You're standing on one of the elegant balconies in Hamburg's HafenCity, looking out over the Elbe and watching the big container ships glide by. Sounds like a dream, doesn't it? But does this modern quarter really suit you and your lifestyle? Deciding where to live is never easy, and HafenCity is a story all of its own.

From warehouses to prestige quarter: the history of HafenCity

HafenCity has undergone an impressive transformation. Just around 20 years ago, this area was mainly a port site with warehouses and containers. Today it is Germany's largest inner-city urban development project.

HafenCity's beginnings go back to 1997. In that year, the then mayor Henning Voscherau announced the ambitious project. The actual development began in 2001. Since then, the 157-hectare area has become a flagship quarter.

What many people don't realise: HafenCity was developed in several construction phases and is still not fully completed today. The eastern part is still under construction, which means that building noise will remain part of everyday life here in the years to come. A detail you should definitely take into account when choosing your apartment.

The bright side of HafenCity

Modern architecture and exclusive living quality

HafenCity stands for modern living at the highest level. The architecture is impressive: from the iconic landmark known as the Elbphilharmonie to the luxurious residential complexes by the water. Almost all the apartments are built to the latest standards and are correspondingly energy-efficient.

Here you won't find winding period apartments with creaking floorboards (which some may miss), but rather well-thought-out floor plans with floor-to-ceiling windows and often spectacular views. The apartments usually have generous balconies or terraces.

A privileged waterfront location

Life by the water has something special about it. Above all, of course, the view of the Elbe and the harbour basins creates a unique atmosphere. You won't find such a combination in any other district of Hamburg. The "Maritime Mile" also offers a wonderful promenade for strolling right on your doorstep.

The proximity to the water also ensures a pleasant microclimate. On hot summer days it's often a little cooler here than in other parts of the city – an advantage not to be underestimated as heatwaves become more frequent.

Short distances to the city centre

HafenCity's central location is a real plus. Hamburg's city centre is within walking distance. With the U4 underground line you're quickly in all the important parts of the city. The connection to the main station is also excellent, which is a particular advantage for commuters and keen travellers.

Cultural offerings on your doorstep

With the Elbphilharmonie, HafenCity has a cultural beacon that shines far beyond Hamburg. But the International Maritime Museum and numerous galleries also offer cultural variety. Regular events such as the Cruise Days or the Port Anniversary bring extra life to the quarter.

The downsides of HafenCity

The price question: living in HafenCity is expensive

HafenCity is one of the most expensive residential areas in Hamburg. Both purchase and rental prices are in the upper segment. For an 80-square-metre apartment you should reckon on base rents from €1,800. There's barely a ceiling. If you have the money to spare, then the apartment search is a little easier. At least compared with Hamburg's otherwise fiercely contested rental market.

The service charges are hefty too. The modern buildings with concierge service and underground car parks are reflected in the operating costs. You should definitely factor this into your financial planning.

The atmosphere: too sterile for some tastes

HafenCity is sometimes criticised as "soulless" or "too perfect". It lacks the organically grown structure – the very thing that makes other Hamburg districts such as Eimsbüttel or the Schanzenviertel so lively. Instead of corner pubs with character, you'll find rather chic restaurants and cafés that close by 10pm at the latest.

At weekends, and especially in good weather, the quarter is also flooded with tourists and day visitors. If a quiet environment is important to you, then you might sometimes feel as if you're in an exhibition here.

Infrastructure: not yet fully developed

Although the situation has improved considerably in recent years, the infrastructure is not comparable to that in organically grown districts. The selection of owner-run shops is limited.

There's still some catching up to do when it comes to schools and nurseries too. Several facilities have opened, but places are in high demand.

Who lives in HafenCity? Do you fit in?

The typical residents of HafenCity are predominantly well-off and professionally successful. Here you'll find plenty of dual-income couples, successful entrepreneurs and executives. The average age is somewhat higher than in trendy quarters such as St. Pauli or the Schanzenviertel – many residents are between 40 and 60 years old.

In recent years, however, the resident profile has diversified. Thanks to subsidised housing and building cooperatives, young families and people on middle incomes are increasingly moving into HafenCity too.

You could fit in well in HafenCity if you:

  • Value urban life but set store by a certain order and cleanliness
  • Are professionally successful and can and want to afford a high-priced living environment
  • Like a maritime atmosphere and modern design
  • Enjoy being among people and don't mind tourists
  • Are looking for short journeys to work in the city or at the port

HafenCity is less suitable for you if you:

  • Are looking for lively neighbourhood bustle with lots of small, alternative shops and pubs
  • Have a limited budget and have to turn over every euro twice
  • Prefer a historic period building with character
  • Value absolute quiet and neighbourly privacy
  • Can't get on with the chic, sometimes rather status-oriented image of the quarter

Living in HafenCity means compromises

As with any place to live, you'll have to make compromises in HafenCity too. The biggest is probably the price-performance ratio. For the same money you get considerably more square metres in other districts. In return, though, you have the special waterfront location and the exclusive architecture here.

Another compromise: the quarter is still a work in progress. Some areas still resemble a construction site, and it will probably be years before the whole of HafenCity is completed.

Who is a move to HafenCity worthwhile for?

HafenCity is a fascinating quarter with genuinely unique selling points, but it isn't the right choice for everyone.

The quarter offers many advantages, particularly for professionally busy people who appreciate the short distances.

If, on the other hand, you're looking for a place with organically grown neighbourhood atmosphere and an alternative flair, you probably won't be happy here.

In the end it remains a highly personal decision. Spend time in HafenCity before you make up your mind. Visit the quarter at different times of day. Both on weekdays and at the weekend.