Moving from
Hasselt to Genk
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Car
Van
3.5T Trucks
7.5T (+) Trucks
Car (Taxi / Combo)
Perfect for small boxes, airport pick ups and luggage transfer.
Van (7-17 m3)
Great for moving studio or one bedroom apartments with basic furniture items and boxes.
3.5T Truck (20-24 m3)
Best for 1-2 bedroom apartments, small homes moves and commercials goods.
7.5T (+) Trucks
Best for 2 to 3 room apartments and upto 10 standard size pallets
Genk is a dynamic city in the Limburg province of Belgium, renowned for its rich industrial heritage and thriving cultural landscape. Once a hub of coal mining, Genk has reinvented itself as a hub of renewable energy, with the impressive C-mine complex serving as a testament to the city's commitment to sustainability. Visitors can explore the city's diverse neighbourhoods, from the charming old town to the picturesque Hoge Kempen National Park, offering a unique glimpse into Genk's evolution. The city's vibrant arts scene is showcased in galleries and performing arts venues, catering to various artistic interests.
In this blog, you’ll discover important information on moving from Hasselt to Genk. You’ll learn the differences in cost of living, culture and even what it means to move there as a student. We’ll make sure to provide you with the necessary information to help you plan your move.
Genk is renowned for its exceptional quality of life. It is an increasingly attractive destination for those seeking a balanced and fulfilling lifestyle. The city's new focus on sustainability and environmental preservation has resulted in a clean and well-maintained urban landscape, with plentiful green spaces and recreational areas for residents to enjoy. The local economy provides ample employment opportunities across different industries like renewable energy and healthcare, ensuring its citizens' stable and secure financial future. Genk's diverse population, with a mix of Flemish, immigrant, and international communities, fosters a vibrant and inclusive social atmosphere where cultural exchange and community engagement thrive.
While Hasselt and Genk are both vibrant cities in the Limburg province of Belgium, they offer distinct cultural experiences for visitors and residents alike. Genk's multicultural makeup, with a significant immigrant population, has cultivated a rich tapestry of traditions, cuisines, and artistic expressions celebrated throughout the city.
The city's cultural institutions, such as the C-mine Cultural Center and the Cosmo Paleis, showcase diverse performances, exhibitions, and educational programs catering to a wide range of interests. In contrast, Hasselt is known for its more traditional Flemish heritage, focusing on preserving historical landmarks and hosting festivals that celebrate the region's customs and folklore.
While Hasselt is often considered a more affluent city in the Limburg region, Genk offers a distinct advantage regarding the cost of living. Rental prices in Genk are typically lower than in Hasselt, allowing for more affordable housing options. Additionally, the city's thriving local economy and abundant employment opportunities across various industries contribute to a generally lower cost of necessities, such as groceries and utilities. Furthermore, Genk's well-developed public transportation system reduces the need for personal vehicle ownership, leading to significant savings on fuel, insurance, and maintenance costs.
A more detailed explanation and comparison has been done in the tables below:
Housing/Renting an Apartment
| Criteria | Genk | Hasselt |
| Average Rent (1-bedroom apartment) | €550 - €700 per month | €700 - €900 per month |
| Average Rent (3-bedroom apartment) | €800 - €1,100 per month | €1,000 - €1,400 per month |
| Availability of Affordable Housing | Higher availability of budget-friendly options | Limited availability of low-cost housing |
| Quality of Rental Properties | Wide range of modern, well-maintained apartments | A greater proportion of historic, character-filled properties |
| Proximity to Public Transportation | Excellent accessibility to public transit network | Good, but slightly less extensive public transit options |
| Neighbourhood Diversity | Diverse neighbourhoods with a mix of socioeconomic groups | More homogeneous, higher-income neighbourhoods |
| Rental Market Competitiveness | Less competitive rental market compared to Hasselt | Highly competitive rental market, especially in the city centre |
Employment Opportunities
| Criteria | Genk | Hasselt |
| Key Industries | Renewable energy, manufacturing, logistics, healthcare | Finance, technology, retail, tourism |
| Major Employers | Volvo Cars, Janssen Pharmaceuticals, CQFD, C-mine | Ethias, Zeebrugge Port Authority, Hasselt University |
| Unemployment Rate | Slightly higher than Hasselt, around 7-8% | Lower than Genk, around 5-6% |
| Job Growth Sectors | Green energy, advanced manufacturing, logistics | IT, professional services, hospitality |
| Entrepreneurship Ecosystem | Thriving start-up community, business incubators | Established a network of small-to-medium enterprises |
| Average Salaries | Competitive salaries, with some disparity based on industry | Slightly higher average wages compared to Genk |
| Availability of Skilled Labor | A strong pool of technical and engineering talent | Abundance of professionals in the financial and service sectors |
Transportation System
| Criteria | Genk | Hasselt |
| Public Transportation | Extensive bus network with frequent schedules | Comprehensive bus system, with tram and train connections |
| Accessibility to Train Stations | Well-connected to the national rail network, with multiple stations | The main train station is located in the city centre |
| Bicycle Infrastructure | Extensive network of dedicated bike lanes and paths | Bike-friendly, with a growing number of bike lanes |
| Traffic Congestion | Lower levels of traffic congestion compared to Hasselt | Higher traffic congestion, especially during rush hours |
| Parking Availability | Ample public parking, including park-and-ride facilities | Limited parking availability, especially in the city centre |
| Intermodal Connectivity | Seamless integration between bus, rail, and bike-sharing | Good intermodal connections, but with some room for improvement |
| Sustainable Transportation | Strong emphasis on promoting electric vehicles and car-sharing | Initiatives to encourage cycling and public transit use |
Retiring in Genk presents a pleasant opportunity for those seeking a peaceful and comfortable lifestyle. The move from Hasselt to Genk allows retirees to enjoy a better life, surrounded by the city's charming architecture and vibrant cultural amenities. Genk is known for its well-developed infrastructure, convenient public transportation system, and easy access to quality healthcare facilities that cater to the needs of older adults. Additionally, the city's proximity to the Hoge Kempen National Park provides retirees with ample opportunities for outdoor recreation, from hiking and cycling to simply immersing themselves in the serene natural surroundings.
Pros Of Moving To Genk:
- Cost of Living: One of Genk's significant draws is its lower cost of living compared to Hasselt. Housing, groceries, and other everyday expenses are more affordable, making Genk an attractive option for those looking to stretch their budget.
- Quality Of Life: Genk is known for its more relaxed and tranquil ambience, offering a welcome respite from the sometimes hectic pace of a larger city. This can significantly appeal to those seeking a more peaceful and laid-back lifestyle.
- Access to Nature: Genk's proximity to the stunning Hoge Kempen National Park provides ample opportunities for outdoor recreation, such as hiking, cycling, and enjoying the natural beauty.
Potential Downsides:
- Health Care Accessibility: The range of specialised medical services in Genk may be more limited than the comprehensive healthcare system found in Hasselt, particularly for those with specialised medical needs.
- Distance to familiar faces: Moving away from established social circles in Hasselt can be isolating. Consider your existing connections and how easy it will be to build new ones in Genk.
Bonus Tip: Why not explore a trial run? Rent an apartment in Genk for a few months to experience whether this charming town truly offers your ideal lifestyle.
When planning your move from Hasselt to Genk, consider partnering with a professional moving service. Moovick offers a comprehensive suite of relocation services, including careful packing and transporting of your belongings, flexible scheduling, handyman services and eco-friendly practices to ensure a stress-free move. While considering your plans and decisions for the move, Moovick will help with the work.
