The 6 Best Places To Live In Belgium | 2022

Are you curious about what the very best destinations to reside in Belgium are?

Each and every European state has a exclusive appeal and character, and Belgium is no exception. While it has develop into a popular vacationer spot for its mouth watering chocolate, mouthwatering waffles, and leading-excellent beer, Belgium is also an expat hotspot. 

The loaded heritage, gorgeous architecture, very low criminal offense fees, and large percentage of English speakers are just a few explanations why expats, distant workers, and digital nomads uncover Belgium so appealing. But in which in this small European state need to you set up a foundation?

In this article are the six ideal locations to dwell in Belgium for expats. They all boast a significant top quality of lifestyle and an worldwide experience, but each town has its have execs and negatives.  

Brussels

Belgium’s money metropolis is the most famed portion of this compact European nation. Brussels is not only the economic hub of Belgium it is also house to the European Commission, European Parliament, and several other crucial organizations.

As a final result, Brussels is one particular of the greatest places to are living in Belgium for expats searching for a higher-degree task.

About 2.5 million individuals dwell in the 19 municipalities that make up Brussels, and somewhere around 70% of the people are of foreign origin.

The important worldwide existence, large-excellent hospitals, and global faculties make Brussels each welcoming and at ease for foreigners. What’s more, most people today talk English here. 

All of the 19 municipalities in Brussels have a distinct come to feel, some bustling and other folks peaceful. The upmarket districts of Ixelles and Uccle are top-rated amid expats, whereas Anderlecht gives much more cost-effective selections.

Though rental selling prices fluctuate among neighborhoods, the average monthly rent on a a person-bedroom condominium in Brussels is in between $800 and $1000.

Brussels also has the lowest criminal offense price among all the Belgian areas, but it does have the worst congestion, despite the fact that the outer suburbs are generally unaffected. 

Antwerp

The port city of Antwerp is considerably less than an hour’s travel from Brussels but is a drastically less expensive position to are living.

Mainly because of this, many folks choose to stay right here and commute to the capital, resulting in a escalating expat community in Antwerp. In particular, there are quite a few British and American households residing right here.

While Brussels is the political and financial centre, Antwerp is a artistic hub and the country’s trendiest city. Thus, Antwerp is just one of the ideal towns to live in Belgium for anyone doing work in the imaginative industries these types of as fashion and style. 

There are also a lot of jobs for expats at the port and the college. Furthermore, there are also unskilled employment in the flourishing hospitality and retail marketplace.

Antwerp has all the features and facilities you will have to have, which include intercontinental schools, loads of outlets, and English-speaking societies. 

Quite a few components of Antwerp have a bohemian come to feel, these kinds of as Berchem, Het Eilandje, and Sint-Andries. It is also an immaculate town with great general public transportation.

Lots of of the city’s people choose to bike all over, while, as the streets in the metropolis center can get incredibly congested.

The normal monthly hire of a one-bedroom apartment in Antwerp is $650 to $800. For families, a 3-bed room dwelling will expense amongst $1000 and $1300.

Ghent

An additional of the most effective sites to dwell in Belgium is Ghent, less than an hour’s generate from the funds. The cosmopolitan city is positioned at the assembly point of two rivers, and substantially of the town centre operates alongside a canal.

The riverside area, lovely architecture, and winding cobbled streets end result in splendid metropolis landscapes. 

Ghent is a lively college city, so it is a common choice for young expats and electronic nomads. Most foreign task opportunities are at the college in the education and learning and science sectors. 

Ghent is a really pedestrian-helpful metropolis and a pleasant place to get around by way of bicycle. Muinparkwijk and Coupure are two beautiful however reasonably priced districts common with expats.

Family members appreciate residing in the peaceful neighborhood of Visserij, wherever you are going to locate numerous wonderful riverside residences and a diverse variety of houses.

On normal, renting a 1-bed room apartment in Ghent will cost €700 to €850. Alternatively, a 3-bed room household can value up to €1400. 

Bruges

The UNESCO Globe Heritage town of Bruges, located in the northwest, is one of the most aesthetically satisfying towns in Brussels and is popularly known as “northern Venice.”

Famed for its cobblestone streets, medieval canals, and ancient architecture, you don’t require to be a history lover to be wowed by the city’s elegance.

Nonetheless, despite the aged appear of Brugues, there is a lively ambiance and a great deal of modern day features.

The vast range of museums, town squares, restaurants, cafés, and chocolate shops will prevent you from having bored. As well as, many functions and festivals just take area all yr spherical. 

There are not as quite a few career prospects in Bruges when compared with the previous metropolitan areas on this list. Even so, that does not imply there is no international community.

On the opposite, in recent decades, Bruges has develop into a well-liked hang-out place among remote employees and electronic nomads thanks to its speedy net speeds and enjoyable weather.

Bruges also has realistic residing prices, with the typical rent on a just one-bed room apartment staying €600 to €750. 

Liege

Despite the fact that it is largely not known to men and women exterior of Belgium, Liege is a person of the country’s biggest towns and economic hubs. The bustling city is positioned along the Meuse River in the east.

It is generally regarded for its various nightlife and college tradition, earning it an additional of the greatest Belgium metropolitan areas for digital nomads and youthful expats. Since of its prime-quality education establishments, Liege has a sizable international group.

Hence, even although it is in the French-speaking sector, many persons right here talk English. The locals are also really welcoming and pleasant to foreigners. 

The metropolis middle offers winding medieval streets that are effortless to get missing in. If you wander around at your peril, you are going to unquestionably appear across several exclusive and quirky suppliers, too.

Nonetheless, 1 downside of this city is its tightly packed streets, supplying it a crowded really feel. That currently being reported, some outer suburbs like Cointe and Embourg are quieter, greener, and a lot more suited to households.

However, accommodation can be tricky to uncover all above Liege, particularly in the outer districts. Mainly because of its popularity, housing costs are promptly climbing, creating it a single of the most expensive cities in Belgium. 

Leuven

Leuven is another of the ideal metropolitan areas in Belgium for youthful expats. Located just a 30-moment generate from the capital, Leuven is a energetic position with lots of festivals, concerts, and sporting events.

Leuven has the most social vibe out of all the ideal Belgium towns, so it is a superb choice for everyone who wishes to meet, occasion, and love some of the country’s best cultural offerings. 

Leuven is property to the world’s major brewery chain, AB InBev. More than the several years, Leuven has become the beer money of Belgium, with now about 30 breweries, massive and modest.

As a result, you will uncover a lot of prime-excellent breweries and energetic pubs to taste the town’s creations, and you will hardly ever wrestle to discover anyone to accompany you. 

Aside from the university and world breweries, there is not a high choice of other careers for expats. But as the city is so close to Brussels, commuting to the money is not a trouble.

Also, housing fees are slightly lessen below than in the capital, and there are several exceptional city housing innovations, also. 

Closing Views On Most effective Destinations To Are living In Belgium

It may be a small place, but as you can see, a handful of towns and cities are best for expats residing and performing in Belgium. These spots have an idyllic mix of modern and old, ensuing in photo-great landscapes and a snug, fun-stuffed life style.

Not absolutely sure if Belgium is the appropriate position for you? Browse just one of the following guides: