The 2014 Capital City of Culture has steadily grown in popularity in recent years, with a growing creative scene and historic neighbourhoods at affordable prices. Those interested in renting an apartment in Riga will be pleased to hear of its extremely cheap rents by European standards and low cost of living. Apartments in Riga offer plenty of options, from hipster neighbourhoods full of art and colour to the ancient art nouveau style streets of the old town. Riga can offer something for everyone, regardless of age profession or preference.
Rooms for rent in Riga are also plentiful and affordable in old Soviet built blocks, thus the history of the city also contributes to the housing market. Any former Soviet city will show its influences in its architecture, and this is no truer than in Riga, with five old zeppelin hangars serving as the new site for markets, local street sellers and a hub of local economy. With increased international attention from businesses and expats, a new sense of opportunity through commerce and economic confidence has given the city an optimistic outlook for the future and those living in it, thus Riga has accommodated the young local generation that previously would have looked for work elsewhere. This also means prices on apartments in Riga are steadily growing through gentrification and popularity, so come quick!
Types of Accommodations in Riga
Apartments in Riga by district
Flats to rent in Riga differentiate in size shape and price depending on the area of the city. The most popular and famous area to live is Old Town, the beautiful heritage buildings are immaculately preserved and offer a glimpse into Riga’s illustrious past. If you are looking into renting a room in Riga’s Old Town, bear in mind they tend to be the most expensive in the City. Those wanting to find an emerging arts and creative scene need look no further than Meira Iela, Riga’s hipster borough.
For a lively neighbourhood with good links to the city centre, Teika offers a fast paced approach to city life for students and young professionals, with the majority of apartments in Riga to rent of Soviet style. The northern district of Mežaparks is a favourite for young families and lovers of the outdoors, centred around large park areas and near Lake Ķīšezers. On the left bank of the Daugava River, the old neighbourhood of Āgenskalns is characterised by its small wooden houses and traditional and lively market, whilst still being a fairly central location and convenient area for apartments in Riga for rent.
Best areas for Apartments in Riga
Apartments for rent in Riga Old Town
Vecriga is the historical centre of the Latvian Capital on the east of the Daugava River and City centre apartments are superbly priced, with small one bedroom soviet-built apartments in Riga going for a monthly rate of approximately 350 Euros a month. Expect to pay more for art-nouveau style apartments in Riga Old Town as they are sought-after. Looking in the most desirable part of the city to live means stiff competition and higher priced apartments for rent. Boasting the largest collection of art nouveau buildings in the world, the UNESCO world heritage site is quite breathtaking.
Lined by the river and canal in the most eye-pleasing neighbourhood of the city, Old Town oozes history with its cobbled streets and abundant restaurant and cafes, so it’s easy to see why people want to rent property in this district. Those looking for shared accommodation and less stress regarding bills and such, can even be looking at prices as low as 300 Euros a month for a room to rent in Riga’s city centre, walking distance to the city’s best sights. The apartments on the cheaper side tend to be Soviet built and not the prettiest, but surely such affordable prices will soften the blow!
Apartments in Miera Iela
Miera Iela has recently been voted the most popular hipster neighbourhood in the world. Yes, that’s right, in the world. Apartments to rent in Miera iela (Peace Street) are understandably growing in value, the neighbourhood is a must for any young professional looking to move to a trendy area. Rooms for rent are cheap and the city's creative population has made itself very much at home here. Built predominantly in the soviet style, apartments come in various shapes and sizes around the area. with great links into the city centre by tram.
Miera Iela has seen a recent explosion in art galleries, cool cafes and local businesses relocating to the creative hub. Entrepreneurs have been flocking here from all over Europe in recent years so be aware of this area’s popularity and rising prices. The neighbourhood comes to life during the summer months, with the hipster culture flowing out onto the streets with a swarm of vintage shops, florists, art galleries and funky cafes.
Āgenskalns apartments
This neighbourhood is based around its world famous market hall which is an institution. Those on a tight budget looking to rent an apartment in Riga should consider Āgenskalns as a viable alternative to Old Town. One of the smallest districts in Riga, what it lacks in size it makes up for in character. Cheap rooms in Riga can be found here, as well as a visible local culture and the beautiful scenery across the river in Old Town, which make this area a perfect place for those wanting to appreciate the beauty of the city. Agenskalns is a stunning example of the Art Nouveau and German Balts architectural blend that defines Riga; traditional buildings are lined with more modern ones, which means varying rental prices.
Apartments in Mežaparks
Described as the leafy part of town, Mezaparks (literally forest park) lives up to its name. Built by Riga’s high society in the early 20th century, apartments to rent in Mezapark are spacious and if you look around you can find a great property. However, this is one of the most expensive postcodes in the country due to its location and type of property, so be prepared to spend considerably more for rent in this area.
Mezaparks is loved by families for its easy access to the large park area, away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Located on the western shores of Lake Ķīšezers, the park offers swimming options in the summer for those wanting to cool off. This idyllic district is in the northern sector of the city, and a tram ride to the centre is less than 30 minutes, which is ideal for those commuting in. Community events in the park are regular and the zoo is popular with tourists, making this wealthy neighbourhood of Riga a worthwhile choice for those who can afford it.
Student accommodation in Riga
Boasting some of the cheapest rates in the city, student accommodation in Riga tend to be in soviet style buildings as they were built en masse, this means cheap rent and entire neighbourhoods geared towards housing students. Riga holds four different universities around the city, so a large student population descends on Latvia's capital each year. Tight budgeted students will be thrilled to hear prices as little as 180 Euros a month for a room in Riga in a shared apartment. The lively Tieka neighbourhood has a large number of student dorms so this is most likely where most students will end up living. Those wanting to live away from student halls in more traditional accommodation will find ample private apartments in Riga. With cheap rent and a friendly city to young people, lively club scene and affordable drinking culture means this city provides everything a student will need.
Public transport in Riga
Trams, buses and trolleybuses are on offer in terms of public transport for Riga, with services going on late into the night which is useful if you are looking to take advantage of the many parties and clubs staying open well into the early hours. Tickets are bought when boarding each individual service and whilst this may sounds old fashioned, it is easily understandable for first time visitors. Transportation offices around the city offer monthly passes for those staying long-term. For the few hours public transport is not operating, Riga has multiple taxi companies with competitive rates and due to its compact nature it is never a long ride home. Riga’s bus station also offers trips further afield to neighbouring Estonia and Lithuania.