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The best places to live in Frankfurt
Frankfurt is a vibrant, cosmopolitan city that attracts expats from all over Europe and the world. One of the biggest decisions facing new arrivals is where to live.
Choosing which neighbourhood to live in is determined by numerous factors, including the price of accommodation, facilities available, and proximity to workplace, good schools and transport links. Luckily, there are areas and suburbs in Frankfurt to suit every expat's accommodation and lifestyle needs.
Young and trendy areas of Frankfurt
Bornheim
Bornheim provides a lively atmosphere for young professionals thanks to the selection of pubs, bars, and restaurants in the area. With an active nightlife scene, most of the best entertainment spots are located along Bornheim’s main street, Berger Strasse, which is also home to some of Frankfurt’s best cider houses. Bornheim is well served by public transport and is on several bus routes and two underground train lines.
The majority of accommodation in Bornheim comes in the form of apartment units in modern complexes. This is a popular area to live in because of its vibrant entertainment scene and proximity to the city centre, so accommodation costs are naturally quite high.
Sachsenhausen
Sachsenhausen is a highly sought-after area, especially for those interested in the arts. This well-populated area of Frankfurt offers loads of activities to keep the residents entertained, including great flea markets and some of Germany’s best museums.
Located on the south side of the river, Alt-Sachsenhausen is famous for its cobbled streets. Schweizer Strasse is also located in Sachsenhausen for those who prefer Frankfurt's café culture. Apartments are relatively affordable, and many properties have great views of the River Main.
Family-friendly suburbs of Frankfurt
Kronberg
Kronberg is an ideal place to raise children. Its properties are spacious, and there are lots of open spaces and leafy green parks nearby. Kronberg is also home to some good international schools.
Public transport links that connect Kronberg to other parts of Frankfurt are fairly good. The neighbourhood is located on two S-Bahn lines, and average commute time into Frankfurt’s city centre is approximately 20 to 30 minutes.
Property can be quite pricey here, so we recommend ensuring your budget can comfortably cover all your living expenses.
Nordend
Nordend is a relatively peaceful part of Frankfurt, which is particularly popular with young couples and families, as there are a fair few good schools in the area. Nordend residents have a strong sense of community and regularly organise small-scale neighbourhood events.
Nordend is centrally located and well served by local buses. Being so close to Bornheim allows residents of the area easy access to some of the city’s best restaurants and bars. The area is also well-loved by those who enjoy upscale wine and cocktail bars. Property prices are more reasonable here than in Kronberg.
City living in Frankfurt
Niederrad
Westend
Westend is another area with a strong expat community. Grüneburgpark and the Palm Gardens are located in the area and provide residents with a great place to relax. This is a beautiful part of the city to live in, with stylish and architecturally stunning historic buildings lining the streets.
The neighbourhood is home to some of Frankfurt’s top legal and financial firms, and it is particularly popular among those employed in these industries who don't wish to travel far for work.
The area is an upmarket part of Frankfurt, and accommodation costs are some of the highest in the city. Westend has an abundance of luxury living options, and most apartments are located in converted historical buildings.
Areas to avoid in Frankfurt
Frankfurt is one of the safest areas in Germany, but as is the case in any large city, there are some areas that are best avoided. Bahnhofsviertel is considered one of the most dangerous areas in Frankfurt. The area is known for high levels of drug dealing and there are many brothels in the neighbourhood. While daytime visits to Bahnhofsviertel are largely considered safe, it's best to avoid the area at night.
Located near Bahnhofsviertel, Gallus and Gutleutviertel are also known for drug dealing. Pickpocketing in crowded nightlife spots is also common in these neighbourhoods. Konstablerwache and Hauptwache are popular nightlife spots, which can also be pickpocketing targets in crowded places. We also recommend being cautious on public transport after hours.
Which areas do expats recommend in Frankfurt?
"If you want to live in the city and be surrounded by restaurants and pubs, live in Bornheim. Westend and Nordend are nice places too but can get pricey. Sachsenhausen is a lovely place to live in too and there is always Schweizer Platz to hang out in."
Read more about Singaporean expat Yolande's experience of Frankfurt.
Further reading
►To learn more about Frankfurt's property market read the Expat Arrivals page on Accommodation in Frankfurt
►Read the Cost of Living in Frankfurt page to get an insight into expat expenditure in Frankfurt
Image credits: Bornheim - GeorgDerReisende; Kronberg - Johannes Robalotoff; Niederrad - Karsten Ratzke
Are you an expat living in Frankfurt?
Expat Arrivals is looking for locals to contribute to this guide, and answer forum questions from others planning their move to Frankfurt. Please contact us if you'd like to contribute.
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