Best Neighborhoods to Live in Riga: A Local’s Guide

Riga is a city of diverse districts, each with its own character. Rather than the usual generic advice of “live in the center or move to the suburbs,” this is a true expat guide to Riga written from a local perspective. If you’re thinking about moving to Riga, or simply wondering where to live in Riga, here’s our insider take on the best neighborhoods in Riga. Each offers its own lifestyle, pros and cons, and even a glimpse into the future of this evolving city.

Quiet Center (Klusais Centrs)

Riga’s Quiet Center is often considered the most prestigious neighborhood in Riga. Famous for its stunning Art Nouveau architecture, this district feels like an open-air museum. For anyone interested in apartments in Riga with history, charm, and prestige, this area delivers. Diplomats, affluent locals, and many expats choose the Quiet Center for its calm yet central location.

However, while living here means enjoying the finest Riga lifestyle, it comes with high costs. Day-to-day life is more expensive, and housing is among the priciest in the city.

Pros: Prestigious architecture, central but peaceful, upscale cafes.
Cons: Very expensive, limited nightlife, fewer budget options.

Noliktavas Street & Andrejosta (Riverside District)

If you’re researching where to live in Riga and want the perfect balance of central convenience with peace and quiet, look no further than Noliktavas Street. Just steps from the Old Town, parks, and river promenade, this pocket of the city offers a rare mix of tranquility and proximity to everything.

Our own HIDE project is based here, bringing a new concept of coliving in Riga with premium apartments, coworking, and an international community. For professionals moving to Riga, this neighborhood offers easy access to both heritage areas and future growth.

The nearby Andrejosta waterfront is slated for a €3 billion redevelopment into one of the best neighborhoods in Riga. Early residents will experience the transformation firsthand.

Pros: Central yet quiet, riverside charm, up-and-coming hotspot. Easy to reach any district, even Jurmala city with a sea not far away. Good location in terms of University life.
Cons: Could be not the best choice yet for big families, coz big supermarkets still in development and only few schools are around. It's a good choice for students, but still could be expensive.

Skanste – The Modern Business District

Skanste is Riga’s new business hub, ideal for professionals who want modern comfort. Many companies and startups are located here, so if you’re living in Riga for work, Skanste can be highly convenient. The apartments are brand new, the streets wide and well-planned, and the area feels safe and clean.

However, if you crave historic charm or cozy evening walks, this may not feel like the “real” Riga. It’s perfect for those who value efficiency, but less so for those seeking a more cultural vibe.

Pros: Modern housing, close to offices, family-friendly.
Cons: Lacks historic atmosphere, can feel sterile, above-average costs.

Āgenskalns – Historic Charm Across the River

For anyone moving to Riga who wants authenticity and community, Āgenskalns is a strong choice. This district is known for its wooden houses, lively market, and cultural events. It’s beloved by locals, families, and younger expats who appreciate its creative vibe.

It’s also more affordable than the center, though still rising in popularity. If you’re searching for an expat guide to Riga lifestyle, Āgenskalns shows you a neighborhood where history and modern life blend naturally.

Pros: Wooden architecture, cultural markets, family-friendly parks.
Cons: Commute across the river, mixed renovation quality, fewer luxury amenities.

Mežaparks – Green Oasis for Families

Mežaparks is Riga’s leafy retreat, perfect for families who want nature without leaving the city. For those looking for apartments in Riga that feel more like a resort home, this is it. Surrounded by forest and lake, it’s the most family-oriented part of the city.

This is not the cheapest area, but it’s one of the most prestigious. If you’re deciding where to live in Riga with children, Mežaparks consistently comes out on top.

Pros: Nature, villas, family vibe, prestige.
Cons: Farther from center, expensive, limited shops.

Conclusion

Each of these districts represents a different side of living in Riga: prestige in the Quiet Center, balance in Noliktavas, modernity in Skanste, authenticity in Āgenskalns, and greenery in Mežaparks.

For expats, professionals, and locals alike, Riga offers a wide choice of lifestyles. And if you want to experience coliving in Riga at its finest – in a prime yet peaceful location – Noliktavas Street is the hidden gem. That’s where we’re building HIDE: a new concept of international living in one of the best neighborhoods in Riga.