Neighbourhoods of Essen: Where to live?
- B&K Relocate
- 6 days ago
- 3 min read
Essen is not a city that reveals itself all at once. Instead of a single dominant centre, it is made up of many distinct neighbourhoods, each shaped by its own history, architecture, and pace of life. For expats, this can be both confusing and empowering: where you live in Essen will strongly influence how the city feels to you.
Rüttenscheid – Urban, Lively, and Highly Competitive
Rüttenscheid is often the first name that comes up when expats talk about Essen.
Why people love it:
Café culture, restaurants, and independent shops
Walking distance to Grugapark and Messe Essen
Excellent tram and U-Bahn connections
What to know:
Extremely high demand and fast-moving listings
Smaller apartments, often in older buildings
Rents among the highest in the city
Rüttenscheid suits young professionals and couples who value walkability and urban life — but competition here is fierce.
Südviertel & Stadtmitte – Central and Practical
The Südviertel blends seamlessly into Essen’s city centre and is popular with commuters and first-time renters.
Good fit if you want:
Short commutes and easy rail access
A mix of residential streets and office buildings
More availability than Rüttenscheid (but still competitive)
Apartments here are often functional rather than charming, but the convenience is hard to beat — especially for newcomers still finding their bearings.
Werden – Historic, Green, and Almost Village-Like
Werden sits along the Ruhr River and feels worlds away from the city’s industrial past.
Highlights:
Cobblestone streets and historic buildings
Close to forests, river paths, and hiking routes
Strong community feel
Things to consider:
Limited rental turnover
Popular with families and long-term residents
Slightly longer commute to central Essen
Werden is ideal for those who value nature, calm, and character over nightlife.
Bredeney – Spacious, Green, and Family-Oriented
Bredeney is one of Essen’s most affluent districts.
Why it appeals to expats:
Large apartments and houses
Proximity to Baldeneysee and green spaces
International schools nearby
Trade-offs:
Higher rents
Less urban buzz
Car ownership is often helpful
Bredeney works well for families, senior professionals, and anyone prioritising space and calm.
Kettwig – Small-Town Charm Within the City
Kettwig, located in the south, feels almost like a postcard town.
What makes it special:
Beautiful old town and riverside setting
Strong local identity
S-Bahn connection to Essen and Düsseldorf
Reality check:
Fewer rental listings
Longer commute
Very popular with long-term residents
Kettwig is perfect for expats who want charm and tranquillity — and don’t mind being a little removed from the city core.
Northern Essen – Affordable and Often Overlooked
Northern districts of Essen tend to have a different reputation — but also real opportunities.
Why consider them:
More affordable rents
Larger apartments
Less competition
What matters here:
Street-by-street differences are crucial
Local guidance is essential
Infrastructure varies widely
For expats on a budget or those open to exploring beyond the obvious, these areas can be surprisingly livable.
There Is No “Best” Neighbourhood
Essen doesn’t have a universally perfect district — and that’s precisely its strength. Whether you value café culture, green surroundings, family life, or affordability, there is likely a neighbourhood that fits your lifestyle.
For expats, the key is understanding how different Essen can feel depending on where you live. With realistic expectations and local knowledge, choosing the right neighbourhood becomes less daunting — and far more rewarding.
In Essen, finding your place is less about the city as a whole, and more about the small world you choose to call home.
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