Living in Laeken

There is so much to do and see in Laeken and we love it. I also have to say that I agree with Brusselsrower: painting a picture of a good side – nice, leafy, well-connected – and a bad side – to be avoided at all costs – is not accurate. It's not so black and white. Walking around the area near Stuyvenbergh does not seem any different to me than the area around Avenue des Pagodes. I would not use the words depressing or unsafe to qualify either area.
The leisure area just north of Stuyvenbergh and Houba-Brugmann is being redeveloped over the next few years. It's great for kids and adults. Travelling to Schuman (EU quarter) takes half an hour from this area on the metro.
The best way to find the right place if you have the time is to walk around. There's no substitute for actually being there!

I am looking to rent in the Laeken area near to the EEB4. I have found this very useful but any extra help would be appreciated.

Hello,
I am not an expat but an ex-Eur School BXL II student and just created a Facebook page called 'Laken lives' the aim of which is to collect all kinds of tips about Laeken. If ever you have questions please connect or if you have good tips on Laken please post them or send them to me (rfeltkamp@mac.com).
I live in Leaken now for 10 years in the mids of what same call the 'bad' or 'depressing' side, Bockstael. Very much a dynamic and alive area with lots of friendly people who unfortunately did not have the same chances as you and me. They are trying there best and do not like neither the unsafety created by some people in the area. You do not help them by staying away. And you miss authentic flavour of this side of the city. ;-)

Hi,
Me and my family have been living in Laken (the unfamous "other" side) since 2 years and absolutely adore it. Our house is located at a square nearby the Stuyvenbergh metro stations which guarantees easy access to the city center with excellent bus/tram and metro connections.
If you take a look the area though google maps, you might be blown away by the fact how "green" this area is. Parcs and forests in walking distance and never to crowed. Eg, the "jardin du fleurist" (at the top of the Sobieski parc) is a stylisch park with a great view all over Brussels. But also Boudewijn Park, Park van Laken...
The European School did not do much damage yet to the housing prices but that might change in a few years when the Heyzel conversion will get at speed (http://www.neobrussels.com/nl/ ==> 700 luxury appartments). And companies as Skyline Europe (known for renting to expats) plan projects in Laken in the near future.
In terms of nightlife however, there is certainly room for improvement, as also this area is a bit to quiet after sunset.
Regards,
Tom