Best Neighborhoods for Families in Vienna

Vienna, with its rich cultural heritage, excellent public services, and high quality of life, is an attractive city for expats and digital nomads with families. The city boasts a variety of neighborhoods that cater to different lifestyles and preferences. For families in particular, certain districts stand out for their green spaces, community atmosphere, and proximity to good schools. Here are some of the best neighborhoods in Vienna that offer a comfortable and enriching environment for families to call home.

Hietzing

Hietzing is known for its greenery and peaceful atmosphere, making it a top choice for families. With the Lainzer Tiergarten and the Schönbrunn Palace gardens, there are ample opportunities for outdoor activities and picnics. The neighborhood is also home to several good schools and playgrounds, ensuring that children have both educational and recreational facilities close at hand. Families often spend weekends exploring the local zoo or enjoying the vast open spaces.

Location: Located in the 13th district, to the west of the city center.

Real Estate: The area is known for its higher-end housing, with rental and purchase prices reflecting its desirability among families.

International Schools: Hietzing hosts a few international schools, including the Vienna International School, which offers the International Baccalaureate program for students from pre-primary to grade 12.

Where to Eat: The neighborhood has a variety of cozy cafes and traditional Viennese restaurants, perfect for family meals.

Interesting History: Hietzing is historically significant due to the presence of the Schönbrunn Palace, a former imperial summer residence that is now a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Parks: The Schönbrunn Palace Park is the most popular in the area, featuring beautifully landscaped gardens, a maze, and the oldest zoo in the world.

Döbling

Döbling, the 19th district, is another family-friendly area known for its vineyards and heurigers (wine taverns). It offers a mix of urban living with a touch of rural charm. The neighborhood has several parks and playgrounds, as well as reputable schools. Families can enjoy hiking in the nearby Vienna Woods or take a stroll through the picturesque streets lined with historic villas.

Location: Situated in the northwest of Vienna, bordering the Vienna Woods.

Real Estate: Döbling has a range of real estate options, from modern apartments to grand old houses, with prices varying accordingly.

International Schools: The American International School Vienna is located here, offering an American curriculum from pre-kindergarten through to grade 12.

Where to Eat: The district is famous for its heurigers, where families can enjoy traditional Austrian dishes and locally produced wine.

Interesting History: Döbling has a rich winemaking tradition, and many of its heurigers are located in historic buildings that have been serving wine for centuries.

Parks: Türkenschanzpark is a popular park in Döbling, offering playgrounds, ponds, and a variety of plants and trees.

Währing

Währing is a residential neighborhood that is popular among families due to its quiet streets, good schools, and abundance of parks. The 18th district has a friendly community vibe, and its proximity to the Vienna Woods makes it ideal for nature lovers. Families often visit the local farmers' markets or spend time in the many playgrounds scattered throughout the district.

Location: Located to the northwest of the city center, adjacent to Döbling.

Real Estate: Währing offers a mix of old and new housing, with prices that are generally more affordable than in neighboring districts.

International Schools: While there are no international schools directly in Währing, there are several options in nearby districts.

Where to Eat: The area has a variety of restaurants and cafes, many of which are family-friendly and offer international cuisine.

Interesting History: Währing is home to several historical cemeteries, including the Währinger Cemetery, where famous composer Franz Schubert is buried.

Parks: The Pötzleinsdorfer Schlosspark is a favorite among locals, with its spacious lawns, playgrounds, and a small palace that adds to the charm of the area.

Landstraße

Landstraße, the 3rd district, is centrally located and offers a blend of cultural attractions and family-friendly amenities. The Belvedere Palace and its gardens provide a stunning backdrop for family outings, and the district is dotted with playgrounds and schools. The Stadtpark, with its famous Johann Strauss monument, is another green oasis popular among families living in Landstraße.

Location: East of the city center, Landstraße is well-connected by public transport.

Real Estate: The district has a range of housing options, from historic buildings to modern apartments, with prices varying by location.

International Schools: There are several bilingual and international schools in the vicinity, catering to various age groups and curricula.

Where to Eat: Landstraße boasts a diverse culinary scene, with restaurants offering everything from traditional Viennese cuisine to international dishes.

Interesting History: The district is home to the Belvedere Palace, a baroque masterpiece with a history dating back to the Habsburg monarchy.

Parks: The Belvedere Gardens and Stadtpark are the main parks in the district, both offering beautiful landscapes and plenty of space for children to play.

Alsergrund

Alsergrund, the 9th district, is a neighborhood that combines intellectual history with a family-friendly environment. Home to the University of Vienna and several hospitals, it has a vibrant, academic atmosphere. Families appreciate the district's good schools, playgrounds, and proximity to the Danube Canal, which is perfect for leisurely walks and cycling.

Location: North of the city center, Alsergrund is well-served by public transportation.

Real Estate: The district offers a mix of old-world charm and modern living, with housing prices that are competitive for the city.

International Schools: While Alsergrund doesn't have a large selection of international schools, there are several reputable local schools with high standards of education.

Where to Eat: The neighborhood is known for its cozy cafes and bistros, many of which cater to the university crowd.

Interesting History: Alsergrund is where Sigmund Freud lived and worked, and his former home is now a museum dedicated to his life and work.

Parks: The Sigmund Freud Park is a popular spot for families, offering a tranquil setting for relaxation and play.

Simmering

Simmering, the 11th district, is an up-and-coming area that has become increasingly popular with families. It offers affordable housing, a sense of community, and plenty of green spaces. The Simmeringer Haide is a large open area perfect for sports and outdoor activities, and the district has several schools and kindergartens.

Location: Southeast of the city center, Simmering is accessible by the U3 metro line.

Real Estate: The district is known for its more affordable housing options, both for rent and purchase.

International Schools: There are no major international schools in Simmering, but the district has a good selection of local educational institutions.

Where to Eat: Simmering has a variety of restaurants offering traditional Viennese dishes as well as international cuisine.

Interesting History: The Gasometers in Simmering are four former gas storage tanks that have been repurposed into modern residential and commercial spaces, preserving a unique piece of industrial history.

Parks: The Simmeringer Haide is the main recreational area in the district, providing a vast space for families to enjoy outdoor activities.

Floridsdorf

Floridsdorf, the 21st district, is located on the northern outskirts of Vienna and is known for its family-friendly atmosphere. With the Danube River nearby, families can enjoy water-based activities and riverside walks. The district has numerous schools, playgrounds, and sports facilities, making it an ideal place for families with active lifestyles.

Location: North of the Danube River, Floridsdorf is well-connected to the city center by public transport.

Real Estate: Floridsdorf offers a range of affordable housing options, from apartments to single-family homes.

International Schools: While there are no international schools directly in Floridsdorf, there are several in neighboring districts.

Where to Eat: The district has a variety of dining options, including family-friendly restaurants and traditional heurigers.

Interesting History: Floridsdorf has a rich agricultural past, and remnants of this history can still be seen in the district's older farmhouses and marketplaces.

Parks: The Alte Donau (Old Danube) area offers numerous parks and beaches, which are particularly popular in the summer months.

Donau City

Donau City, or Vienna's 22nd district, is a modern and dynamic area that has been developed around the United Nations office complex. It's a cosmopolitan neighborhood with state-of-the-art infrastructure, making it attractive for expat families. The Donauinsel (Danube Island) provides a recreational paradise for cycling, swimming, and picnicking. Families also benefit from the proximity to international schools and modern playgrounds.

Location: Situated along the Danube River, east of the city center.

Real Estate: Donau City features contemporary housing, with a focus on high-rise apartments that offer stunning views of the city and river.

International Schools: The Vienna International School and Danube International School are located within easy reach, offering comprehensive international education.

Where to Eat: The area boasts a selection of upscale restaurants and cafes, many with impressive views of the Danube.

Interesting History: Donau City is a relatively new development in Vienna, but the nearby Donauturm (Danube Tower) is a landmark that dates back to the 1960s and offers panoramic views of the city.

Parks: Donauinsel is the main recreational area, with its extensive parks and beaches, it's a favorite among families for outdoor activities.

Each of these neighborhoods in Vienna offers its own unique charm and amenities, making them ideal for families looking for a new home in this beautiful city. With excellent schools, parks, and community facilities, expats and digital nomads can find the perfect balance of work and family life in Vienna.