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Basel Neighbourhoods and Municipalities

Basel is a compact city with distinct neighbourhood characters. Whether quiet residential area or lively city quarter — here is the overview.

Tip: click a district or municipality on the map to jump to its portrait.
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Gundeldingen

LivelyUrbanAffordableMulticultural

The "Gundeli" is one of Basel's most lively quarters — densely built, multicultural and with a pulsating street life around Dornacherplatz. Popular with students, young families and creatives.

Transport: Tram 14, 16 — 5 min to SBB station. Bus 30, 36.
Rent approx.
22–28
CHF/m²/mo.
Character

Urban everyday quarter with high liveliness and good infrastructure. Fewer green spaces than other quarters.

Data
Population18'000
Tax rate100%(BS einheitlich)
To Roche (min)12
To Novartis (min)10
Green space8%
Avg. age38
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Bachletten

QuietGreenBourgeoisFamily-friendly

Bachletten is considered one of Basel's green, quiet residential quarters. Typical residential streets, many old buildings with gardens and an established neighbourhood.

Transport: Tram 17 — direct to city centre. Bus 36. Walking distance to city centre approx. 20 min.
Rent approx.
24–32
CHF/m²/mo.
Character

Quiet, bourgeois residential location with high green share. Popular with families and upper middle class.

Data
Population11'000
Tax rate100%(BS einheitlich)
To Roche (min)15
To Novartis (min)13
Green space15%
Avg. age40
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St. Johann

TransformingCreativeRoche/NovartisUp-and-coming

St. Johann is transforming strongly: the former industrial quarter attracts many expats and professionals thanks to the Novartis campus and Roche headquarters.

Transport: Tram 2, 14 — 8 min to SBB station. S-Bahn stop St. Johann.
Rent approx.
24–31
CHF/m²/mo.
Character

Dynamic quarter in transition between industry and modern living. Good Rhine proximity, increasingly international residents.

Data
Population15'000
Tax rate100%(BS einheitlich)
To Roche (min)8
To Novartis (min)5
Green space10%
Avg. age35
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Kleinbasel

Right Rhine bankDiverseGentrifyingCultural

Kleinbasel is located on the right bank of the Rhine and has its own distinct flair. Very mixed population, cheaper than Grossbasel, with Badischer Bahnhof as international transport hub.

Transport: Tram 6, 8, 14, 16, 21 — Claraplatz as important hub. Badischer Bahnhof (DB/SBB) nearby.
Rent approx.
20–27
CHF/m²/mo.
Character

Cheapest and most diverse quarter. Strongly transforming towards gentrification. Very good public transport, also towards Germany.

Data
Population8'000
Tax rate100%(BS einheitlich)
To Roche (min)18
To Novartis (min)16
Green space12%
Avg. age37
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Bruderholz

ExclusiveVillasQuietUpscale living

Bruderholz is Basel's most exclusive quarter — villa district with generous gardens, very quiet, green. Popular with executives, doctors and international top managers from the pharmaceutical industry.

Transport: Tram 11, 15 — 10–12 min to city centre. Bus 48. Own car frequently used.
Rent approx.
32–48
CHF/m²/mo.
Character

Quietest and most expensive quarter. Ideal for families who value privacy, green space and exclusivity.

Data
Population5'000
Tax rate100%(BS einheitlich)
To Roche (min)18
To Novartis (min)16
Green space25%
Avg. age47
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Innere Stadt / Altstadt

HistoricCentralCulturalLimited housing

Basel's old town with Münsterplatz, town hall and historic lanes is primarily a tourist destination and office location. Few free apartments.

Transport: Best possible public transport — all tram lines pass through. Walkable from everywhere.
Rent approx.
28–40
CHF/m²/mo.
Character

Unique historical charm, absolute central location. Hardly any apartments available, high prices.

Data
Population4'500
Tax rate100%(BS einheitlich)
To Roche (min)15
To Novartis (min)12
Green space6%
Avg. age39
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Riehen

Village feelVilla districtFondation BeyelerFamily-friendly

Riehen belongs to the canton of Basel-City but feels like a village. Spacious villa districts, the Fondation Beyeler campus and direct border crossing to Germany. Very popular with families and well-off expats.

Transport: Tram 6 — 20 min to city centre. Bus 31, 32, 45.
Rent approx.
22–32
CHF/m²/mo.
Character

Quiet, spacious residential location with village character. High-quality properties, international residents, excellent quality of life.

Data
Population22'000
Tax rate100%(BS einheitlich)
To Roche (min)25
To Novartis (min)22
Green space40%
Avg. age44

Municipalities

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Binningen

Family-friendlyQuietGood schoolsTram access

Binningen is directly adjacent to Basel and one of the most popular residential communities in Baselland. Quiet residential streets, good schools and direct tram access make it a top choice for families. 10–20% cheaper than comparable city locations.

Transport: Tram 10, 17 — 10 min to Basel city centre.
Rent approx.
22–30
CHF/m²/mo.
Character

Attractive suburban community with excellent connections. Ideal for families wanting to combine urban proximity with a quieter residential environment.

Data
Population16'000
Tax rate49%
To Roche (min)14
To Novartis (min)12
Green space18%
Avg. age42
🔬

Allschwil

PharmaInternationalGrowthBachgraben

Allschwil hosts major pharmaceutical and chemical sites (Novartis, Johnson & Johnson). Rapidly growing community with new residential quarter «Bachgraben». Large international population.

Transport: Tram 6, Bus 47, 64 — 15 min to Basel SBB.
Rent approx.
19–26
CHF/m²/mo.
Character

Modern, international residential community with strong pharma economy. Lower prices than Basel-City with good connections.

Data
Population22'000
Tax rate58%
To Roche (min)12
To Novartis (min)10
Green space20%
Avg. age39
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Muttenz

AffordableFHNWIndustrial proximityTram access

Muttenz is one of the largest communities in Baselland with a mixed structure of residential and industrial areas. Lower price segment, good tram connections, proximity to motorway A2. Campus location of FHNW.

Transport: Tram 14 — 20 min to Basel SBB. S-Bahn S1.
Rent approx.
17–23
CHF/m²/mo.
Character

Affordable residential community with good infrastructure. Less attractive surroundings but solid connections and low prices.

Data
Population22'000
Tax rate56%
To Roche (min)18
To Novartis (min)20
Green space22%
Avg. age41
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Birsfelden

RhineClose to cityAffordableTransforming

Birsfelden is located directly on the Rhine bordering Kleinbasel. The former harbour area is increasingly transforming into an attractive residential quarter. Very short distance to the city, cheaper prices than Kleinbasel.

Transport: Tram 3, Bus 42 — 10 min to Kleinbasel.
Rent approx.
18–24
CHF/m²/mo.
Character

Up-and-coming Rhine location with urban flair. Cheaper prices than Kleinbasel with very good accessibility to Basel city centre.

Data
Population10'000
Tax rate62%
To Roche (min)20
To Novartis (min)18
Green space12%
Avg. age38
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Münchenstein

Primeo EnergieBirs riverAffordableTram access

Münchenstein is the headquarters of Primeo Energie and is located directly on the Birs river. Good tram connection to Basel, close to Binningen. Significantly cheaper than Binningen with similar accessibility.

Transport: Tram 11 — 15 min to Basel SBB. Bus 60, 61.
Rent approx.
18–25
CHF/m²/mo.
Character

Quiet community on the Birs with good connections. Cheaper than Binningen, good for commuters and families who value green space.

Data
Population13'000
Tax rate60%
To Roche (min)16
To Novartis (min)14
Green space20%
Avg. age40
🌾

Therwil

RuralLarge gardensQuietFamily-friendly

Therwil is a quiet suburban community south of Basel. Even more rural than Binningen, with large gardens and lower prices. Popular with families looking for a lot of space.

Transport: BLT Bus 64, 65 — connection to Tram 10 in Bottmingen. Approx. 25 min.
Rent approx.
17–23
CHF/m²/mo.
Character

Quiet, rural suburban community with lots of space and low prices. Ideal for families who prioritise garden and peace over short commuting time.

Data
Population10'000
Tax rate52%
To Roche (min)22
To Novartis (min)20
Green space28%
Avg. age43

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