Etterbeek, Belgium

Etterbeek sits in the eastern part of Brussels, surrounded by six other municipalities. It’s a compact, urban area with a population just under 50,000, making it feel more like a neighborhood than a sprawling city. The bilingual French-Dutch setup means you’ll need to navigate both languages daily, though French dominates most interactions.

Living here puts you close to Brussels’ core without the chaos of the city center. The borders with Ixelles and Woluwe-Saint-Pierre mean you’re never far from greener, quieter spots. But don’t expect a small-town vibe—this is still Brussels, with all the bureaucracy and occasional grime that comes with it. Etterbeek works best for expats who want urban convenience without the tourist crowds.