Vienna's 7th district – Neubau: where to live and what to invest in

When I first found myself in Neubau (Vienna's 7th district), I was struck by how compactly such a diversity of lifestyles and rhythms of life could coexist within just a few square kilometers.

Here, historic 19th-century facades rub shoulders with experimental art spaces, morning markets give way to evening exhibitions, and the sidewalks are equally populated by fashion designers, elderly Viennese couples, and young families with children.

Neubau is located just 2-3 km from the historic center, but it's more than just a residential area near tourist-heavy Vienna. It's an independent ecosystem—creative, vibrant, and constantly evolving.

Unlike more conservative and respectable neighborhoods like Hietzing or Döbling, there's a vibrant energy here: new cafes, studios, and creative agency offices are opening, and every summer the area is filled with festivals and fairs.

I often advise clients to consider Neubau if they're looking not only for real estate but also for a specific lifestyle. It's the easiest place to integrate into Viennese life, meet locals, and find a social network.

For investors, the area is attractive due to its high population density (approximately 18–20 thousand people per km²) and stable rental demand, especially from young professionals and students.

The purpose of this article is to take a detailed look at Neubau from various angles: history, geography, social structure, housing stock, infrastructure and, of course, investment attractiveness.

Key features of Neubau:

• Location: only 2-3 km to the city centre (Innere Stadt).
• Population: about 32–35 thousand residents.
• Atmosphere: Bohemian, creative, with a strong art scene.
• Property prices: Some of the highest in Vienna (average €5,500–6,000/m²), due to high demand.
• Transport: metro lines U3 and U6, dense network of trams and buses.
• Infrastructure: compact, with a developed network of schools, shops, and cultural centers.

Neubau is called "Vienna's Soho" or "Little Berlin," and the comparison is entirely justified. But, as I explain to clients, it's important to understand: unlike Berlin, where neighborhoods can quickly change and even "depreciate," in Vienna, the historical stability of a neighborhood is a guarantee for investors.

Neubau's history dates back to the Middle Ages. The first settlements here arose in the 14th and 15th centuries as suburban areas outside the Viennese city walls. The name "Neubau" translates as "new building" or "new quarter," reflecting the area's rapid development during the era when Vienna was expanding beyond its old city center.

By the 19th century, Neubau had become a district of artisans and small-scale industries. Shoemakers, furniture makers, bakers, and small metalworkers worked here. The district developed as a "working class" district, but not one that was truly industrial. Rather, it was a artisan's quarter, where the owner and his family lived above the shop, while work was in full swing below.

A special chapter in history is the factories and workshops of furniture makers. Vienna is still famous for its furniture school, and many of the roots of this craftsmanship can be traced back to Neubau. The district was also known as a center of the printing industry, housing printing houses and publishing workshops.

In the second half of the 19th century, so-called "Hofhäuser" (houses with courtyards) were actively built in Neubau, creating small "communities." Many of these buildings remain today: four- to five-story buildings with arched entrances to courtyards that once housed wells, sheds, or small gardens.

After World War I, the district, like the rest of Vienna, faced a housing shortage. It was in the 1920s and 1930s that the "social housing" program (Gemeindebau) was actively developed. Several iconic complexes were built in Neubau, which are still in use today and are considered examples of the progressive architecture of their time.

After World War II, Neubau gradually transformed from a working-class district into a cultural one. Artists, writers, and students from the Academy of Fine Arts moved here. In the 1970s, an art scene began to emerge, and in the 1990s, the first fashion designers arrived.

Today, Neubau is perceived as "Vienna's hub of alternative culture." It is home to the MuseumsQuartier (one of Europe's largest cultural complexes), as well as numerous galleries and art studios.

I often meet clients who come to Vienna for work or study and fall in love with Neubau.

Neubau is one of Vienna's most compact districts. Its area is approximately 1.6-1.9 km², with a population of between 32,000 and 35,000. The density reaches 18,000-20,000 people per square kilometer—one of the highest in the city for a residential area with historic buildings.

This is a typical profile of the inner districts: there are few large parks “inside the contour”, but around them there are large green spaces of the first and neighboring districts (Burggarten, Volksgarten, MQ-courtyards) within a short walking distance.

Geographically, Neubau can be read as a “mosaic” district:

Residential areas . Old hof buildings, modern apartments, and social housing. The streets of Neustiftgasse, Zieglergasse, Kaiserstraße, Burggasse, Lerchenfelder Straße (bordering the 8th), and a network of secondary streets. Here you'll find a mix of old town houses, modernized buildings, and small new additions.

Shopping streets . First and foremost, Mariahilf er Straße (formally the 6th, but functionally the "threshold" of Neubau), one of Vienna's most popular shopping streets, its "shoulder" Siebensterngasse, and Neubau (today a meeting area).

Creative spaces . Workshops, studios, and galleries are concentrated closer to the center of the district. MuseumsQuartier (the center of cultural gravity), WestLicht (museum and photography center) on Westbahnstraße, galleries along Schleifmühlgasse/ Neubau axis, mixed shops, etc.

Squares and courtyards . Spittelberg (a network of narrow streets and courtyards), Sankt-Ulrichs-Platz, Weghuberpark at MQ, Josef-Strauß-Park – small but cozy pockets of greenery.

• The district's main artery is Mariahilfer Straße, which runs through the southern part of Neubau. It's bustling with life day and night, with shops, cafes, offices, and transportation hubs.
• Parallel to it is Neubaugasse – a street with a more local, “neighborhood” character: designer shops, small restaurants, cozy coffee shops.

Inside, the streets are narrower, often one-way, with pedestrians and bicycles given priority. Neubau is a short-distance neighborhood, with a door-to-door walk taking 5–12 minutes.

The area's development is highly diverse. Among the buildings are 19th-century buildings with ornate façades, functional mid-20th-century homes, and modern complexes with panoramic windows.

The balance of historic development and modern renovations plays into the hands of buy-to-let investors: a good share of high-quality Altbau buildings, stable tenants from the "creative economy," and proximity to university and cultural clusters ensure predictable liquidity.

In my experience, it's this combination of styles that often attracts clients. For example, one family from Poland was choosing between a new apartment in Donaustadt and a historic farmhouse in Neubau. They ultimately settled on Neubau because, as they put it, "every street here has its own story."

Neubau is one of Vienna's "youngest" neighborhoods in spirit and lifestyle. The average age of residents here is lower than the city average. While the median age in Vienna as a whole is around 42, in Neubau it's closer to 38–39.

The age profile is "young adult": many employed people aged 25-44, with higher education, are employed in the creative economy, IT, education, medicine, and tourism. Neubau is a late-mature community, where people tend to stay in city apartments longer rather than move to a house on the outskirts: the proximity to work, culture, and schools compensates for the small living space.

The majority of residents are:

• young professionals in creative industries (design, fashion, advertising, IT);
• students of the University of Vienna, the University of Applied Arts, the Academy of Fine Arts;
• young families with one or two children;
• as well as the "born Viennese" who have lived here for generations.

The proportion of foreigners in the city as of the beginning of 2024 was 35.4% (40.2% were born outside Austria). Compared to other districts, Neubau is noticeably more international than, for example, the 13th (Hietzing) or 18th (Währing), where families with Austrian roots predominate.

In Neubau you can find two "poles":

• People with high incomes who buy apartments for €600,000–700,000 and above.
• Middle class people: renters, students, creatives.

The area is expensive, but not elite – it's more about lifestyle than luxury. Incomes vary across Vienna , but Neubau is one of the districts with above-average renter purchasing power (adjusted for high rents). For buyers, this means less risk of vacancy and a higher expectation of quality – kitchens, bathrooms, built-in lighting, and storage. For renters, it means the opportunity to live "one step" from work and the theater.

Regarding the disadvantaged and dangerous areas of Vienna, Austria as a whole and Vienna as a metropolis are safe by European standards. According to annual reports from the federal BMI , Vienna has maintained a consistently high level of subjective safety in recent years.

When considering Vienna as a place to live, it's important to consider a combination of factors: the density of nightlife, tourist flow, proximity to transport hubs – and then choose the right type of housing and its security (intercom, video intercom, entrance lighting, high-quality doors) accordingly.

Why foreigners choose Neubau:

• Central location.
• The atmosphere of “little Berlin” is comfortable for creative professions.
• High security.
• Numerous schools offer instruction in English and other languages.
• Opportunity to invest in liquid real estate.

The Neubau housing stock is a mosaic of historic apartment buildings, "Red Vienna" communal facilities, and modern apartments after reconstruction/spot new construction.

The historic section features high ceilings, plaster cornices, parquet floors, and double doors. The presence of an elevator, modern utilities, energy-efficient windows, and well-thought-out ventilation are crucial. The courtyard buildings (or "gof" buildings) value a "quiet" view. Neubau's housing stock can be roughly divided into the following categories:

• Historic 19th-century hof houses with arched passages into the courtyards;
• Communal houses from the 1920s and 1930s (social housing, often with green courtyards);
• Modern apartments and lofts after reconstruction of old factories;
• New generation boutique complexes with smart home technologies.

The area is renowned for its almost complete absence of mass-produced buildings: construction is limited by the compactness of the area and the preservation of its historic character. This automatically increases the value of each property.

There is some social housing in the area, but it's lower than in the outer districts, simply due to the small amount of land and the high historical density. For families with children, the floor plan and lighting are important, while for investors, a loss-free layout and the condition of the common property (roof, risers, façade) are important.

Price range . Neubau is at the top end of the city's price spectrum, though not as extreme as the "golden" 1st district. According to official transaction statistics from Statistik Austria , apartment prices in Vienna grew unevenly in 2024; data by district is available in their downloads (including the 7th, Neubau ).

This is a rare "official" snapshot of actual transactions, not offers. For reference: Neubau consistently ranks among neighborhoods with purchase prices often exceeding €6,000/m² for high-quality properties, which is higher than in more peripheral neighborhoods.

Banking analytics also show a high level: reports from major Austrian banks and research on Vienna (OeNB price indices) show a long-term growth trend with cyclical phases. The OeNB index is the "baseline" I use when discussing investment horizons (10-15 years).

Rent. Average market rents in Neubau are higher than the Vienna average. The official "benchmark" in Austria is the so-called Richtwert (a benchmark rate for certain categories of older housing), which is updated by the Ministry of Justice for Vienna; however, it does not reflect market contracts in the "free sector," particularly in prime locations.

Therefore, in my practical assessment, I look at actual transactions and current contracts in comparable buildings, as well as city statistics/Austrian rental statistics at the state level. In Neubau, actual market contracts are often significantly higher than the "benchmarks."

Local hotspots for living and buying include the perimeter of Neubau Gasse, the quiet streets between Neubau Gasse and MuseumsQuartier, and the neighborhoods north of Mariahilf er Straße with better insolation. These areas enjoy stable demand from both renters and end-user buyers. In practice, the best results are achieved by "after-thought" properties: historic apartments with new utilities and elevators.

When families with children consider moving to Neubau, the first question they ask me during a consultation is, "What about schools and kindergartens?" This is entirely understandable—after all, education is always a key factor when choosing a place to live. Neubau is convenient for families because schools and kindergartens are within walking distance.

Kindergartens. There are several municipal kindergartens in the area (they are funded by the city, so they are free or have a very nominal fee). There is also a network of private kindergartens, where classes are smaller and more attention is paid to developing creative skills.

Many of my clients choose private kindergartens because they want their child to study music, drawing, and foreign languages ​​from an early age.

Primary Schools. Primary education in Neubau is of a high standard. There are both public and private schools.

Public schools focus on the classical Austrian curriculum. Private schools offer a more individualized approach, often with an emphasis on creative subjects.

Secondary education. There are more options here: gymnasiums, private schools with international curricula, and specialized lyceums. Furthermore, the neighboring districts (6th, 8th, and 9th) are home to prestigious gymnasiums and private international schools.

International schools where instruction is in English are especially popular. They are more expensive than standard Austrian schools, but they allow children to immediately integrate into an international environment.

Higher education. Higher education institutions are concentrated around the Uni Wien , TU Wien , and mdw in the 1st through 9th districts, supporting rental demand in Neubau among assistant professors, doctoral students, and young faculty.

A practical example: One of my clients is a family from Ukraine with two children. They chose an apartment in Neubau specifically because it was within walking distance of a kindergarten and an international school.

Their youngest child went to a municipal kindergarten, and their eldest to an international school with an English focus. This allowed the family to minimize the stress of the move: the children quickly adapted, made friends, and the parents gained confidence that the education met international standards.

One of Neubau's main advantages is its self-sufficiency. The neighborhood is small, but it has everything you need for life.

Shops. From large chains (Billa, Spar, Hofer) to small organic shops, Mariahilf er Straße boasts shopping centers, boutiques, clothing stores, and electronics stores.

Healthcare. The district has a city clinic, several private clinics, and dental offices. The nearest major public hospital is Wilhelminenspital (in the 16th district), but it's a 15-minute drive away.

Services. Dry cleaners, hair salons, gyms, coworking spaces. Everything is literally within easy reach.

Vienna is renowned for its efficient public transportation system, and Neubau is a prime example of this. The district is well connected to the rest of Vienna:

Metro. Neubau is served by three metro lines: the U3 (Zieglergasse, Neubau Gasse, and Volkstheater stations), a junction with the U2 at Volkstheater, and access to the U6 (Burggasse–Stadthalle) in the northwest. This guarantees short isochrones: 5–10 minutes to the city center, 15–25 minutes to key universities and business addresses.

Buses and trams. The iconic tram lines 49 (via Siebensterngasse/Westbahnstraße to the center), 46 (along Burggasse toward the Ring), 5 (via Kaiserstraße to the Praterstern/Westbahnhof axis), and bus 13A – one of the most useful cross-city lines.

They not only provide connections to other districts but also offer a "Vienna experience": riding the Ring Line and seeing the entire city center. This dense, "fine grid" makes it possible to get around without a car.

On foot and by bike. Bicycle infrastructure and pedestrian zones are the district's strengths. The reconstruction of Zieglergasse in the neighboring 6th and "second line" (the belt along Museumsquartier) has improved priority for pedestrians and cyclists.

The wide pedestrian axis of Mariahilfer Straße has become the signature feature of Vienna's street renovation program. The city's official websites outline the principles: reduced transit traffic, more greenery, and safe crossings.

Pedestrian zones are expanding: MQ courtyards, Spittelberg, and the side streets near Neubauare the "urban melody settings" that make the area comfortable to live in without a car.

Travel time from Neubau:

• The historic center (Stephansplatz) is a 10-minute metro ride away.
• To the central station – 15 minutes
• To the airport – 35–40 minutes
• The University of Vienna is 10–12 minutes away.

Parking in Neubau is a separate issue. Since 2022, almost all of Vienna has transitioned to district parking management (Parkraumbewirtschaftung). The district is compact and densely populated, so parking is a challenge.

The entire town of Neubau is covered by the Kurzparkzone —paid short-term parking on weekdays with a time limit (usually up to two hours)—and the Parkpickerl system for residents. From 2025, the basic short-term parking rates will be: 30 minutes – €1.30, 60 minutes – €2.60, 90 minutes – €3.90, 120 minutes – €5.20; a free 15-minute ticket is also available.

A Resident Parkpickerl gives the right to unlimited parking in your area (subject to local exceptions on “business streets”) and is issued through the magistrate.

Many modern buildings are equipped with underground parking. Public parking is also available in the area, but it's quite expensive (€2-3 per hour).
Furthermore, Neubau is seeing initiatives to replace parking spaces with green elements: tree plantings, bike racks, green grates, and rainwater drainage channels—all part of the city's adaptation to the hot season.

In my practice, I often encounter the question: "Is it worth buying an apartment with parking?" My answer is: if possible, yes. Parking increases the property's liquidity and makes life easier for the owner.

Neubau has a diverse religious map, reflecting the multiculturalism of central Vienna:

• The Roman Catholic Pfarrkirche St. Ulrich. The historical core of the district's parish (St.-Ulrichs-Platz 3, 1070 Wien ). A vibrant congregation, regular services, and a musical tradition spanning over 100 years.
• Evangelical Auferstehungskirche (Lindengasse 44a, 1070 Wien ) . Parish Neubau /Fünfhaus.
• Islamic Religious Community of Austria (IGGÖ). Federal structure with headquarters in Neubau (Bernardgasse 5, 1070 Wien ).

Some iconic churches (such as Kirche am Steinhof or Servitenkirche) are located in neighboring districts, but within a 10-20-minute radius by public transportation. The district supports interfaith initiatives and cultural projects, and parishes are actively involved in social activities (charity fairs, musical evenings).

This is the heart of creative Vienna. It's home to the MuseumsQuartier, dozens of galleries, theaters, and art spaces. The district is alive with festivals, fairs, and street performances. Neubau is also a coffee lover's paradise: cafés are everywhere, from old Viennese to minimalist Scandinavian.

The main attraction is the MuseumsQuartier , one of Europe's largest museum complexes. It is home to:

• Museum of Modern Art (MUMOK)
• Leopold Museum (Schiele, Klimt collections)
• Kunsthalle Wien
• ZOOM Kindermuseum
• Q21 (Digital Culture Quarter)
• Center for Contemporary Dance and Theater
• Open courtyards and summer lounges
• Festivals, lectures and concerts are also held here.

Spittelberg. A network of narrow alleys and courtyards lined with galleries, designer shops, bars, and restaurants. Weihnachtsmarkt am Spittelberg is one of Vienna's most atmospheric Christmas markets. In the summer, there are chamber concerts, and in the winter, mulled wine and crafts.

WestLicht. A photography museum and center on Westbahnstraße: exhibitions, camera auctions, and educational programs. This "photography axis," along with the galleries along Zieglergasse and Neubau , forms a creative weekend itinerary.

Cafés and gastronomy. Neubau's motto is "no pretensions, but tasteful": from specialty coffee bars with their own roasteries to urban bistros serving local produce. Mariahilfer Straße offers major brands and family-run cafes; the inner streets are home to small, signature spots.

The "cultural Neubau" calendar includes festivals for design and the creative economy: Vienna Design Week regularly activates venues and pop-up spaces in the central districts, including around the 7th.

Research on the creative industries documents the sector's scale: nearly a fifth of Viennese companies are part of the creative economy, employing tens of thousands of professionals and generating billions of euros in revenue. These processes are inseparable from the real-life streets of Neubau.

Although Neubau is a dense historical district, the "green solvents" here are well thought out:

• Josef-Strauß-Park is a cosy city park with children's areas and mature trees.
• Weghuberpark is a green area near the MQ, a place for short stops and children's play.
• Sankt-Ulrichs-Platz is more of a square than a park, but with green elements and a “breathing space” in the dense fabric.

Vienna's inner districts traditionally lack large parks compared to its outer districts. However, Neubau boasts a system of small green spaces, courtyards, and "climatic" streets, as well as proximity to major city parks within a 10-20-minute walk or tram ride (Burggarten near the Ring, Augarten further north through the center).

In recent years, the city has been actively investing in street greening, tree planting, and "cooling" measures (shaded walkways, water sprinklers, drinking fountains). Official press releases and city programs highlight projects to increase tree cover and adapt streets to heat, especially on central streets.

In terms of courtyards, many "gof" housing projects are receiving upgrades: playgrounds, bike racks, green spaces, and compost. This is important for families: when the "yard quality" is high, even a small apartment "functions" like a large house—a child plays downstairs, and parents can see out the window. For investors, this means a wider pool of tenants.

Neubau's bonus is its pedestrian streets and "Begegnungszonen" (meeting zones where car traffic is restricted and pedestrians and cyclists are prioritized). Changing street geometry and adding greenery directly improves the microclimate and "sells" the address. Projects on Mariahilfer Straße and Zieglergasse have shown that once transit is eliminated, people's dwell time and small business turnover increase.

Neubau exemplifies how a district can be simultaneously residential, cultural, and business. Despite its compact size, it has become one of the centers of Vienna's creative economy. Key areas include:

Creative Industries. The area is literally saturated with design studios, artists' workshops, and galleries. It's home to fashion brand showrooms, small architectural firms, and digital marketing agencies.

Neubau is part of the city's Creative Vienna program, which supports start-ups and small businesses in the arts and technology sectors.

Tourism. The influx of tourists to Vienna grows annually, and Neubau directly benefits from this. Hotels, boutique hotels, and short-term rental apartments (Airbnb) bring additional income to the district.

Retail and Services. Mariahilf er Straße is Vienna's main shopping artery, meaning Neubau is home to significant retail turnover. From luxury boutiques to affordable chains, the flow of shoppers creates a vibrant economy for the district.

International connections. For residents, international connections mean, first and foremost, easy access to the center of organizations and campuses: 10–20 minutes by metro and you're at ministries, city departments, and the headquarters of international institutions. For expat renters, this is a selling point; for investors, it's a guarantee of demand.

According to city statistics:

• The share of people employed in the service sector is about 80%
• 20% of the district's residents work in the creative economy
• The average family income is 12–15% higher than the Vienna average

Neubau is not standing still: the city is actively investing in the development of the area.

New residential complexes. Although space is limited here, redevelopment projects are still emerging. Old industrial buildings are being converted into modern apartments with underground parking, green terraces, and energy-efficient technologies.

• "Green Neubau" is a program to increase the number of trees and green courtyards.
• Development of cycling infrastructure.
• "Streets for people" (pedestrian and "oncoming" zones)
• Support for creative industries (preferential loans, rental of premises for start-ups).

A special highlight is the future U2×U3 transfer to Neubau Gasse. The U2×U5 project will modernize the central hub: a new line configuration is expected from 2030, and the Neubau Gasse station will receive a transfer to U2, further enhancing the transport value of addresses within a 300–500-meter radius of the entrances. This is an important factor for long-term investments.

Investor interest. My real estate colleagues note that Neubau has been among the top five districts in Vienna for foreign investor inquiries for the past five years. The reason is obvious: limited supply and growing demand.

Limited supply. The area is small, with very few new projects. Meanwhile, demand is consistently high. This means prices are rising faster than the city average.

Audience. Young professionals, the creative class, and international specialists live here. They are willing to pay higher rent and housing prices than in neighboring areas.

Prices and dynamics

• Average price per square meter (2025): €5,800–€6,200
• Growth over the last 5 years: +20–25%
• Average rent for a 70 m² apartment: €1,200–€1,500 per month

Forecast. Experts predict further price growth of 3-5% annually in the coming years. Apartments with terraces, balconies, and underground parking are particularly in demand.

Comparison with other areas.

• Neubau: 5,800–6,200 €/m²
• Mariahilf (6th district): 5,200–5,600 €/m²
• Josefstadt (8th district): €5,500–€6,000/m²

Thus, Neubau remains consistently at the top of the price range.

Stable rental demand (especially among expats and students). Prices are rising faster than the Viennese average – over the past 20 years, Neubau seen a 120% increase, compared to the Viennese average of +85%. The area is ideal for investors focused on long-term value and high rental demand.

When comparing "Vienna's best neighborhoods for living," Neubau often outperforms the outer boroughs in terms of environmental quality and commute time—and therefore is more expensive. However, it is less expensive than the ultra-prestigious addresses in the 1st district and part of the 9th district in the "Golden Triangle." For the "rental flow + capital growth" strategy, it is "middle of the pack" with high occupancy rates.

If the goal is a secure lease and a liquid exit, I'd put Neubau in the top 3, along with 6th and 8th. There's less construction risk here, and more work is needed to improve the quality of the interior and the tenant's experience."

Neubau is the choice of young professionals, urban families, and investors who value walkability, culture, and a high-quality urban environment. It's not about "palace squares" or "suburban quiet," but about the intelligent buzz of art districts, coffee shops, and museums—in just the right dose.

When choosing the best neighborhoods to live in Vienna, Vienna's 7th district consistently ranks high. It's not dangerous, and certainly not disadvantaged: it's a classic creative hub where people value good renovations, utilities, quiet courtyards, and the convenience of strollers and bicycles.

For an investor, the formula is: location (U3 + future U2) + historical fabric + urban improvements = rental liquidity and value stability.

Who is it ideal for?

• Young professionals. It's convenient to live close to the city center, work in creative offices, and enjoy cultural events in the evenings.
• Families. Despite the dense development, the area offers good schools, kindergartens, and a safe environment.
• Creative people. The atmosphere in Neubau is inspiring, and it's easy to find a community of like-minded people here.
• Investors. Limited supply and high demand make the area a lucrative investment opportunity.

Let's summarize the key advantages of Neubau:

Neubau is a "district of opportunity": for business, creativity, and comfortable living. It has everything you need to feel "at the center of things." And, judging by the current state of affairs, Neubau will remain one of Vienna's most attractive addresses for many years to come.