The 10 keys to choosing the best place to live in Barcelona

When choosing the best neighborhood to live in Barcelona, there are many factors to consider, as everyone has different preferences. We will compare the main suburbs of Barcelona – Eixample, Zona Alta, Gracia and Les Corts Ciutat Vella – based on ten key criteria.

1. Tranquility
If you want to live away from the hustle and bustle, the Zona Alta is highly recommended. This includes smaller areas such as Pedralbes and Sarrià-Sant Gervasi.

2. Price per square meter
Ciutat Vella and Gracia are usually cheaper, while the price of housing in the Eixample is usually above the city average. Pedralbes is generally considered a luxury area with exclusive properties that can cost several million euros.

3. Services
Regarding local services and equipment such as libraries, schools, health centers, etc., Ciutat Vella has the most basic offer. Although these services are not lacking, this is a predominantly tourist area, which means that the services are more aimed at tourists than local residents.

4. Surroundings
Eixample is considered one of the most beautiful neighborhoods in the city. It stands out with some of the most representative works of Antoni Gaudí, e.g. the Sagrada Familia. Ciutat Vella is not far behind, largely because it includes the Gothic Quarter. Gràcia also contains hidden gems, such as the fascinating Park Güell.

5. Property type
In terms of property type, there are a variety of options. In the Zona Alta, Les Corts and Gracia, the houses are usually larger and include apartments, houses, villas and palaces. In Eixample and Ciutat Vella flats predominate. 

6. Public transport
All areas of Barcelona are well connected by public transport. The main transport hubs are around Ciutat Vella and Eixample; these include Plaça Catalunya and Passeig de Gràcia. For those who can live without a car, these areas offer the best public transport connections.

7. Access by car
Those who prefer to travel by car may prefer to live in the Zona Alta, as it is closer to the B-20 highway. Eixample, Gracia and Les Corts are also easily accessible by car, thanks to the abundance of private car parks on Avenida Diagonal.

8. Proximity to the airport
Wherever you choose to live, the airport is easily accessible via the city bus, and the Metro. For car users, the best communicated area is the Zona Alta, since it is close to the B-20 and B-22. Ciutat Vella is also well connected by car through the B-10 or the Ronda Litoral.

9. Work prospects
The Gràcia and Eixample areas are two of the most important districts for businesses and office workers. However, those who are employed in the tourism sector and wish to live close to their workplace may prefer to reside in Ciutat Vella.

10. Living near the sea
Some parts of Ciutat Vella (such as Barceloneta) are located right next to the sea. The houses of the Forum or Poblenou offer the best options for living by the sea.

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