Best Areas in Malta for Families

Finding the Right Family Home in Malta

Malta might be small, but the difference between living in Sliema and living in Mosta or Attard is enormous when you have children. While the coastal towns offer convenience and nightlife, the central and northern towns tend to provide more space, quieter streets, better access to schools, and actual gardens — a rarity on this densely built island.

Here's a detailed look at Malta's most family-friendly areas.

Attard

Often considered the most desirable family address in Malta. Attard sits in the island's centre, known for its tree-lined streets, traditional villas, and the San Anton Palace and Gardens — the President's official residence and Malta's most beautiful public garden.

Why families love it:

• San Anton Gardens — Malta's best public park with playgrounds, duck ponds, and shaded walks
• Excellent schools nearby: St Catherine's High School, San Anton School, and several private options
• Quiet residential streets with a village feel
• Good mix of traditional houses and modern apartments
• Central location — easy access to everywhere on the island

Property prices:

• 3-bed apartment: €280,000 – €450,000
• Terraced house: €400,000 – €700,000
• Villa: €700,000 – €2,000,000+

The catch: Attard is expensive for its size. Premium properties with gardens are in high demand.

Mosta

One of Malta's largest towns, Mosta is famous for its enormous Rotunda church (one of the world's largest unsupported domes). It's a proper working town with good amenities, not just a residential suburb.

Why families love it:

• Strong community feel — active parish life, festa, local markets
• Good selection of schools including state, church, and private
• Medical centre and various clinics
• Affordable compared to the coastal towns
• Good bus connections to Sliema, Valletta, and the north
• Multiple supermarkets, pharmacies, and everyday shops

Property prices:

• 3-bed apartment: €220,000 – €350,000
• Terraced house: €350,000 – €550,000
• Maisonette with garden: €300,000 – €500,000

Naxxar

Sitting on a hilltop north of Mosta, Naxxar has some of the best panoramic views on the island. It's slightly more upmarket than Mosta, with newer developments and a growing expat community.

Why families love it:

• Excellent state school cluster
• Proximity to Salina Nature Reserve — one of Malta's few natural wetlands, good for walks and birdwatching
• Growing commercial area with restaurants, cafes, and a retail park
• Less congested than more central towns
• Mix of older character homes and new apartments

Property prices:

• 3-bed apartment: €230,000 – €380,000
• Villa with pool: €600,000 – €1,200,000

Balzan

Tiny, exclusive, and wedged between Attard, Birkirkara, and Lija, Balzan is one of Malta's quietest and most charming towns. Part of the "Three Villages" (with Attard and Lija), it benefits from the San Anton Gardens and a traditional village core.

Why families love it:

• Very safe, quiet residential streets
• Walking distance to San Anton Gardens
• Strong sense of community
• Close to the Birkirkara bypass for quick access to the rest of the island

Property prices: Similar to Attard — premium positioning means higher prices for limited stock.

Iklin

A smaller town north of Birkirkara, Iklin is one of Malta's most residential-only towns. No industry, no major commercial activity — just houses, a church, and quiet streets.

Why families love it:

• Very quiet — almost no through-traffic
• Close to the Kennedy Grove shopping area
• Safe, residential atmosphere
• Newer housing stock — many developments from the 2000s onwards
• Affordable compared to Attard or Balzan

Property prices:

• 3-bed apartment: €200,000 – €320,000
• Terraced house: €320,000 – €500,000

Mellieha

If your family prioritises outdoor space and beaches, Mellieha in the north is worth considering. It's further from the commercial centre but offers something rare in Malta: a genuine sandy beach, countryside walks, and a more rural feel.

Why families love it:

• Mellieha Bay — Malta's largest sandy beach, perfect for children
• Ghadira Nature Reserve and Popeye Village nearby
• Good primary and secondary schools
• More spacious properties — gardens and terraces are common
• Significantly cheaper than Sliema or Attard

Property prices:

• 3-bed apartment: €180,000 – €280,000
• House with garden: €300,000 – €550,000

The catch: Far from Sliema, Valletta, and most workplaces. The commute can be 45-60 minutes in traffic.

Choosing the Right Area

When evaluating areas for your family, consider:

• School proximity — Malta's school system includes state, church, and independent schools. Church schools are free but oversubscribed. Check catchment areas before buying
• Commute — Malta's traffic is notoriously bad during peak hours. Living close to work can save you hours each week
• Outdoor space — gardens are rare in apartments. If outdoor play space matters, look at houses or maisonettes in the central towns
• Healthcare — Mater Dei Hospital is in Msida. Being within 20 minutes of it gives peace of mind
• Community — Maltese towns have strong parish communities. If you want your children to integrate and make local friends, living in a town with an active community life helps enormously

The Financial Advantage

Moving away from Sliema and St Julian's can free up significant budget. The difference between a €300,000 three-bedroom apartment in Mosta and a similar-sized property in Sliema at €500,000+ is substantial. That €200,000 difference could mean a bigger home, a garden, lower mortgage payments, or funds for school fees.