Vienna housing advice needed...

[Cadmum]

WE have arrived safely in Vienna but as I suspected, finding a house for the six of us has proved challenging...

We have a few options in the 18th district (beautiful, but a challenging commute for dh) or a house in Strammersdorf (sp.) that the children and DH love but that I am afraid of living in because I would feel isolated way out of the city.

Any advice apprciated. (So far we are still using the UN housing service but there is not much listed at the moment.) Thanks in advance for all replies.

Is your husband working at the UN? I used to drive there periodically for work from the 19th. It was slow, but not too bad, but I was near Wahringer Park in the 19th, so not far from the Gurtel, not stuck up in the woods or near Grinzing. Personally I'd go for somewhere in the 18th or 19th. I'd not want to feel isolated in Austria as I never found the Austrians to be particularly friendly and welcoming.

Hi, welcome to Vienna! I used to live in the 18th and would happily live there again, provided you´re near a tram stop or the fast train service. I used to commute to the UN, a bit long, but it worked for me.

Will you buy a car? Depending on DHs contract you may be entitled to buying one TAX FREE!

Persevere with the Housing Service, they seem to get new things all the time. Also look on the informal notice boards near the cafeteria. If you find something there the Housing Service will draw up the contract with the landlord so you´re certain everything is above board.

The German language classes organised by the IAEA are good, don´t know about the UN language groups.. I hope you take the classes, it will make all the difference to your enjoyment of Austria, though it isn´t strictly necessary!

Pleased to help with more if I can but won´t have so much internet access in the next weeks..

Thanks for the replies... I will take the classes once the kids are in school in the fall.

I wish that I did not find this do daunting.

Don´t be daunted! There is a huge community out there for you to get to know. There is also some kind of "getting used to life in Vienna" course where you can meet other people, not to mention a whole host of clubs (including lunchtime ones)..

Hi Cadmum

Just seen this - we've been in the UK. It may be too late but I wouldn't recommend living out of Vienna unless you speak German. I now live in the 19th and have lived in the 18th and although yes it is a commute to the VIC, a LOT of people speak English, there are a LOT of ex-pats living here and it is nice with parks, swimming pools etc.

I took the IAEA German classes - they are very good and a good way of meeting people. Talking of which if I can be of any help pleaes cat me through Mumsnet - we are in Vienna for the rest of the Summer now.

Thanks Strudelface... I fear that it may, in fact be too late! We have opted for the house in Stammersdorf. It is a beautiful property and my children have lived in a flat for far too long and deserve a lovely garden in which to run about. The price was about 60% of anything we found in the 18th or 19th district for a real house. I may regret the decision down the road but I am feeling hopeful that it will all turn out well.