Best Neighborhoods for Retirees in Brussels

Brussels, is a charming city that blends history, culture, and vibrant communities, making it an attractive destination for expats and retirees. With its excellent healthcare, rich cultural scene, and green spaces, Brussels offers a high quality of life. Here are eight of the best neighborhoods for retirees to live in Brussels.

Sablon

Sablon is known for its charming streets, antique shops, and art galleries. Retirees can enjoy leisurely walks in the picturesque cobblestone alleys and visit the numerous museums nearby, such as the Magritte Museum. The neighborhood is also home to the Sablon Antiques Market, a popular spot for locals and tourists alike. The Place du Grand Sablon is a cozy square lined with cafes and restaurants, perfect for relaxing and people-watching.

Location: Central Brussels, near the historic city center.

Real Estate: Average rental price of a 2-bedroom apartment is around 1200 EUR, and a 3-bedroom apartment is around 1800 EUR. Average purchase price of a 2-bedroom apartment is around 300,000 EUR, and a 3-bedroom apartment is around 450,000 EUR.

Healthcare: The neighborhood is close to several healthcare facilities, including the Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Brugmann.

Where to Eat: Le Pain Quotidien for breakfast, Au Vieux Bruxelles for traditional Belgian cuisine, and Le Wine Bar for a relaxing evening.

Interesting History: The Place du Grand Sablon was once the site of a medieval jousting tournament.

Volunteer Organizations: Serve the City Brussels offers various volunteer opportunities.

Parks: The nearby Egmont Park is a popular green space for locals.

Ixelles

Ixelles is a lively and multicultural neighborhood known for its vibrant atmosphere. Retirees can enjoy a variety of activities, from visiting the Ixelles Ponds to exploring the local markets, such as the Flagey Market. The neighborhood is also home to numerous cultural institutions, including the Ixelles Museum.

Location: South of the city center, adjacent to the European Quarter.

Real Estate: Average rental price of a 2-bedroom apartment is around 1100 EUR, and a 3-bedroom apartment is around 1700 EUR. Average purchase price of a 2-bedroom apartment is around 280,000 EUR, and a 3-bedroom apartment is around 420,000 EUR.

Healthcare: The neighborhood is close to the Clinique Edith Cavell and the CHIREC Delta Hospital.

Where to Eat: Le Coq en Pate for Belgian cuisine, Mamacita for Mexican food, and Le Saint-Georges for a cozy cafe experience.

Interesting History: The Abbaye de la Cambre, a historic abbey, is located in Ixelles.

Volunteer Organizations: The Red Cross of Belgium has a branch in Ixelles.

Parks: The Ixelles Ponds and the Tenbosch Park are popular green spaces in the neighborhood.

Etterbeek

Etterbeek is a peaceful and residential neighborhood, ideal for retirees seeking a quiet environment. The neighborhood is home to several parks, including the Jean-Felix Hap Park, and is close to the Cinquantenaire Park. Retirees can also enjoy the local cultural scene, with institutions like the Royal Museum of the Armed Forces and Military History nearby.

Location: East of the city center, adjacent to the European Quarter.

Real Estate: Average rental price of a 2-bedroom apartment is around 1000 EUR, and a 3-bedroom apartment is around 1500 EUR. Average purchase price of a 2-bedroom apartment is around 250,000 EUR, and a 3-bedroom apartment is around 380,000 EUR.

Healthcare: The neighborhood is close to the CHIREC Delta Hospital and the Clinique Edith Cavell.

Where to Eat: Le Mess for Belgian cuisine, L'Entree des Artistes for French cuisine, and Cafe Merlo for a cozy cafe experience.

Interesting History: The Royal Museum of the Armed Forces and Military History is located in Etterbeek.

Volunteer Organizations: The Community Help Service offers volunteer opportunities.

Parks: The Jean-Felix Hap Park and the Cinquantenaire Park are popular green spaces in the neighborhood.

Uccle

Uccle is an upscale and green neighborhood, perfect for retirees who enjoy nature. The neighborhood is home to several parks, including the Wolvendael Park and the Brugmann Park. Retirees can also enjoy the local cultural scene, with institutions like the Royal Museum of Fine Arts nearby.

Location: South of the city center, adjacent to the Sonian Forest.

Real Estate: Average rental price of a 2-bedroom apartment is around 1300 EUR, and a 3-bedroom apartment is around 2000 EUR. Average purchase price of a 2-bedroom apartment is around 350,000 EUR, and a 3-bedroom apartment is around 500,000 EUR.

Healthcare: The neighborhood is close to the CHIREC Braine-l'Alleud Hospital and the Clinique Edith Cavell.

Where to Eat: La Truffe Noire for French cuisine, Le Chalet de la Foret for Belgian cuisine, and Le Pain Quotidien for a cozy cafe experience.

Interesting History: The Observatoire Royal de Belgique, a historic observatory, is located in Uccle.

Volunteer Organizations: The Red Cross of Belgium has a branch in Uccle.

Parks: The Wolvendael Park and the Brugmann Park are popular green spaces in the neighborhood.

Saint-Gilles

Saint-Gilles is a vibrant and multicultural neighborhood, known for its lively atmosphere. Retirees can enjoy a variety of activities, from visiting the local markets, such as the Parvis de Saint-Gilles Market, to exploring the neighborhood's rich architectural heritage. The neighborhood is also home to several cultural institutions, including the Maison du Peuple.

Location: South of the city center, adjacent to the commune of Anderlecht.

Real Estate: Average rental price of a 2-bedroom apartment is around 1000 EUR, and a 3-bedroom apartment is around 1500 EUR. Average purchase price of a 2-bedroom apartment is around 250,000 EUR, and a 3-bedroom apartment is around 380,000 EUR.

Healthcare: The neighborhood is close to the CHIREC Saint-Anne Saint-Remi Hospital and the Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Saint-Pierre.

Where to Eat: Le Saint-Gilles for Belgian cuisine, Le Malte for Mediterranean cuisine, and Le Pain Quotidien for a cozy cafe experience.

Interesting History: The Maison du Peuple, a historic Art Nouveau building, is located in Saint-Gilles.

Volunteer Organizations: The Community Help Service offers volunteer opportunities.

Parks: The nearby Foret de Soignes is a popular green space for locals.

Woluwe-Saint-Pierre

Woluwe-Saint-Pierre is an affluent and green neighborhood, ideal for retirees seeking a peaceful environment. The neighborhood is home to several parks, including the Woluwe Park and the Parc de la Woluwe. Retirees can also enjoy the local cultural scene, with institutions like the Musee Communal Woluwe-Saint-Pierre nearby.

Location: East of the city center, adjacent to the Sonian Forest.

Real Estate: Average rental price of a 2-bedroom apartment is around 1200 EUR, and a 3-bedroom apartment is around 1800 EUR. Average purchase price of a 2-bedroom apartment is around 300,000 EUR, and a 3-bedroom apartment is around 450,000 EUR.

Healthcare: The neighborhood is close to the Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc and the CHIREC Braine-l'Alleud Hospital.

Where to Eat: La Villa Lorraine for French cuisine, Le Chalet de la Foret for Belgian cuisine, and Le Pain Quotidien for a cozy cafe experience.

Interesting History: The Musee Communal Woluwe-Saint-Pierre showcases the neighborhood's rich history.

Volunteer Organizations: The Red Cross of Belgium has a branch in Woluwe-Saint-Pierre.

Parks: The Woluwe Park and the Parc de la Woluwe are popular green spaces in the neighborhood.

Auderghem

Auderghem is a peaceful and residential neighborhood, perfect for retirees seeking a quiet environment. The neighborhood is home to several parks, including the Parc du Rouge-Cloitre and the Val Duchene Park. Retirees can also enjoy the local cultural scene, with institutions like the Musee du Tram nearby.

Location: Southeast of the city center, adjacent to the Sonian Forest.

Real Estate: Average rental price of a 2-bedroom apartment is around 1000 EUR, and a 3-bedroom apartment is around 1500 EUR. Average purchase price of a 2-bedroom apartment is around 250,000 EUR, and a 3-bedroom apartment is around 380,000 EUR.

Healthcare: The neighborhood is close to the CHIREC Delta Hospital and the Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc.

Where to Eat: Le Chalet de la Foret for Belgian cuisine, Le Saint-Georges for French cuisine, and Le Pain Quotidien for a cozy cafe experience.

Interesting History: The Musee du Tram showcases the history of public transportation in Brussels.

Volunteer Organizations: The Community Help Service offers volunteer opportunities.

Parks: The Parc du Rouge-Cloitre and the Val Duchene Park are popular green spaces in the neighborhood.

Schaerbeek

Schaerbeek is a vibrant and multicultural neighborhood, known for its lively atmosphere. Retirees can enjoy a variety of activities, from visiting the local markets, such as the Place des Chasseurs Ardennais Market, to exploring the neighborhood's rich architectural heritage. The neighborhood is also home to several cultural institutions, including the Maison des Arts.

Location: North of the city center, adjacent to the commune of Saint-Josse-ten-Noode.

Real Estate: Average rental price of a 2-bedroom apartment is around 900 EUR, and a 3-bedroom apartment is around 1400 EUR. Average purchase price of a 2-bedroom apartment is around 220,000 EUR, and a 3-bedroom apartment is around 330,000 EUR.

Healthcare: The neighborhood is close to the Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Brugmann and the Clinique Saint-Jean.

Where to Eat: Le Saint-Georges for French cuisine, Le Chalet de la Foret for Belgian cuisine, and Le Pain Quotidien for a cozy cafe experience.

Interesting History: The Maison des Arts showcases the neighborhood's rich cultural history.

Volunteer Organizations: The Red Cross of Belgium has a branch in Schaerbeek.

Parks: The Josaphat Park and the Parc de la Jeunesse are popular green spaces in the neighborhood.