Brussels is made up of 19 different municipalities (also referred to as communes, sectors, or districts), each with their own governing body. The government of each municipality is responsible for law enforcement, upkeep of schools and roads, and registering its’ citizens. Each commune has a mayor, a council, and an executive. Additionally, Brussels is the capital of the Flemish Region, capital of Belgium, and the administrative center of the European Union. Essentially, Brussels is the equivalent of Washington D.C. And because there are so many communes, Belgium has a very complex governmental system.

We have just moved from our temporary housing into a beautiful apartment in the City of Brussels, which is the largest municipality and historical center of the Brussels-Capital Region.

If you had told me that we would end up in the center of Brussels, I would have never believed you. I am only 15km (9.3 miles) away from work, but it takes me about 45 minutes to get there with traffic.😅 We debated on living in other communes, but ultimately decided that living in the city center means that we will be close to transportation, dining, entertainment, and all that Brussels has to offer! Even though we are in the heart of the city, the apartment is located at the end of a pedestrian-only walkway. Luckily, it isn’t all that loud or busy…yet Mallow still finds a way to bark out the window and everything and everyone.

It is unusually spacious for the city, with a total area of 135m2 (1453 sqft). To give you a point of reference, the other apartments we toured were 85-95m2 (914-1022 sqft). It is located on the 4th floor (5th level) with an exceptional view! The elevator leads directly into the apartment (i like to pretend I live in a penthouse). There are two large bedrooms, one of which is set up as a guest room (@ my friends and family who want to come and visit). There is also an office, in-unit washer, and 2 bathrooms. Fun fact: our apartment building is over 150 years old.

We are renting it fully furnished, which is typical because it is too difficult to move furniture in and out of the city center. In fact, you have to use an external elevator!

The couple that we are renting from are born and raised in Belgium, and have traveled thoroughly throughout both Europe and the US. They speak English, which makes it much easier to communicate. Along with leaving a list of local recommendations, they popped a bottle of champagne for us after we signed the lease!

Ben & I are big believers that the right thing always happens. When I tell you I have looked at hundreds of apartments online before finding this one, I mean it. This apartment is so full of character, spacious, and already feels like home! But don’t take my word for it, come and visit to find out for yourself 😉