Leuven is a relatively small city covering an area of over 57 Km and about 102,000 inhabitants. Though small, there are plenty of choices regarding housing in Leuven. The sub-municipalities of Leuven are primarily suburban, with lots of green areas and some farmland. Because of the population density, a typical characteristic of Flanders, many of these areas will have lots of the convenience of the urban regions, including restaurants, shops, access to medical care, and a good connection through public transport.
The greater Leuven area is divided into 5 municipalities: The Leuven historic city, Heverlee, Kessel-Lo, Wilsele, and Wijgmaal. In addition, a small part of the sub-municipality of Korbeek-Lo falls under the Leuven city administration. People who study or work in Leuven also choose to live in adjacent towns like Herent, Bierbeek, Bertem, and Oud-Heverlee.
Leuven historic city
This is the part most tourists would consider the city of Leuven -where the Gothic-style Town Hall (Grote Markt), the University library building in Ladeuzeplein, etc. are located. So one way to see what "belongs" to this area is everything within the ring of Leuven. There is typically a lot of student housing available in the city center, and many apartments cater to this sprawling student population. Larger properties are also available in the city center, but prices can be pretty high.
Kessel-lo
Kessel-lo is the second-largest community in Leuven and is located northeast of the city center. There are many great areas to live in Kessel-lo, offering an excellent range of properties, from open spaces near nature around the Provincial Domain Kessel-lo or the Vlierbeek Abbey to the more urban style living around the Leuven train station.
Heverlee
With lots of open space and nature, Heverlee is also synonymous with technology and innovation. Heverlee hosts a large section of the KU Leuven campus, particularly the science, engineering, and technology fields. Arenberg Castle, one of Heverlee's most recognizable sights, is part of this campus. Heverlee is also the home of cutting-edge, worldwide renowned businesses in the tech industry, including the R&D organization imec.
Wilsele
Located in the north of the historic city is Wilsele. The Leuven Dijle Canal runs through this municipality, dividing it into two primary sections: Wilsele-Dorp, the area closest to the ring, and Wilsele-Putkapel, the area over the canal bordering the municipalities of Wijgmaal, Rotselaar, and Holsbeek. Wilsele is quite suburban, but it still has quite some commerce, particularly along the Aarschotsesteenweg. In addition, Wilsele will host a brand-new urban sports park - for skating, BMX, and free running - opening in the Spring of 2023.
Wijgmaal
Furthest away from the city center, Wijgmaal is located northwest of Wilsele. Originally a part of Herent, this primarily suburban municipality was ceded to the city of Leuven in the late 1970s. It's mostly known as the location of the Remy factories, one of the world's largest producers of rice starch, and the Wijgmaalbroek nature reserve.
