Vienna is the capital and largest city of Austria, located in the north-eastern part of the country and divided by the Danube into eastern and western parts. It has been repeatedly ranked first among the most comfortable cities in the world. If you dream of living in a historically rich cultural capital, you need to get acquainted with a large number of districts and choose the one that suits your lifestyle. Each of them has its own character and features, which makes them attractive to different types of expats.
Leopoldstadt:
Colourful, youthful, green – these are the words to describe the second of Vienna’s twenty-three districts, Leopoldstadt. It is considered to be one of the most popular districts in the city, in particular due to moderate housing prices, well-developed infrastructure and a favorable location.
With a total area of 19.2 km2 and a population of 103,233 people, Leopoldstadt is separated from the rest of the city by the Danube on one side and the adjacent canal on the other. Together with the twentieth district, they form a kind of isolated island. This district is considered a historically significant part of Vienna. It is also known as the “Matzo Island” because until the middle of the last century, it was home to the vast majority of Vienna’s Jews. In a quiet alleyway a few minutes’ walk from the Nestroyplatz Ubahn station, the largest synagogue in Vienna once stood. On the morning of 10 November 1938, two-thirds of the Leopoldstadt Temple was burned to the ground in the first anti-Semitic act of the Nazi regime, known as Kristallnacht. Yet despite significant demographic changes, today the Karmelitermarkt, Vienna’s most famous marketplace, is once again filled with kosher shops and restaurants. Following the Shoah tragedy and its aftermath, Jewish life is once again thriving in this part of the city.
Transport links:
The second district’s undoubted advantage is its convenient transport links. The U2 metro line passes by, providing direct access to the Innere Stadt, better known as the first district of Vienna. In addition, the railway interchange satisfies the need for convenient connections to the suburbs of the capital and allows citizens to travel within the city by train. If you prefer to walk, the Praterstrasse is a good way to get to the city center.
Recreation and leisure:
In the heart of Leopoldstadt is the Prater, a former hunting ground for the emperors, now a large public park that is a landmark in Vienna, particularly for its giant Ferris wheel. It covers an area of about 6 km2 and stretches along the entire second district. The part of the Prater closest to the city center is home to one of the largest amusement parks, a great place for a fun and exciting family day out.
Infrastructure:
Leopoldstadt is a residential area of the capital, so there is everything you need for life within walking distance – food and household goods stores, coffee shops and restaurants to suit all tastes. In addition to the above, there are several public schools and private educational centres for children. These include the bilingual private secondary school Stella International School (Lassallestraße, 7a) and the Danube International School (Josef-Gall-Gasse, 2). Therefore, if you are planning to rent/buy an apartment in Vienna’s 2nd district, your children will be able to receive a quality education.
It is also home to a number of universities:
1) Vienna University of Economics and Business – recognized as one of the best universities in Europe, specialising in management and financial literacy.
2) Webster University – a well-known private university that combines the best traditions of the American education system and provides a wide range of opportunities for gaining international experience.
3) Sigmund Freud University of Vienna, whose programme focuses on training specialists in medicine, psychology and law.
The Hospital of the Brothers of Mercy is conveniently located nearby at Johannes-von-Gott-Platz 1.
Cultural attractions include the Odeon Theatre, the Vienna Boys’ Choir, the Museum of Forensic Science and the Planetarium.
Advantages and disadvantages:
One of the advantages for buying/renting a flat in Vienna’s second district is its close proximity to the center of the capital and its loyal housing prices. It is this fact that primarily attracts residents and visitors to the capital. Students are also creating a stir and a considerable demand for housing, as they are attracted by the possibility of living near universities, in addition to the above advantages. All of this can create certain peculiarities of living in Leopoldstadt, such as increased noise levels, relative littering of streets and intercultural dissonances. But despite all this, the second district of Vienna is very green, comfortable for people of different social status and welcoming to those who have not yet had time to “get acquainted” with the strict Austrian ways.
Accommodation:
Vienna remains one of the most expensive cities in Austria. This is easily explained by the fact that, in addition to its status as the capital, it is also known for its historical and cultural heritage, which makes it an important tourist destination. Not to forget the large percentage of students who come from all over the world every year to pursue studies. This leads to a high demand for apartments in the city, and as a result, prices naturally increase.
However, despite the neighborhood’s location in the heart of Vienna, the rental and purchase prices can be a pleasant surprise for both tenants looking for a place to live and entrepreneurs looking to set up a business in the capital. According to statistics for April 2023, the average price per square metre for an apartment in Leopoldstadt is €5,455/m². For comparison, the average price per m2 in the most expensive neighborhood of Vienna is €10,067/m², and in the most affordable neighborhood it is around €4,827/m².
Leopoldstadt is a neighborhood that is suitable for both independent living and the comfort of a large family. Here you can find affordable housing options in the form of small studios and incredible penthouses with views of the Danube. The ratio of price and amenities makes this neighborhood an ideal option for those who are just planning to move to Vienna and those who are already seriously considering buying an apartment.
VigoImmobilien team is ready to listen to all your wishes, help you understand all the intricacies of property search and help you buy/rent an apartment/house in Vienna.
