Brasov

With a population that slightly exceeds 550,000 inhabitants, Brasov offers one of the most livable urban centers in Romania. In addition to its natural beauty, well-preserved historic district, and numerous resorts within a short driving distance, Brasov enjoys a supportive public administration that actively works toward its citizens’ welfare.

The City Hall focuses its attention on a series of initiatives meant to boost the city’s livability and development, working with its pre-existing advantages. In terms of leisure and green areas, investments in two new parks, running and bicycle tracks, a multisport facility, a new UEFA standards stadium, and 43 sports courts spread across the city are considered an investment in the health system. While already the second most popular destination after Bucharest for foreign tourists and the go-to destination for winter sports, initiatives such as building a long bobsleigh are meant to increase the attractiveness all year round. Cultural initiatives are also an important factor in the city’s appeal; thus 1.2 million EUR are being granted in 2024 to projects.

Surrounded by lush green mountains, the air quality and sustainable development represent a priority to its citizens. Thus, more than 90% of the car-sharing fleets are EURO 6, hybrid, or electric vehicles, with further investments in sustainable public transportation and intermodal nodes. Most recently, a 20-year strategy for a green city has been brought to public debate. Further proof of the focus on sustainability is the EU-funded photovoltaic park under construction in Stupini, meant to ensure 90% of the schools, public institutions facilities, and public lighting needs.

The public administration emphasizes long-term development and work-life balance by building no fewer than 13 preschool facilities spread across the city, particularly focusing on the new residential areas. Moreover, to build relevant working skills, the City Hall invested in a 20 million EUR dual-educational campus in partnership with the most significant employers in the region. Thus, the public authorities ensure that essential training in automotive, mechatronics, airspace, IT, and hotel, leisure, and restaurants is being provided to the local workforce, at a level relevant to the industries. This capacity is meant to complement a 20,000 / year student population.

The focus on economic development is obvious considering the series of invites sent to embassies and consulates (US, France, China) to visit the county and learn about its advantages. Moreover, Brasov is one of the few Romanian cities to have a stand at EXPO REAL for two consecutive years. The public administration clearly understands the role real estate investors play in the economic development of the city, by providing modern work infrastructure.

At a county level, the most important investments are road transportation related. One of the biggest priorities is working on the National Road 1 bottleneck, by creating an alternative route. 80 million EUR were allocated towards studies and eminent domain acquisition. 200 million EUR funds are sustained by the European Bank of Investment for portions of the A3 highway, connecting Brasov to Targu Mures, Cluj, and Oradea.

However, the most impactful development has been the opening of Brasov International Airport. While still under fine-tuning to streamline operations, critical infrastructure to support tourism and cargo shipment is finally live, after decades of efforts.

This recent development, along with the public authorities’ pro-business and pro-citizens agenda creates the basis for sustainable development. Numerous residential and short-term letting compounds are under permitting and/or development, alongside high-end resorts. Most recently, Kempinski announced a partnership for a 5-star resort in Poiana Brasov.

The authorities partnered with the Untold festival organizers to create Massif, a music festival located in Poiana Brasov, catering to a younger audience to diversify its cultural offerings and generate interest from new visitors.

The city attracted important international real estate investors such as Nhood or AFI Europe, while Speedwell bought the former Tino shoes factory in Bartolomeu neighborhood, planning a mixed-use scheme.

Nhood delivered in Brasov one of the largest mixed-use schemes from Romania, on the former Tractorul industrial platform: the shopping center Coresi spreads over 24 hectares, being inaugurated in 2015, the residential component comprises 4,700 apartments, while 60,000 sqm of offices were finalized, with potential up to 100,000 sqm. Up to now, 350 million EUR have been invested at Coresi, while the owner revealed plans to allocate another 350 million EUR for development up to 2030.

The City Hall announced last year that it signed a contract with the Order of Romanian Architects regarding the conversion of the former industrial platform Rulmentul, with an area of 36 hectares.

The well-balanced economic development in Brasov is illustrated by the low unemployment rate (2.6% vs national average of 5.4%) and the 14% increase in the average wage to 1,370 EUR gross (inflation at 9.8% at the national level, thus in real terms increase of 4%+).

Brasov is an excellent alternative to Bucharest-Ilfov, Cluj, Timisoara, and Iasi. Together with Constanta, Brasov may lead the wave of new poles of accelerated development in Romania.