considerations also come into play.
For example, people with children may want to live close to the region's best schools and be within walking distance of parks. Young professionals may be more interested in the career and income opportunities nearby or the cultural agenda, while more senior residents often take into account the health services in the neighbourhood.
What are the best Brussels communes, and why?
A recent ranking combined the major needs and desires encompassing different aspects of daily life. It drew on data from the Brussels Institute of Statistics and Analysis to compare Brussels' 19 communes. Results were graded on a scale of one to ten (1 being the least favourable and 10 the most).
Based on the criteria applied by rental accommodation platform Rentola, which published the ranking, the City of Brussels (where many of the country's most popular tourist attractions are located) came out as the top district to live in, with a final score of 7/10.
It scored particularly well (10/10) in the categories for family and life – which includes factors such as the number of families, average income and the number of pupils in kindergarten – and health, which accounts for spending on medicines and the number of medical institutions.
"It offers a high quality of life, excellent healthcare services, first-class education and a strong commitment to environmental sustainability," the report noted. However, the commune scored poorly in the crime and safety category, which takes into account general security, including crime rates and fraud.
Credit: City of Brussels
In second place was Anderlecht, located to the southwest of the city centre, with a score of 6.4/10 based on the criteria used in the report. Its greatest strength was housing – including the availability of different housing options, such as rents and home ownership – with its affordable housing options being the greatest strength. Perhaps a surprise star, it also scored well in the crime and safety category.
The leafy neighbourhood of Uccle came in third with a score of 5.8/10. It is described as an area that offers "solid employment opportunities and income" which also stands out as a safe zone with low crime levels.
Jette (5.5) and Molenbeek Saint-Jean (5.4) came in fourth and fifth place respectively, both excelling in healthcare and housing prices, offering high-quality healthcare services and affordable housing.
Schaerbeek came seventh (5.3), doing well in the family and life category, followed by Watermael-Boitsfort (5.2) with a "remarkable strength in crime and security, with an emphasis on safety."
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The top ten is completed with Auderghem (4.8), recognised for its employment opportunities, Forest (4.8), again scoring well in affordable housing options and Woluwe-Saint-Pierre (4.7), standing out in terms of employment as well as high security.
The ranking aims to highlight that there is a Brussels neighbourhood for every need. The full ranking of the top 10 best areas to live in Brussels according to the criteria mentioned above is:
- City of Brussels, with a score of 7.0
- Anderlecht (6.4)
- Uccle (5.8)
- Jette (5.5)
- Molenbeek Saint-Jean (5.4)
- Schaerbeek (5.3)
- Watermael-Boitsfort (5.2)
- Forest (4.8)
- Auderghem (4.8)
- Woluwe-Saint-Pierre (4.7)
