Moving to Malta? Here are The Best Areas for Flat-Sharing 🏡👨👩👧👦
Welcome to sunny Malta! If you're a foreign expat, and you're looking for the best areas in Malta for flat-sharing, you're in luck. Malta is a beautiful country with a rich history and plenty of areas to choose from. In this article, we're going to focus on the best areas in Malta for flat-sharing. Whether you're looking for a trendy area with a lot of nightlife or a quieter area with a more laid-back atmosphere, the island has something for everyone.
1. Sliema - A Well-Connected, Lively Area 🎉
If you're looking for a vibrant and trendy area with a lot of cafés, bars, restaurants, and high-end shops, Sliema is the place for you. This bustling town is located on the coast and has a great selection of apartments and flats for rent. From luxury to budget-friendly options. The area is particularly popular with expats looking for shared accommodation, as there are many flat-sharing options available via Flatmate.
Sliema is one of the island's busiest commercial and residential areas. It's a great location for those who want to live near the sea and be close to all the amenities, including shops, restaurants, and cafés. Besides, Sliema is well-connected to other areas of Malta. You can easily travel to other parts of the island from Sliema by bus, ferry or car. It has a large expat community, making it a great place to meet new people and make friends. Many expats find it easy to settle into life in Sliema due to its international community.
2. St. Julian’s - A Place With Vibrant Nightlife 🎆
St. Julian's is another popular area for flat-sharing in Malta. It's known for its vibrant nightlife. With a wide variety of bars, clubs, and restaurants, this area is the heart of Malta's nightlife scene. From cosy pubs to trendy clubs, there's something for everyone in St. Julian's. Whether you're looking for a night out with friends or a romantic evening with your partner, this area has it all. But don't worry, it's not just for party animals. St. Julian's also has a lot of cafés, restaurants, and shops to explore during the day.
St. Julian's is particularly popular among young expats and students, as the area is home to many language schools. This means that there are always plenty of people around, and the nightlife scene is always lively and buzzing. So if you're looking for a place to live in Malta where you can party and socialize with like-minded people, St. Julian's is definitely the best choice. With its vibrant nightlife scene, friendly expat community, and stunning sea views, it's the perfect place to call home.
3. Gzira - A Quiet, Peaceful Area Close to Sliema ☮️
Gzira is a quieter area located just outside Sliema. It's a great option if you're looking for a more laid-back atmosphere. Gzira is also located on the coast and has a beautiful promenade that runs along the water. Imagine waking up every morning to the sound of the sea and the sight of the sun rising over the Mediterranean. It's a truly magical experience that you won't find in many other places in the world. It is a convenient location to get to other parts of the island. The area is full of amenities, including shopping centres, restaurants, bars, and cafés. It's also a stone's throw away from the vibrant capital city, Valletta.
Gzira is a relatively affordable area to live in, especially compared to more upscale areas such as Sliema and St. Julian's. Despite the lower cost of living, Gzira still offers plenty of luxurious accommodation options for those who are interested.
All in all, Gzira is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a great place to live in Malta. Whether you're a student, a young professional, or just someone looking for a change of scenery, Gzira has something to offer everyone.
4. Msida - A Well-Connected, Peaceful Area Close to Sliema 🌳
Msida is a charming town situated in central Malta, close to Valletta, the capital city of Malta. It's a great option if you're looking for easy access to public transportation, as it has a main bus terminal. Msida is also home to the University of Malta, so it's a popular area for students. Not only is Msida easily accessible by public transport, but it's also within walking distance of several popular areas, including Sliema, Gzira, and Valletta.
For expats looking for affordable flat-sharing options, Msida is a great choice. The area has a variety of shared accommodation options available, including spacious apartments and cosy studios. The rent in Msida is generally cheaper compared to other popular areas like Sliema or St. Julian's, making it an ideal choice for those on a budget.
One of the standout features of Msida is its picturesque marina, which provides residents with a scenic place to take a walk or enjoy a meal at one of the waterfront restaurants. The area also boasts a vibrant and diverse community, making it an ideal place for expats who want to immerse themselves in Maltese culture while also enjoying the company of other internationals.
Msida offers the perfect combination of convenience, affordability, and charm, making it an ideal choice for expats looking for a welcoming and accessible place to call home in Malta. So, whether you're a student, young professional, or just looking for a change of scenery, Msida is definitely worth considering as your next home in Malta.
5. Qawra - An Affordable Area in the North 🖥️
Qawra is located in the northern part of Malta and is a great option if you're looking for a more affordable area. It's known for its beautiful coastline and has plenty of apartments and flats available for rent.
Qwara boasts a wide range of amenities that cater to the needs of young professionals, including cafés, restaurants, supermarkets, and shopping centres. But that's not all! Qwara is also home to some of the island's best beaches, making it the ideal place for those who love to soak up the sun and enjoy the Mediterranean Sea.
The town is known for its affordable prices, which means that you can find a comfortable and stylish apartment without breaking the bank. There are many apartment blocks and residences that cater specifically to the expat community, with many offering shared facilities such as gyms, swimming pools, and gardens. The town is just a stone's throw away from one of Malta's most popular tourist destination, St. Paul's Bay. It’s well-connected to the rest of the island via public transport, making it easy for you to explore everything Malta has to offer.
6. Valletta - The Capital and Beating Heart of Malta ❤️
For those looking for a truly unique and luxurious shared living experience, look no further than Malta's historic capital city, Valletta. The city's narrow streets and Baroque architecture provide the perfect backdrop for some of the island's most stunning shared accommodation options. Imagine living in a beautifully restored 17th-century palazzo with modern amenities and breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea.
The rental prices in Valletta can vary depending on the location and size of the property. Generally speaking, Valletta is one of the most expensive areas to rent in Malta. Keep in mind that prices may be higher for furnished apartments or those with balconies or terraces with a view. It's also worth noting that rental prices in Valletta can be quite competitive due to its popularity among tourists and locals alike, so it's important to act quickly if you find a property that you like.
7. The Three Cities - Authentic, Charming, and Budget-Friendly Area ⛴️
From its rich history to its beautiful architecture and stunning views, the Three Cities has everything you need to live a comfortable and exciting life in Malta. The Three Cities, also known as Cottonera, are very well connected by ferry. The Cottonera Ferry Service is a regular passenger service that operates between the three cities - Vittoriosa, Senglea, and Cospicua - and Valletta, Malta's capital city. The ferry service operates daily, and is popular among tourists and locals alike, offering a quick and convenient way to travel between the three cities and Valletta.
The Three Cities are a great option for those looking for more affordable rental prices in Malta. For example, a one-bedroom apartment in Cospicua can range from around €500 to €800 per month, while a two-bedroom apartment in the same area can range from around €700 to €1,200 per month. Meanwhile, in Birgu, a one-bedroom apartment can cost anywhere from €550 to €900 per month, and a two-bedroom apartment can cost anywhere from €800 to €1,500 per month. In Senglea, the prices are similar to those in Cospicua and Birgu.
How to Choose the Best Area for Expats in Malta ☀️🌊
You're probably wondering how can you decide where the best area is for you for flat-sharing. Here are some things to consider:
- Consider Your Lifestyle - The first thing you should do when choosing an area in Malta is to consider your lifestyle. Do you enjoy a more laid-back atmosphere, or are you looking for a place with a lot of nightlife? Are you interested in being close to the beach, or do you prefer a more urban setting? Knowing your preferences will help you narrow down your search.
- Research the Different Areas - Malta has several areas that are popular with expats, each with its own unique vibe. Some of the most popular areas include Sliema, St. Julian's, Valletta, and Gzira. Research each area to see which one is the best fit for you.
- Check the Cost of Living - The cost of living can vary greatly depending on where you live in Malta. Make sure you take into account the cost of rent, utilities, transportation, and food when considering your budget. Some areas may be more affordable than others, so do your research before making a decision.
- Look for Convenience - When choosing an area to live in, it's important to consider convenience. Look for areas that are close to public transportation, grocery stores, and other amenities that are critical to you. This will make your day-to-day life much easier.
- Flatmate Malta is a great resource for finding shared accommodation in Malta. You can browse through listings and connect with potential flatmates to find the perfect match. The website also has helpful information on the rental market in Malta.
- Connect with Other Expats - One of the best ways to get a feel for different areas in Malta is to connect with other expats. Join local expat groups on social media or attend expat events to meet new people and get recommendations on the best areas for expats.
Don't be afraid to take your time and explore different areas before making a final decision. Good luck! 👍🏼🌈