Laeken

Use public transport on Friday at school home time and late Saturday evening and see if you feel safe.

mostly no, it isn't safe, and that is why prices are low despite arrival of new european school in the area

That part of Laeken is not safe. The other side of Laeken still holds (Pagodes). Talking about safe and unsafe, in my opinion, many parts of Brussels are unsafe and dirty. .

Completely agree with J! The property prices are tempting, but you need to do a walkabout at different times, and go shopping in a couple of the local supermarkets. I was in the same position as you, and in the end decided NO.

The words 'safe' and 'unsafe' are used far too frequently in conversations like this. What people really mean is that 'there are a lot of people with a different skin colour to mine'. They should be ashamed of themselves.

Yes, Bockstael area is like that. It means, for example, that there are superb (and friendly) Moroccan and Turkish butchers and greengrocers in rue Marie-Christine. I can also recommend my dentist who is nearby.

If the multiculturism is not to your liking, try one or two stops further up the metro, at Suyvenbergh or Houba-Brugmann. The areas around there are a bit more salubrious.

> The words 'safe' and 'unsafe' are used far too frequently in conversations like this.

Yes. It is highly subjective. A single white girl would feel about as at home in some parts of Brussels as a Morrocan family would in others.

Having said that, people's opinions of any particular neighborhood tend to reflect their own hangups far more than the reality of living there.

We are a white English speaking family and we moved to Laeken - Araucaria area - love it!