Frankfurt's neighborhoods: An expat's guide

Moving to Frankfurt for your education or career? Check out our guide to find out which neighborhoods in Frankfurt best suit you and your lifestyle!

Bas Teunissen

4 minute read

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Updated on 1 Nov 2024

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Living

Thanks to other guides, spending a few days in Frankfurt won’t leave you bored. But, what if you’re relocating there permanently? Choosing the perfect neighborhood in Frankfurt is one of the first steps you need to take before your move. This's why we came up with this guide on the best neighborhoods in Frankfurt to help you find your new home.

Whether you’re a student moving to study abroad in Germany's financial centre, a young professional working on their career in Frankfurt or a seasoned expat looking to settle with their family, you're need an answer to the same question: What neighborhood in Frankfurt should I live in?

Which of Frankfurt's neighbourhoods is the best for families? Well, let’s dive into your options!

Neighborhood requirements for international students

What's the best neighborhood in Frankfurt for students? As a student, the best neighborhood in Frankfurt is in short distance to or has a fast connection with your Frankfurt university.

Additionally, easy access to the city's nightlife hot spots, parks and other fun things to do in Frankfurt are a nice bonus.

Last but not least, the neighborhood shouldn't be expensive as finding affordable student housing in Frankfurt is also a priority.

Bockenheim

As a student, renting a private room in a shared apartment (the so-called WG) is one of the best ways to meet people and save some money. Frankfurt's neighborhood Bockenheim has plenty of affordable, smaller flats that are popular amongst students. The Goethe University of Frankfurt's only a quick bus ride away and you have easy access to the greenery of the Rebstockpark in the south-west area of the district.

Höchst

Höchst's an affordable neighborhood in Frankfurt close to the massive industrial park Höchst. Despite being a district characterised by its industrial roots, you still have access to the Höchster Stadspark and the annual Höchster Schlossfest, an awesome cultural festival that takes place every June. Looking to get stuck into the bustle of the city centre? Höchst has its own train station, as well as a readily available bus line.

Fechenheim

Fechenheim's a former fishing village to the east of the main neighborhoods in Frankfurt. Its position on the outer edges of the City makes this district shine because of its affordability. Student accommodation in Fechenheim is cheap and recommended for students that are looking to live in Frankfurt on a budget.

Despite its location on the city outskirts, Frankfurt’s public transport system will get you to the city centre in no more than 25 minutes.

If you’re a nature buff, you’re in luck. Fechenheim is great for long walks along the riverside path. And, after coming back from a night in the city centre, you can chill out and recover at the water in the middle of Fechenheim forest.

Neighbourhood requirements for young internationals

You’re moving to Frankfurt to kickstart your career! At the same time, your urge to party hasn’t worn away yet. So as a young professional with a real grown up salary you should search for modern studios in prime locations in Frankfurt. Your ideal accommodation is in or near the bustling city centre or an up and coming neighbourhood in Frankfurt close to your new job!

Sachsenhausen

Sachsenhausen's one of Frankfurt's neighborhoods south of the river Main. It's in close proximity to the city centre and host some of Europe's best museums. As far as types of accommodation, many of the residents of this Frankfurt neighborhood live in old office buildings which have been converted into modern apartment buildings. Definitely gives a new meaning to working from home, doesn't it?

Sashseshausen has plenty of shops and offers some of the best nightlife south of the river Main. Additionally, for medical professionals, this district gives easy access to the University Hospital.

Bornheim

Going out for a bite after work and staying out for some beers until the evening, that’s life in the busy streets of Bornheim in Ostend. This Frankfurt neighborhood is adorned with_plenty of tall apartment buildings and beautiful parks.

On the weekend, the Berger Strauss area offers a nice assortment of clubs to dance away the week’s workday woes. This combination of busy urban life, quiet suburban residense have made Bornheim one of the districts that many expats call home.

Innenstadt & Bahnhofsviertel

Everyone who has been to either of these 2 Frankfurt neighborhoods understands why the city's nickname is ‘Mainhattan’! The Frankfurt city centre has some of the tallest buildings in the city that make up the city’s famous skyline. As in most cities, the city centre isn't the most affordable area, but it's the place to be as a rising star in your career.

From cultural escapades in the many museums and getting your morning coffee in one of the many cafes, to grabbing a bite at a variety of restaurants and releasing of workweek tension at one of the many nightclubs, it’s all here.

Neighbourhood requirements for expats

Frankfurt is the place to make moves in your career. Relocating with your family means searching for rental apartments in Frankfurt's more residential and suburban neighborhoods. Where you can take you dog for a walk in a beautiful park or be able to quickly run to your child's school if they've forgotten their jacket there. No worries, Frankfurt has you covered in that regard.

Nordend

Nordend's one of the largest neighbourhoods in Frankfurt where you'll be surrounded by a diverse crowd from artists to bankers all having chosen this neighborhood because of its amenities. Nordend is quiet and safe, with a wide array of different schools. Despite being in a major city like Frankfurt, it has a great air of community, making it one of the best places in the city to raise your family. The area has good connectivity to Frankfurt's business districts, either by car or by public transport.

Westend

The Westend area is one of the more upper-middle class neighbourhoods in Frankfurt. While it's close to the centre, Westend feels more like a quiet residential neighbourhood, filled with trees and well-maintained buildings. It’s no surprise that you’ll find a thriving expat community. The lack of commercial bustle makes it the perfect place for families. When you’re taking a break from your busy career or picking up your kid from the Goethe-Gymnasium highschool to go for a walk in the local parks or go for some fine dining at the local gastronomical hotspot.

Europaviertel (Gallus)

Part of the Gallus district, the Europaviertel is a newly constructed residential area. This Frankfurt neighborhood features affordable but high quality housing aimed at young families and expats, providing ample facilities for couples starting a family, such as preschools and playgrounds. Aside from the many businesses already present in the district, you don’t have to worry about connectivity due to the easy access to both the Autobahn and public transport options.

So, now you've an idea of where you can start exploring homes for rent in Frankfurt! Get ready to begin the next chapter of your life!

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