Where to Live in Aachen (Part I)

Moving to Aachen and wondering where to actually live? The city is officially divided into 7 districts and, for statistical purposes, 34 numbered sub-districts. These divisions are useful for bureaucratic reasons and have so little to do with deciding where to live; in fact, two neighborhoods in the same district can have completely different vibes. In this two-part article, we break down what each area is really like to live in: who it suits, what it costs, and what the general vibe is. Part I covers Aachen-Mitte; Part II covers the six outer districts.

Source: Wikimedia Commons

Overall, the average rent in Aachen sits at around €11.80/m² in the 2026 rent index (Mietspiegel), but the spread between neighborhoods is huge. From about €8/m² in the quiet outskirts to €18/m² in the old town. All prices below are approximate asking rents as of 2026. Keep this in mind when reading about the different neighborhoods in this article.

Aachen-Mitte: The Heart of the City

Aachen-Mitte is the largest and most central district, home to the old town, both universities (RWTH Aachen and FH Aachen), most of the nightlife, and, to no surprise, the highest rents in the city. Housing is mostly small- to mid-sized flats; houses and large apartments are rare. Quality, cleanliness, and safety vary a lot from street to street.

This district comprises 16 neighborhoods and 25 statistical districts. In what follows, we list them and describe the related information.

Stadtmitte (City Center)

This is where the heart of Aachen beats, between the old city walls, around the Dom and Rathaus. Apartments here are in high demand, and rent isn't cheap (roughly €14-18/m²), but the location can't be beaten: historic sights, shopping, nightlife, and student bars, all a short walk from each other (although it could be frustrating/bit overwhelming around the Christmas season, as an unusual flood of people wander around in that area for the annual Christmas market).

Pontviertel

A lively, compact neighborhood just northwest of the old town, named after the Ponttor, one of the city's medieval gates. Its heart is Pontstraße, a student hub packed with cafés, bars, and kebab shops. Central, youthful, very walkable, and roughly €12-15/m².

Rosviertel

Historically shaped by the textile industry, the Rosviertel is a neighborhood in transition: old working-class architecture next to renovated buildings, with a strong multicultural community vibe and a good mix of students and long-term residents. Around €10-14/m².

Burtscheid

One of the oldest parts of Aachen. The abbey here was founded back in 997, and Burtscheid remained an independent town until 1897. Expect stunning architecture, a proper Kurpark (spa gardens), and an atmosphere that feels almost like a separate little city right next to the center. It has a "fancy" reputation, with rents around €10-14/m² to match.

Frankenberg

Probably the most photogenic neighborhood in Aachen: historic townhouses and Jugendstil buildings (over 250 listed monuments), parks, cafés, and the popular Neumarkt square. It's not flashy. It feels authentic, friendly, and lived-in, which is exactly why it's one of the most sought-after residential areas. In Frankenberg, rent prices are typically in the range of €12-16/m². Frankenberg, especially in the southern part, is common for young families.

Hörn & Aachen West

Hörn and the area around Westbahnhof are dominated by RWTH institutes and student infrastructure, mainly dorms, apartment blocks, and shared flats. It includes heavy rail traffic, a mix of buildings, and a transient vibe. What they lack in charm, they make up for in practicality for anyone tied to the university. Rent is around €10-13/m².

Rothe Erde

Once the site of a famous steel company, Rothe Erde is now a mix of older apartments and newer developments, best known for affordability and practical housing. You'll often find larger flats here for less money (€9-12/m²). The streets around the train station and commercial strips can be shabbier than in quieter districts, so take this into account if you decide to live in this neighborhood.

Beverau & Bildchen

Beverau sits south of the center between the Stadtwald and the Beverbach Creek. Planned as a Gartenstadt in 1911, it's one of the greenest, quietest, and most family-friendly areas of the city. It’s home to the colorful "Papageienhäuser" (parakeet houses) built quickly after WWII. Upper-tier prices are at €11-15/m².

Tiny Bildchen lies along the former border with Belgium and is surrounded by protected forest. Rentals are rare (often larger houses or renovated farmhouses), and prices are above average.

In these areas, most of the residents of these areas own their homes, so it is relatively more difficult to find a place to rent.

Forst

Mostly residential and family-oriented, with housing ranging from pre-war buildings to large estates from the '60s and '70s. The Driescher Hof estate alone gives the area its distinctive character, and the wider Forst quarter is home to over 20,000 people. Generous green space, moderate rents (€9-12/m²), and more room for your money, so it's ideal for budget-conscious renters who need more room and do not care much about living in the center.

Preuswald, Ronheide, Steinebrück & Hangeweiher (The Quiet Corners)

At the southwestern and southern edges of the district, these forest-side areas feel a world away from the busy center. Preuswald is peaceful, green, and among the more affordable parts of the city (€8-11/m²). Ronheide is a tiny, quiet patch of detached homes next to the old Vennbahn line. Listings are rare but get interest fast. Steinebrück offers rural charm with historical estates, watermills, and nature trails, and Hangeweiher rounds out the calm, green side of the district.

Tip: Mitte covers a huge range of lifestyles. Before deciding on a street, check the bus connections and visit in the evening. A ten-minute walk can mean the difference between a party street and a quiet family lane.

Aachen-Mitte Neighborhoods in a Nutshell

Rent figures are approximate asking rents as of 2026; distances are rough travel times to the old town.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Is Aachen-Mitte the most expensive district in Aachen?

Generally, yes. The old town (Stadtmitte) is the priciest area in the city at roughly €14-18/m² (as of 2026), and sought-after neighborhoods like Frankenberg and Beverau are also at the upper end. Affordable pockets still exist within Mitte, though: Preuswald and Rothe Erde both rent below the city average.

Q2: Which neighborhood in Aachen-Mitte is best for students?

The Pontviertel, hands down. Pontstraße is the student hub of the city, and the walk to the RWTH main building is short. Hörn is the other classic student area, right next to several RWTH institutes.

Q3: Can you find family housing in Aachen-Mitte?

It's harder than in the outer districts. The stock is dominated by small and mid-sized flats. Beverau, Bildchen, and Steinebrück are the exceptions, with houses and larger family homes.

Q4: How do I find a flat in Aachen?

The usual suspects: ImmoScout24, WG-Gesucht (for shared flats), and the university housing portals. The market moves fast, so set up alerts. Good flats in Mitte are often gone within days.

Q5: When is the best time to search for a flat in Aachen?

Finding a flat in Aachen is most difficult around the beginning of the winter semester (around September - November) of every year. It is a bit less difficult around the beginning of the summer semester (around March - June) of every year. During these months, new students usually arrive in Aachen, so competition for flats, especially affordable ones, becomes fierce. So, it is best to look for a flat in Aachen outside these peak times.

Part II covers the six outer districts: Laurensberg, Richterich, Haaren, Eilendorf, Brand, and Kornelimünster/Walheim. Stay tuned!