The Best Neighborhoods in Belgium for Families

Choosing the Right Neighborhood for Your Family

When searching for a home for your family, the neighborhood is as important as the property itself. Quality schools, green spaces, safety, children's activities, friendly community: the criteria are numerous. Here is our selection of the best municipalities and neighborhoods in Belgium for families in 2025, region by region.

Essential Criteria for Families

Before presenting our selection, here are the criteria we evaluated:

• School quality: diverse school offerings, evaluation results, language choices.
• Green spaces: parks, playgrounds, accessible forests, cycling paths.
• Safety: crime rates, sense of security, street lighting.
• Amenities: daycare centers, sports facilities, libraries, cultural centers.
• Accessibility: public transport, schools within walking distance, local shops.
• Property prices: value for money for family homes (3-4 bedrooms).

In Flanders

Mechelen

Mechelen is regularly cited as the most family-friendly city in Flanders. Its pedestrian historic center, numerous playgrounds, and strategic position between Brussels and Antwerp make it an ideal choice. Schools are excellent (Dutch-speaking and international networks). Median price: 320,000 euros for a house. Cycling is king and the cycling infrastructure is exemplary.

Leuven

A dynamic university city, Leuven offers exceptional quality of life with numerous parks (Arenberg, Heverlee), a lively center, and high-level schools. Families appreciate the residential neighborhoods of Kessel-Lo and Heverlee. Median price: 370,000 euros. The downside: prices are high and competition for family homes is fierce.

Ghent — Mariakerke and Sint-Denijs-Westrem Neighborhoods

Ghent combines urban dynamism with peaceful residential neighborhoods. Mariakerke and Sint-Denijs-Westrem offer beautiful houses with gardens, good schools, and easy access to the city center and nature. Median price for a family home: 350,000 euros. The parks along the Lys River are perfect for family walks.

In Brussels

Woluwe-Saint-Lambert and Woluwe-Saint-Pierre

The two Woluwes are the Brussels municipalities most favored by families. They combine greenery (Woluwe Park, Hof ter Musschen), excellent schools (including European schools), safety, and good public transport connections. Median price: 450,000 to 550,000 euros for a house. It is a premium choice, but the quality of life delivers.

Watermael-Boitsfort

The greenest municipality in Brussels thanks to the Sonian Forest, Watermael-Boitsfort offers an almost rural setting in the heart of Brussels. The garden cities of Le Logis and Le Floreal are unique architectural ensembles. Ideal for nature-loving families. Median price: 480,000 euros for a house.

Auderghem

More affordable than the Woluwes or Watermael-Boitsfort, Auderghem offers excellent family value for money. The Rouge-Cloitre and Sonian Forest ponds are major natural assets. Good schools and active neighborhood life. Median price: 420,000 euros.

In Wallonia

Wavre and Ottignies-Louvain-la-Neuve

The heart of Walloon Brabant combines quality of life, renowned schools, and proximity to Brussels. Wavre offers a pleasant town center with shops and green spaces. Louvain-la-Neuve adds a unique cultural and university dimension. Median price: 300,000 to 350,000 euros. Accessibility via the RER and E411 motorway is a major asset.

Namur — Jambes and Erpent Neighborhoods

The Walloon capital offers quality living at very reasonable prices. The Jambes (right bank of the Meuse) and Erpent (green residential) neighborhoods are particularly popular with families. Good schools, cultural activities (theater, museums), and omnipresent nature. Median price: 250,000 euros for a house.

Rixensart and La Hulpe

These two Walloon Brabant municipalities, close to the Sonian Forest, offer an idyllic setting for families. Rixensart provides good price-quality balance (320,000 euros), while La Hulpe is more exclusive (470,000 euros). The Solvay estates and Sonian Forest are incomparable natural playgrounds for children.

Tips for Families Searching

• Visit during school hours: observe the neighborhood when children go to school, check route safety.
• Talk to neighbors: current residents are the best source of information about neighborhood life.
• Check daycare waiting lists: in some municipalities, daycare spots are scarce and registration must happen very early.
• Think long-term: choose a neighborhood that will also suit when children become teenagers (transport, activities).
• Compare property taxes: they vary greatly from one municipality to another and impact your annual budget.

Check detailed data per municipality on Immolytics: prices, EPC, amenities, and quality of life to make the best choice for your family.