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The best places to live in Munich
There are so many areas and suburbs in Munich that you can choose from. The neighbourhood that you decide to live in will depend on factors such as your budget, proximity to your workplace and good schools, as well as the availability of amenities.
Naturally, housing becomes more affordable away from the city centre. Central Munich is home to numerous shops, museums, parks and theatres, but accommodation here comes at a premium, and most consist of high-rise apartments. Families will do well looking further out towards the suburbs, where freestanding homes are more common.
City living in Munich
Haidhausen
Haidhausen is a trendy area that’s popular with the younger crowd. Weisenburger Platz and Pariser Platz are mainstays of local pub culture. If you enjoy an active lifestyle, you will be able to jog, cycle or stroll along the Isar River which cuts through the area. It’s well served by public transport, making it easy to get around Munich.
Maxvorstadt
This is a highly desirable neighbourhood in Munich thanks to its location close to the city centre. Residents have access to great shopping facilities and many social amenities such as nightclubs, bars and sports centres.
The U-Bahn connections close to the area make it easy to get around, and residents have little need for a car. The demand for rental property in Maxvorstadt is high and so is the rent, making the area only affordable for a select few. The types of expats who live here tend to be single executives earning good salaries.
Neuhausen
This is a chic residential area of Munich located close to the city centre. Properties here are small but luxurious, and most are high-quality, modern apartments. Public transport connections are excellent, which makes travelling really easy, and residents have access to a wide variety of facilities and amenities.
Neuhausen is close to the Nymphenburg Palace and its grounds, which is a paradise for dog walkers, runners, and cyclists. It’s popular with wealthy professionals and young expats with substantial disposable incomes.
Family-friendly suburbs in Munich
Bogenhausen
Property in Bogenhausen is more affordable than in areas closer to the city centre. But its housing is still of an exceptional standard, and you will benefit from being a bit removed from the bustle of city life. Those living in Bogenhausen can enjoy the tranquillity of living near the Isar River and the English garden.
Thanks to the U-Bahn and S-Bahn, the area is well-connected, and residents are just a short commute from the city. The area is popular with family-oriented expats.
Giesing
Giesing is located on the edge of the city centre and along the Isar River. It’s a cosmopolitan area that’s home to several established immigrant communities. Accommodation here is generally affordable and more spacious than properties in other areas close to the city centre.
It doesn’t boast much in terms of nightlife, but it is home to good restaurants and a handful of decent bars. Public transport connections to the area are good, and the journey into Munich’s city centre takes around 20 minutes. This is a great area if you’re looking to save money and interact with locals.
Berg am Laim
Berg am Laim is a southeastern suburb near Bogenhausen and Haidhausen. It is pleasantly quiet and great for families with young children. Berg am Laim has numerous leafy parks and relatively spacious properties. It’s also close to various good international and bilingual schools. Berg am Laim has its fair share of restaurants and shops, while the U-Bahn station provides easy access to the city centre.
Pasing
This suburban area is about 40 minutes away from Munich’s centre and is a great option if you’re looking for quieter surroundings. Its main square has many shops and restaurants, reducing the need to travel into the city centre.
It’s also home to a large student population that attends the University of Applied Sciences. Properties here are generally affordable, houses are large and often come with decent-sized gardens. It’s close to several good bilingual schools, making it popular with families.
Neuperlach
Situated to the south of Munich, Neuperlach is a pleasant area popular with expat families looking to save money during their stay. Although some architecture is a bit dated, the houses are large and comfortable.
The community is well served by supermarkets, small shops, and a few restaurants and bars. Numerous U-Bahn stations and bus lines make commuting into the city quite straightforward.
Areas to avoid in Munich
As is the case in most German cities, Munich is a largely safe city. Much of the crime in the city is relegated to petty crime like pickpocketing, but violent crime is rare.
Located near a train station, Bahnhofsviertel is known for drug activity, which may be jarring for some. Stachus is a busy shopping and transportation area, so pickpocketing can be an issue here, particularly during large events. Hasenbergl is another area that may not be suitable for expats, this area is known for higher crime rates and a range of socioeconomic issues.
Still, it's possible to enjoy a safe lifestyle while living in Munich. We recommend following common sense safety precautions and avoiding areas considered unsafe at night.
What areas do expats recommend in Munich?
"The areas of Munich with (seemingly) the most restaurants and pubs are Schwabing and Glockenbach, both of which are also very central. I live in an area called the Au, which is also very central, right near the Isar, the main river. The Au is quieter than Glockenbach, but only a 10-minute walk away."
Read more of Phil's (a New Zealand expat) thoughts on expat life in Munich.
Further reading
►For more on finding the perfect property, see Accommodation in Munich
Image credits: Munich city centre - Pxfuel; Bogenhausen - Foto Fitti
Are you an expat living in Munich?
Expat Arrivals is looking for locals to contribute to this guide, and answer forum questions from others planning their move to Munich. Please contact us if you'd like to contribute.
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