Moving to Liege, Belgium

"Liege is a French-speaking city, so it would be beneficial to learn some basic French phrases before moving. The cost of living in Liege is relatively lower compared to other major cities in Belgium like Brussels or Antwerp. The city has a well-connected public transportation system, including buses and trains, making it easy to travel around. Liege is known for its vibrant nightlife, with a plethora of bars, clubs, and restaurants to choose from. The city is also famous for its Sunday market, La Batte, which is the largest and oldest market in Belgium. It's a great place to buy fresh produce, antiques, and other goods. Belgium has a high standard of healthcare, and this is true in Liege as well. However, it's important to note that you will need to register with a local health insurance fund to access these services. The city is home to the University of Liege, which attracts students from around the world, contributing to the city's multicultural atmosphere. Liege also has a rich history and culture, with many museums, historical sites, and festivals taking place throughout the year. Belgians are known for their love of food, and Liege is no exception. The city is famous for its waffles, known as Liege waffles, which are a must-try. Renting in Liege can be a straightforward process, but it's important to understand your rights and responsibilities as a tenant. It's also worth noting that most rental properties in Liege come unfurnished. The weather in Liege is temperate, with warm summers and cool, wet winters. It's advisable to pack a variety of clothing to accommodate the changing seasons. Finally, Belgians are known for their directness, so don't be surprised if people seem blunt or straightforward. This is a cultural norm and is not intended to be rude," commented one expat who made the move to Liege.

"Finding a place to live in Liege, involves several steps. First, you need to determine your budget and the type of accommodation you're looking for. This could range from a studio apartment to a larger family home. Next, you should research the different neighborhoods in Liege to find one that suits your lifestyle and needs. Some popular areas include the city center, Outremeuse, and Saint-Leonard. Once you have an idea of where you'd like to live, you can start your search. There are several online platforms that list properties for rent or sale in Liege, such as Immoweb, Zimmo, and Immovlan. These websites allow you to filter your search based on location, price, size, and other features. You can also consider hiring a real estate agent to help with your search. They can provide valuable local knowledge and help negotiate the rental or purchase agreement. When you find a property you're interested in, arrange a viewing. This will give you a chance to inspect the property and ask any questions. If you're planning to rent, you'll likely need to provide proof of income, references, and possibly a security deposit. If you're buying, you'll need to secure financing and possibly hire a notary to handle the legal aspects of the purchase. Finally, once you've found your new home and signed the necessary paperwork, you can start planning your move. This might involve hiring a moving company, setting up utilities, and changing your address with various institutions. Remember, finding a place to live can take time, so it's important to start your search well in advance of when you plan to move," said one expat who made the move to Liege.

"A typical expat home or apartment in Liege, is often located in the city center or in the quieter suburbs. These homes are usually modern and well-maintained, with a blend of traditional Belgian architecture and contemporary design. They often feature high ceilings, large windows, and hardwood floors. The living area is usually spacious, with a comfortable seating area and a dining space. The kitchen is typically fully equipped with modern appliances, including a dishwasher, oven, and refrigerator. The bedrooms are usually cozy and well-lit, with ample storage space. Some apartments may also have a small balcony or terrace, offering views of the city or the surrounding greenery. The bathrooms are typically modern and clean, often featuring a bathtub or a shower. Most expat homes in Liege also come with amenities such as central heating, Wi-Fi, and a washing machine. Some may also have access to a shared garden or courtyard. Despite being in a foreign country, these homes are designed to provide all the comforts and conveniences that one would expect in a modern home. In terms of location, these homes are often close to public transportation, making it easy for expats to commute to work or explore the city. They are also usually within walking distance of shops, restaurants, and other amenities. Despite being in the heart of the city, these homes often offer a quiet and peaceful living environment. In summary, a typical expat home in Liege, Belgium, is comfortable, modern, and conveniently located, offering a high standard of living for expats," said one expat who made the move to Liege.

"The average cost of housing in Liege can vary greatly depending on the type and location of the property. For instance, the price of an apartment in the city center may be higher compared to those in the outskirts. As of recent data, the average price for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center is approximately €600-€700 per month. For a three-bedroom apartment in the same area, the cost can go up to around €1,000-€1,200 per month. If you're looking to buy property, the average price per square meter in the city center is around €2,000-€2,500. However, these prices can fluctuate based on market conditions and other factors," remarked one expat in Liege, Belgium.

"The decision to buy or rent a home in Liege, largely depends on your personal circumstances, financial situation, and long-term plans. If you plan to stay in Liege for a long period, buying a home could be a good investment. Owning a home allows you to build equity over time and could provide financial stability in the future. However, buying a home also comes with additional costs such as maintenance, insurance, and property taxes. It also requires a significant upfront investment for the down payment and closing costs. Therefore, if you're not ready for these financial commitments, renting might be a better option. Renting a home in Liege offers more flexibility. It's a good option if you're not sure about your long-term plans or if you prefer not to deal with the responsibilities of homeownership. Renting can also be more affordable in the short term, as it doesn't require a large upfront investment. However, renting doesn't build equity and rental rates can increase over time. You also have less control over your living space when you rent, as you can't make significant changes without the landlord's permission. In conclusion, whether you should buy or rent a home in Liege depends on your financial situation, long-term plans, and personal preferences. It's important to carefully consider all these factors before making a decision," explained one expat living in Liege, Belgium.

"In Liege, it is considered rude to not greet people with a handshake or a kiss on the cheek. It's also important to remember to say "please" and "thank you" as Belgians place a high value on politeness. Belgians are known for their love of food, so refusing food or drink offered to you can be seen as impolite. It's also considered bad manners to leave food on your plate, as it implies you didn't enjoy the meal. Belgians are generally private people, so avoid asking personal questions unless you know the person well. It's also considered impolite to interrupt someone while they're speaking. In Belgium, punctuality is highly valued. Arriving late to an appointment or meeting can be seen as disrespectful. Belgians are proud of their languages and culture, so making derogatory comments or jokes about their country, language or culture is considered highly offensive. It's also important to remember that tipping is not customary in Belgium. Service charge is usually included in the bill, so tipping is not expected unless you received exceptional service. Lastly, avoid discussing sensitive topics such as politics, religion, and the linguistic divide between the French-speaking and Dutch-speaking regions of Belgium. These topics can lead to heated debates and are best avoided unless you are well-informed about them," commented one expat who made the move to Liege.