CHOOSING WHERE TO RENT OR BUY IN MUNICH
Although Munich is known for its vibrant music and sports scene, spectacular architecture, and its colourful, rich history, the experience of living here can vary considerably depending on where exactly you happen to call home. Munich is roughly the size of Malta; it is comprised of 25 municipalities which then break down into a further 107 districts. Residents are spoilt for choice when choosing where to live but too much choice can also be a challenge in its own right. Whether you are looking to rent or buy, we have picked our five favourite neighbourhoods that offer a little something for everyone.
Maxvorstadt
Best for students
Widely regarded as the cultural heart of Munich, Maxvorstadt is an idyllic region of the city for opportunistic students to live. The district boasts not one, but two world-renowned universities; Ludwig Maximilian University and Technical University Munich. The area remains the top spot for Munich’s student population of 120,000, offering nationally acclaimed museums – such as Haus der Kunst, featuring priceless artwork such as Picasso’s Guernica – as well as a colourful mix of cafés, restaurants, shops, law firms, breweries and publishing houses.
Maxvorstadt offers a range of budget friendly accommodation that will suit the needs of thrifty students. Residence halls such as Massmannplatz e.V. are very popular due to central location and cohesive style of living. This residency features a communal courtyard in addition to hosting several events and festivals for students and alumni over the course of the year. Understandably, this form of sociable yet affordable living is in high demand, those interested should apply early to avoid disappointment.
Giesing
Best for young professionals
The football club 1860 München is situated in these parts which is said to be the club of the blue-collar workers and demonstrates that professionalism is deeply rooted at the core of this unique neighbourhood. Giesing has a variety of potential homes available, from detached houses to multi-storey apartment buildings. In recent years, the renovation and privatisation of many apartment blocks has made Giesing a more attractive area, especially for the career minded.
Giesing has its own unique characteristics that set it apart from other neighbourhoods. Around the little streets of Obere and Untere Grasstraße there is an abundance of historical buildings including former 1800s craftsman houses. These charming one-storey, ivory cottages provide a refreshing change for young professionals commuting into the bustling city centre. Giesing’s most traditional inn: Gasthaus Hohenwart can be found nearby, the perfect venue for people to swing by for a light meal in its cosy Bavarian interior or its outdoor, summer lounge area.
Neuhausen
Best for young families
As one of the oldest and most traditional neighbourhoods of Munich, Neuhausen has a wealth of botanical gardens and open green spaces which make an ideal living space for young families, dog walkers, as well as those who enjoy running and recreational cycling. Housing in the north of the district is mostly dominated by lavish townhouses which are situated next to the Royal Deer Garden. The residential area surrounding the Gern U-Bahn, in particular, are relatively pedestrianised and offer a safer space for children to play outside.
The southern perimeter of the district also offers family-friendly housing from the interwar period. Buyers can find a home for anything between €800,000 and €3 million, depending on the number of bedrooms desired. Neuhausen is blessed with high quality primary and secondary schools, while the neighbourhood is also home to an English-speaking boarding school. However, international speaking schools in Munich are in high demand therefore gaining a place at this school may prove to be quite the challenge.
Bogenhausen
Best for luxury living
There are many affluent neighbourhoods in Munich such as Nymphenburg and Schwabing, but for the best that money can buy, we recommend Bogenhausen. Situated in its perimeters are the peaceful banks of the river Isar, a plethora of green spaces such as Herzogpark and the English Garden (Englischer Garten),the aesthetic streets of Prinzregentenstrasse that stage many concerts and operas, and a myriad of premium shopping outlets that feature designer brands such as Gucci and Hermès.
Bogenhausen is an exclusive district; its prestigious residential areas are home to an opulent collection of beautifully preserved Art Nouveau buildings, both old and new. Home to extravagant mansions, historic castles and sublime villas, Bogenhausen is highly sought after by wealthy families and celebrities alike. However, such luxury does come at a hefty price with villas starting at around €3 million. Nonetheless these gorgeous homes offer multiple bedrooms, spacious gardens and high-rise stone garden walls for additional privacy.
Haidhausen
Best for social living
Once a rural suburb, this district is now at the very heart of Munich. Growing exponentially through the 20th century, the metropolitan area of Munich now surrounds Haidhausen, however, the neighbourhood still retains its village-life aura and charm. A pocket of tranquillity amongst the hustle and bustle of the city life, the trendiness of this area is indebted to the charismatic and lovingly restored 18th and 19th century cottages.
Haidhausen is remarked to have a sense of community that is incomparable to anywhere else in the city; everyone is met with a warm welcome and twice a year the residents invite visitors into their courtyards for flea markets. Having gained popularity with a younger crowd, the district boasts a wide plethora of charming of pubs frequently visited by numerous residents of the tight-knit community. In keeping with its strong sense of community, the district boasts urban courtyard housing, which brings together a wide range of townhouses, flats and duplexes into the same residential area.