The best places to live in Bucharest
When it comes to deciding which of the areas and suburbs in Bucharest best suit their needs, expats must consider which factors are most important to them.
Expats living in the city centre have a greater access to Romanian culture and modern life, but living here tends to be more expensive and the demand for housing is generally higher. Conversely, expats who appreciate quiet neighbourhoods often find themselves in Bucharest's northern suburbs.
Expats who want to be able to travel freely between home and the office while being able to access other sites of interest should consider areas that are well-connected to the metro network. Public transport in Bucharest is efficient and well-developed, giving expats various options.
Family-friendly areas in Bucharest
Expats in search of leafy suburban living can choose from the beautiful neighbourhoods around the Herăstrău, Kiseleff or Floreasca Parks in northern Bucharest. This includes areas such as Dorobanți, Primăverii and Domenii. These areas are popular with expats for their proximity to the city’s international schools and are well-connected to the city centre.
Kiseleff and Dorobanți are among the city’s older and more exclusive neighbourhoods. Most of the city’s international embassies are found here. Expats who can afford it will find plenty of charming and stylish old villas with gardens in these areas.
Areas for young and single expats in Bucharest
Bucharest’s downtown neighbourhoods offer all the benefits of restaurants, galleries, theatres and the energetic atmosphere that comes from living in the middle of the city. As such, the central area is the perfect choice for couples with small or no children as well as singles who would like to mix with locals and discover Romanian culture.
Although the prices are often some of the most expensive in Bucharest, many expats rent in Old Town Lipscani, which is at the centre of Bucharest.
Other popular areas just north of the centre include the Foișorul de Foc, Icoanei and the Piața Romană, all of which are near to a number of international schools.
Further reading
►For more on housing in the city, see Accommodation in Bucharest.
►For info on navigating the city, see Getting Around in Bucharest.
Expat Experiences
"I recommend staying as near to work or a metro line as possible. As I mentioned, traffic is really bad here and commuting can take hours if you live even a few miles from your job. Other than that, there are lots of shopping malls, cinemas and large public parks scattered throughout the city that make many different neighbourhoods appealing." Read more about Jessica, an American expat, and her experiences living in Bucharest.
Photo credits: Family-friendly areas in Bucharest by Mihai Surdu. Areas for young and single expats in Bucharest by Urcanu Razvan. Both sourced from Unsplash.
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