Expats in Bucharest - The best neighborhoods to settle down<

Today, Andreia Lewis from Bucharest Homes introduces us to the favorite neighborhoods of Bucharest for expats.

She explains to us: "I have always loved Bucharest, “Le Petit Paris”, especially when I came back from my expatriation and discovered its new energy, always mysterious and full of architectural surprises. It is a beautiful city , a pity that Ceausescu has relatively disfigured it… That said, we are not rewriting history but the heart of the city is still there and beats stronger than ever!I would like to share with you the little secrets of each district to facilitate your settling in Romania."

Dorobanti

It is a very upscale district, popular with the diplomatic community and expatriates. There are stunning villas from the 1920s and 1940s, many of which are finally receiving the restoration attention they deserve. The neighborhood is bordered by Kiseleff Park to the west and Floreasca Park to the northeast. Herastrau Park is not far away, which offers plenty of opportunities for weekend walks, jogging or picnicking. The area also includes Piata Dorobanti and the surrounding streets for shopping and lunch. Beller Avenue, with its many restaurants and cafes, is considered to be the "show-off" avenue where you can show off your best assets... Besides, you can't miss the many luxury cars parked here and there… Another interesting part is the maze of streets that bear the names of capitals (strada Paris, strada Londra, strada Roma, ...) and where many villas covered with vegetation are hidden. By the way, my beloved villa is on Sofia Street and has pretty green shutters.

From a real estate point of view, it is a rich and expensive district, and the offers are limited. We have some beautiful villas in this area in our portfolio, quite expensive, starting at 4,000 euros per month. There aren't many options for those looking for modern apartments but be aware that a standard two bedroom expat apartment will probably rent for around 2,500 euros/month, and a nice modern penthouse for three or more bedrooms, probably between 3,200 and 4,500+ euros. In our portfolio, we offer whole villas and very chic apartments in villas, such as this elegant 4-room apartment: https://www.bucharest-homes.ro/fr/luxueux- appartement-de-quatre-chambres-a- sleep-in-dorobanti_643.html

We are always on the lookout for charming properties, which have character and the expats themselves ask us for authentic properties, not necessarily the contemporary ones they can find in Tokyo, Berlin or Hong Kong, but properties in the style Romanian, neo-Romanian, art deco, or eclectic Bucharest… Below, we recommend this house next to the Spanish Embassy in Dorobanti which I have nicknamed “Urban Cottage” and which has been renovated in order to preserve its original style while offering maximum comfort.

https://www.bucharest-homes.ro/en/pretty-and-quiet-urban-chalet-with-one-bedroom-piata-victoriei_2145.html

There are also a few cheaper communist blocks in the area, but we wouldn't recommend these as the rooms tend to be very small (10-15 square meters) and the interior decor is often communist style. All in all, if you can afford to live "Dorobanti" style, it's perfect for expat living as it's very convenient to have everything close by: parks, restaurants, shops, bakeries…

Kiseleff

This district is ideally located in the city, between two parks (Herastrau and Kiseleff parks). In addition, there are many restaurants, cafes, terraces and sports clubs. However, it plays this rather confusing role of a mixed zone, being both residential and with small office spaces. So if you are driving make sure you have a parking space. Otherwise, it's a good choice of neighborhood that can probably satisfy everyone, except those who want a house because it's still hard to find.

https://www.bucharest-homes.ro/en/large-two-bedroom-apartment-with-garden-kiseleff_2168.html

https://www.bucharest-homes.ro/en/modern-apartment-with-two-bedrooms-en-suite-kiseleff-domenii_2058.html

herastrau

A popular area for expats living in the city due to the abundance of modern apartments, proximity to Herastrau Park (the largest park in the city) and its location in the north of the city, which allows a quick access to international schools and Pipera office centers. It's a neighborhood where it's easy to make new expat friends, strike up a conversation with a new neighbor in the neighborhood, or a new relative in the park. The place is very pleasant and the park is ideal for children (offering beautiful and very large playgrounds) but also for adults. There are very well maintained tennis courts (available to hire for only 15 euros an hour) and a good cycle path around the lake, 5.5 kilometers long. This is the best place to live if you want to quickly meet other foreigners from all over the world. There are also good restaurants on the main road and by the lake, modern beauty salons and gyms. Prices in Herastrau vary depending on how close you are to the park entrance and of course the size and condition of the apartment (houses are rare), but you can budget 2,500-3,000 euros for a three-bedroom apartment, 3,500-6,500 euros for a penthouse. Our only criticism of the neighborhood would be that the zoning seems to have been ignored or never established, as buildings sometimes seem quite close together and the roads in the neighborhood can be terribly narrow. Beware, there are also areas that get very noisy at night. Finally, houses with a garden are rare but we can always offer you some options.

https://www.bucharest-homes.ro/en/modern-2-bedroom-apartment-herastrau_2072.html

https://www.bucharest-homes.ro/en/five-bedroom-mansion-with-pool-herastrau_1850.html

Floreasca

Designed and built by the Communists in the 1950s and 1960s, the Floreasca district has good public spaces (parks and shops) and the buildings tend to be of a nicer design, in the form of small blocks, rather than the Monumental buildings built from the 1980s. But Floreasca also has beautiful new and high-end buildings and some beautiful minimalist villas. The area has retained a village feel and has some very popular and quaint restaurants and shops. Floreasca Park is a large, well-managed area with an ice rink in winter, a swimming club in summer and a playground for children. Floreasca is a good neighborhood to settle in as it's right next to Primaverii, Dorobanti and the central districts, which is quite convenient for getting to work quickly in northern Bucharest and going to see friends in the center in the evening . Floreasca has become a kind of "Soho" of Bucharest with galleries, niche shops, bakeries, florists etc. As for schools, towards Aviatiei is the American-owned and operated Verita International School with a Scandinavian approach to education (learning should be hands-on, discovery-focused and self-confidence ), and preparation for the International Baccalaureate.

https://www.bucharest-homes.ro/en/a-rare-find-villa-of-5-bdrs-with-garden-floreasca_2157.html

Downtown

If you need the hustle and bustle of downtown to be happy, we suggest looking to one of the central neighborhoods. We will focus only on the central area as defined by the areas located south of the North neighborhoods (Dorobanti, Floreasca, Primaverii), up to the surroundings of Piata Universitatii.

Our favorite neighborhoods are Icoanei (the neighborhood of the Church of the Icon) and Armeneasca because they are historic neighborhoods and close to the cultural heart of the city (the area between Piata Romana and Piata Unirii between Magheru Boulevard and Calea Victoriei). There are two beautiful parks, good restaurants, good accommodation options and lots of interesting people, both locals and expats. The Anglican Church is near Icoanei Park and the lanes around it close in the summer for the 'Street delivery' event or other festivals and markets. The Romanian Athenaeum area is also very charming, but there are few real estate offers there.

A really interesting area is that of the Cismigiu Garden. Besides the park (one of the oldest and largest public gardens in the city), you will find many pubs, restaurants, theatres, bookstores and the Conservatory. It's not easy to find new apartments there that meet expatriate standards, but there are some very nice renovated apartments in period villas. The area also has some beautiful villas for rent entirely at a good value for money. There are many university students, artists, but also old couples who still speak French. It is a popular area for long-term expatriates, some of whom have even bought beautiful apartments or buildings and renovated them with lots of love and attention.

Many museums can be found in the city center such as the great Museum of Romanian Art (MNAR), but also smaller museums such as the Pallady, Theodor Aman, Stork etc.

The market of the Romanian Peasant Museum (MTR) which takes place every weekend not far from Piata Victoriei is very interesting to visit. There are popular costumes, new and restored, antiques, souvenirs, ceramics, natural cosmetics, etc. You can also eat good traditional cuisine there. When I'm in town, I don't miss any of these markets.

As for the schools, the IBSB (International British School of Bucharest) which is located in the center, on Agricultori Street, has a small campus, and an excellent academic reputation (their test results are constantly at the top of the charts ). It is also half the price of the BSB (British School of Bucharest) and is the first choice for British families living in Bucharest who also want to live in the city, especially in Icoanei and Armeneasca, near the school. Below you will find several offers:

https://www.bucharest-homes.ro/en/large-three-bedroom-apartment-in-a-historic-villa-in-the-city-center_922.html

https://www.bucharest-homes.ro/en/design-house-with-three-bedrooms-with-garden-downtown-of-icoanei_2081.html

https://www.bucharest-homes.ro/en/spacious-two-bedroom-apartment-with-garden-district-of-icoanei_2160.html

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Primaverii

Primaverii is probably the best located district in the north of the city, due to the proximity of several parks (Herastrau to the west, Bordei to the north and nearby Kiseleff) and the many means of transport to the south of the city or towards Pipera, to the north. It is the favorite district of politicians, it is popular with diplomats and was once the district where the former dictator Ceausescu and his wife lived. Besides, don't miss a visit to the Primaverii Palace, the former residence of the latter, and for lovers of contemporary art, you have the MNAR museum. The district has retained its tree-lined streets and its refined restaurants, but we can regret a tendency to poorly renovate certain buildings, which somewhat spoils the authentic side of the district...

This is probably the most expensive area of ​​the city, from a housing point of view, with villas starting at around 6,000 euros. A two-bedroom apartment will be in the 2,000 euro range and a large penthouse will start at 4,000 euro. In any case, it's always a nice address to have on your business card! Finally, our favorite steakhouse (Osho) is in Primaverii, along with a number of good restaurants popular with office workers.

https://www.bucharest-homes.ro/en/super-sexy-penthouse-with-four-bedrooms-recently-renovated-primaverii_2150.html

https://www.bucharest-homes.ro/en/private-3-bedroom-apartment-in-a-luxury-residence-primaverii_2132.html

Domenii

When the first expatriates arrived in Romania (in the 90s), Domenii was one of the first neighborhoods to offer renovated villas, which were rented at astronomical sums (three times more expensive than now) to desperate expatriates. This neighborhood has since lost its top-choice status for expat families as Pipera and Herastrau have developed, but it's still a nice neighborhood to consider. These are mainly villas, but we also have some great apartments. Neighborhood attractions include proximity to Herastrau Park (west side), a market with the best local selection of fruit and vegetables and traditional produce, as well as tree-lined streets, beautiful architecture, good restaurants and good food. opportunities to meet other expatriates. Domenii offers the opportunity to live in a historic neighborhood while still being close enough to Pipera's international schools. The neighborhood is expensive but charming.

An example of a villa for sale that has potential and can become a beautiful family home or two apartments with a garden: https://www.bucharest-homes.ro/fr/villa-complete-a-fort-potentiel-avec-jardin -domenii_2162.html

A modern and chic apartment: https://www.bucharest-homes.ro/en/one-bedroom-luxury-apartment-new-building-domenii_2166.html

Baneasa

Baneasa is the other northern suburb, located within the city limits, within Sector 1. For us, it is a better option than Pipera, in many ways, especially since you will not have the same problems with sewers and water quality affecting Pipera. Also, travel times to the center are a bit shorter since you are already in town. Baneasa has nice houses, residential complexes and good apartment options at decent prices. It's still suburban so a car is definitely needed, but it's a bit more comfortable option than Pipera. Schools in the neighborhood include the British primary school King's Oak (which British expats living in Bucharest consider to be the most authentic British school), Le Lycée Francais and, in 2019, the new German International School, but also the school Verita.

https://www.bucharest-homes.ro/en/minimalist-design-four-bedroom-house-with-rooftop-terrace-baneasa_2082.html

https://www.bucharest-homes.ro/en/modern-four-bedroom-house-with-garden-lycee-francais_2123.html

https://www.bucharest-homes.ro/en/five-bed-house-with-private-pond-primary-school-king-s-oak_2156.html

pipera

If you plan to live in Pipera, you must have school-aged children and enjoy living in the suburbs. About 60% of the families with children we work with have chosen Pipera, or a nearby area, because of the international schools there. Pipera offers you the two largest international schools, The British School of Bucharest (BSB) and the American International School (AISB). It's a fairly crowded and poorly organized suburb, but you can live in a house with a garden that's not too expensive, while being surrounded by other expats. Things to do include Bucharest Zoo, Baneasa Forest, with good trails for walking and mountain biking, and quick access to the city and the mountains for the weekend. Rents for a villa in Pipera vary a lot depending on the condition and size of the residence. We suggest a reference price of around 3000 euros (on average) for a beautiful new villa with more than four bedrooms. If it has a swimming pool, it will cost more than 4000 euros.

For singles or young couples without school-age children this is probably not the right choice of neighborhood, as the social scene really revolves around international schools and apart from that you might feel somewhat isolated. Plus, the lack of sidewalks means you need a car to get around, and the lack of public parks makes dating a bit more difficult.

Finally, don't forget: the key to getting value for money is timing, ideally you'll need to sign the lease before the hectic period between June and August.

Below you will find the main international school options with our recommendations for finding accommodation. On our website, in the Rentals section, you can click on the map to see the properties available in each district:

The Cambridge School of Bucharest has a new large campus in Pipera. It offers a rigorous curriculum with a mix of children from the diplomatic community, but also locals and long-time expats.

The Lycée Français / French School is located in Baneasa, next to Pipera, on the DN1 and near the Baneasa Mall shopping center. Many of our customers whose children attend school prefer to be a little closer to town, rather than in Pipera itself. You can look in Baneasa and Domenii as first options as well as in Otopeni (for better prices), from where you can get to the school in maximum 20 minutes.

The British School/BSB is in the heart of Pipera on the main street so living in Pipera is an ideal option but as sidewalks still don't seem to exist in the area walking to school is probably not an option. In Pipera, consider the immediate area around the BSB, the Pipera Tunari area and the part of Pipera that goes towards Floreasca, as the road has recently been widened with a straddle bridge, making it easier to get around. You can also consider the Baneasa area (to the east) but also further, towards Otopeni and Corbeanca (further north).

The American School/AISB is north of Pipera. For accommodation, consider the immediate area near the school, the Pipera-Tunari part, as well as the center of Pipera. If you are on a budget but are looking for good quality accommodation, you can also choose Corbeanca, further north, as you can easily reach the school via the Bucharest ring road.

The German School/Deutsche Schule Bukarest is located near the town of Petrom in Baneasa. Good accommodation options can be found in Baneasa, Pipera but also in Herastrau, Kiseleff, Domenii and Floreasca for city lovers.

https://www.bucharest-homes.ro/en/four-bedroom-house-with-garden-aisb_2140.html

https://www.bucharest-homes.ro/en/large-three-bedroom-house-with-two-living-rooms-near-cambridge-school_2152.html

Article written by Andreia Lewis, founder of Bucharest Homes.

You can check his website www.bucharest-homes.ro or call him for more real estate details on 0744608211.

This article is sponsored by Bucharest Homes