80 CultureShock! Austria
not to use a real estate agent, be prepared to do all the
legwork yourself and to take responsibility for each and every
minute detail.Where to Live in Vienna
Vienna is the largest city in Austria and made up of 23
districts or Bezirk. Some of the ritzier areas to live in are the
1st, 13th, 18th and 19th districts. (Be aware that especially in
the first district, street parking is very difficult to find.) More
affordable—and still central—districts are the 2nd to 9th. The
closer you live to the city centre, the more likely you will be
living in an apartment. Depending on your budget, they can
be small renovated apartments, every inch of which is used
wisely. Many apartments on the top floor have sloping ceilings
that make the actual living space even smaller. If you have
a healthy budget, you can find a large luxurious apartment.
Also, be aware that many apartment buildings do not have
elevators and you will have to lug your groceries up the
tightly curving flight of stairs. If you really prefer to live in a
house, you will have to move much farther away from the city
centre. In general, the further away you get from the centre,
the cheaper the housing. Nevertheless, nothing in Vienna
is really inconvenient, as public transportation is excellent.
Furthermore, there are no slums or bad neighbourhoods, so
one feels safe all the time.