Brussels City

If living in the thick of it all is irresistible then downtown is the place for you. In recent years, previously run-down parts of the centre have become a magnet for the young professional with major renovations and industrial spaces coming up for rent or sale. Much sought after areas are St Géry, Ste Catherine and the rue Antoine Dansaert area leading up to the canal, where old warehouses have been converted into popular loft apartments.

The traditionally cheaper, working-class Marolles is becoming increasingly popular with a young urban set. The Sablon and Louise are fabulously upmarket but that is naturally reflected in price. What you get in return is a raft of art galleries, antique shops and stylish cafes. Up and coming are the streets around the main boulevard leading down to Gare du Midi, with many old properties ripe for development and still at attractive prices.

Etterbeek

Best known for the area at the top end of the Parc du Cinquantenaire, Etterbeek is filled with attractive streets of early 20th century town houses. Home to many European institutions it has fantastic public transport facilities. Its relatively cheap housing prices, with good availability of houses and apartments, mostly in conversions, make it particularly attractive. There are two international schools here, as well as cultural venues at l’Espace Senghor, Théâtre St-Michel, Théâtre Yvan Baudouin-Lesly Bunton and l'Espace Entrée Libre.

Ixelles/Elsene

Wildly popular with the expatriate community, Ixelles is a massive commune with character and style. It falls into distinct areas: trendy Châtelain with its café culture, the leafy ponds and abbey area leading down to the Bois de la Cambre; buzzy Chaussée d'Ixelles which takes in the Matongé, the African quarter, and the cemetery with its late-night bars and student population. Through it all runs Avenue Louise, which is technically a part of the Brussels City district, with its upmarket shops and restaurants. The housing stock tends to be large townhouses and desirable apartment conversions, but you'll certainly pay for them. If you're looking for green space there is the huge Bois de la Cambre to the south.

St-Gilles/Sint-Gillis

St Gilles is a favourite among those expats who like to live as locals. From the top end, with its grand Art Nouveau houses, down to the earthy Gare du Midi, St Gilles is packed with quirky restaurants, shops and a buzzing nightlife. There is the beautiful art deco Victor Boin swimming pool and Turkish baths for when you want to relax, together with a number of theatres, cinemas and galleries that are there to explored. You are most likely to find a bargain place to live here too, especially if you buy; as it is one of Brussels' most dynamic areas with a definite future attracting both expats and locals to its enigmatic character.

Uccle/Ukkel

This is a beautiful and calm commune with huge houses and upmarket apartment blocks. Popular with expat families, it has a village feel and is well situated for shops and international schools. It is probably Brussels' most leafy commune due to its close proximity to the Forest of Soignes, and housing that is surrounded by large gardens. There is a substantial international community here and in summer you will find free jazz and classical concerts in Parc de Wolvendae.

Woluwe-Saint-Pierre / Sint-Pieters-Woluwe

This is often the choice of folk working at the European institutions, both for its proximity and its affordable housing. It is popular with expats for its large, gardened houses. It's almost self-contained with its massive park, sports centre and public amenities. It's also on the metro line 1B, giving easy public transport access.

Woluwe-Saint-Lambert/ Sint-Lambrechts-Woluwe

Saint-Pierre's next-door neighbour shares much the same attractions, including the huge Woluwe Shopping Centre. As it is a step further out from the centre it begins to get even more suburban and green and is within good striking distance of the airport and major international motorways. You will find varied shopping and plenty to do, including a swimming pool and ice-skating rink.

Brussels communes:
Anderlecht - 02 558 0800
Auderghem - 02 676 4811
Brussels City - 02 279 2211
Etterbeek - 02 627 2111
Forest - 02 370 2211
Hoeilaart - 02 658 2840
Ixelles - 02 515 6111
Kraainem - 02 719 2040
Overijse - 02 687 6040
Rhode-Saint-Genese - 02 609 8600
Rixensart - 02 634 2121
Saint Gilles - 02 536 02 11
Saint Josse - 02 220 2611
Schaerbeek - 02 244 75 11
Tervuren - 02 766 52 01
Uccle - 02 348 6511
Waterloo - 02 352 9811
Watermael-Boitsfort - 02 674 7411
Wezembeek-Oppem - 02 783 1211
Woluwe-Saint-Lambert - 02 761 2711
Woluwe-Saint-Pierre - 02 773 0511

Sources
www.brussels.wantedineurope.com

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