“Žirmūnai is located not far from the center of the capital, with excellent transport connections. From a recreational point of view, it is a fairly attractive district, which has a stronger relationship with the river than Antakalnis. However, to become an independent and cozy district, it lacks public spaces and entertainment,” – says urban planner Tadas Jonauskis.
According to real estate specialists, few projects are being developed in Žirmūnai and there are currently only 160 apartments on offer – for comparison, 260 apartments are being sold in Naujamiestis and 320 in Baltupiai. Although, when assessing the ratio of housing supply to the number of apartments for sale, Žirmūnai is classified as one of the most popular districts of the capital – along with Naujamiestis and Šnipiškės.
Urban planners miss public spaces
According to urban planners, Žirmūnai is a very densely populated area with a mix of residential buildings, old and new apartment buildings, and public buildings.
“There are very few public spaces in the district – this can be called the biggest drawback. There are bicycle and walking paths along the Neris River and Tuskulėnai Park, but it is not as clearly expressed and cultured as, for example, Sapiegai Park in Antakalnis,” says T. Jonauskis, founder of the office “PUPA – strategic urbanism”, reviewing Žirmūnas.
He notes that in the northern part of Žirmūnai, from the Northern Town towards Kareivių Street, there is solid concrete and there is nowhere for people to walk and enjoy green spaces. “For the residents of the Northern Town, the only alternative is the river, but you have to walk to it,” says the urban planner.
A reliable neighborhood is important to buyers
According to real estate development experts, Žirmūnas is particularly popular with couples – both those who are planning to have children and those who have already raised them. This area is also in demand among families with children. Many apartments in Žirmūnas are also purchased by investors, who later rent out the apartment and calculate a tangible return.
“Customers like it when the infrastructure is fully developed in the area and a settlement of new houses is being created, rather than inserting one or two houses among old apartment buildings. New settlements, for example, on Tuskulėnai Street, are particularly appreciated by families with children. They understand that children will grow up safely here, and the neighbors will be of a similar age. When choosing a home, the socialization aspect is also important for current buyers,” says Justinas Šavelskis, Sales Manager at Eika.
Žirmūnas – the golden center of Vilnius
Specialists calculate that if a couple wanted to purchase a modern two-room apartment in Žirmūnai, each family member would need to earn from 850 EUR. To purchase an apartment of the same size in nearby Šnipiškės, each family member would need to earn about 800 EUR.
According to J. Šavelskis, residents of Žirmūnai appreciate its convenient transportation and extremely well-developed infrastructure. “Here, residents can walk to shops, workplaces, and take their children to nearby schools. These are some of the main advantages of Žirmūnai compared to Šnipiškės, where there is still a lack of access roads and full-fledged infrastructure, and Baltupiai, where it would be difficult to live without a car after purchasing a home,” the real estate expert said.
According to Eika, the average price per square meter in Žirmūnai is about 2,000 euros, in nearby Šnipiškės 1,800 euros. In districts closer to the center, prices are much higher. In Žvėryna, the price per square meter of apartments offered to buyers is 3,500 euros, in Senamiestis – 3,100 euros, in Antakalnis – 2,400 euros, in Naujamiestis – 2,200 euros. In the Baltupiai district, which is one of Žirmūnai’s main competitors, the price per square meter is 1,800 euros, in Pilaitė – 1,400 euros.
“Žirmūnai is the golden mean of Vilnius, considering the best ratio of price, location, and transportation,” says J. Šavelskis.
In the plans – new square
It is expected that the prospects of Žirmūnai will be further strengthened when the territory of the apartment block located in the triangle of Žirmūnai, Minties and Tuskulėnai streets is renovated.
The implementation of the three-street project aims to form a clear structure of internal spaces. To create an opportunity for people to go for a walk not on the main streets, but inside the block. Next to Žirmūnų g. a main square with lighting and small architecture will be installed. According to specialists, in the future this could be the main square of the district, where, for example, the community would celebrate Mardi Gras. This square could become a place for the community to spend their leisure time.
It is planned that by 2022, pedestrian and bicycle paths will be installed and reconstructed in the territory of Žirmūnų, Minties and Tuskulėnų streets, recreational pedestrian paths will be installed, and other infrastructural changes will be made.