Immolytics

Living in Forest: quality of life guide 2025

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Living in Forest: a portrait

Forest is a municipality in Bruxelles-Capitale in Brussels-Capital Region, with 58,044 residents spread across 6.3 km2. The population is experiencing moderate growth.

Check out property prices in Forest to estimate your budget.

Urban profile

Forest is a metropolitan-scale city with a diversified economic fabric and a rich cultural scene. The transport network is extensive, professional opportunities are plentiful, and healthcare and education services are of a high standard. The diversity of neighbourhoods allows everyone to find a suitable living environment, from lively centres to quieter residential areas.

Settling in Brussels-Capital Region

The Brussels-Capital Region, home to the European institutions, is a cosmopolitan and bilingual metropolis of over one million inhabitants. Its population density is the highest in the country, which is reflected in property prices above the national average. The rental market is particularly dynamic, driven by the presence of expatriates, EU civil servants, and students. Brussels offers a thriving cultural life, renowned gastronomy, and a dense public transport network comprising metro, tram, and bus.

Getting around Forest

Forest scores 86/100 for public transport. The walkability score is 83/100. The municipality is well-served by public transport.

Schools and services

The schools score is 68/100. Accessibility to shops and services reaches 82/100.

Green spaces and quality of life

With a green score of 43/100, Forest has satisfactory green spaces.

Safety

The crime rate is high, typical of major urban centers, with 132.2 offences per 1,000 residents. Safety score: 1/100.

Cost of living

The median declarable income in Forest is EUR 24,982 per year. The median house purchase price is EUR 651,503, or EUR 4,654 per sqm.

Estimate your budget with our mortgage simulator.

Daily life in Forest

The ratio between the median house price and median income is 26.1x. This high ratio reflects tension between property prices and local incomes. Access to shops and services (82/100) makes daily life convenient without excessive travel. Use our notary fees calculator to plan your move.

Family life

With 21.5 % of residents under 17, Forest has a distinctly family-oriented profile. The school access score of 68/100 reflects an adequate educational offering. The average household size (3.49 persons) confirms the presence of many families.

Population profile

  • 0-17 years: 21.5 %
  • 18-34 years: 24.6 %
  • 35-64 years: 40.9 %
  • 65+ years: 12.9 %
  • Foreign residents: 36.1 %
  • Households: 16,612
  • Average household size: 3.49

Neighboring municipalities

  • Woluwe-Saint-Lambert — 60,771 residents, overall score 72/100
  • Jette — 54,107 residents, overall score 71/100
  • Etterbeek — 49,775 residents, overall score 74/100
  • Saint-Gilles — 49,293 residents, overall score 77/100
  • Evere — 45,234 residents, overall score 73/100

Is Forest a good municipality for families?

With a schools score of 68/100 and a green score of 43/100, Forest offers an environment that should be evaluated based on your family priorities.

What is the overall score of Forest?

Forest has an overall score of 73/100, combining transport, schools, shops, green spaces, and safety.

What is the cost of living in Forest?

The median income is EUR 24,982 per year and the median house price is EUR 651,503. The price-to-income ratio of 26.1x should be factored into your planning.

What is public transport like in Forest?

The transport score is 86/100 and walkability is 83/100. A good network facilitates daily commuting.

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Automatically generated data based on official sources. Consult a professional for advice.