Burmarrad vs Hamrun
Side-by-side comparison of property prices, lifestyle, and practical info to help you choose the right area.
Summary
Burmarrad offers larger properties with gardens at some of the northern area's most affordable prices. It scores 8/10 for safety and 7/10 for family suitability but just 2/10 for transport — a car is essential here. The nearest coast is a 5-minute drive to St. Paul's Bay. Hamrun, by contrast, scores 9/10 for transport, with multiple bus routes (41, 42, 44, 45) running through its central corridor, and sits just 15 minutes from the airport by car.
Hamrun's population of 10,400 reflects its built-up, commercial character: it has one of Malta's longest shopping streets and scores 7/10 for dining. Burmarrad has roughly 1,500 residents, no local amenities, and scores just 1/10 for nightlife. Hamrun delivers walkability and daily convenience with a flat, connected layout, scoring 7/10 for family living and 2/10 for beaches. Burmarrad provides open countryside views in the Pwales Valley and a peaceful atmosphere but requires driving for all services.
Living in Burmarrad
Burmarrad is a small residential area on the inland edge of St. Paul's Bay — a flat, rural-feeling neighbourhood of modern houses and smallholdings that sits between the coast and the agricultural land of the Pwales Valley. It's not a traditional village with a church square; it's a spread-out residential community that grew as St. Paul's Bay expanded inland. The surrounding Pwales Valley is one of Malta's few remaining agricultural areas, with small farms producing vegetables, strawberries, and the tomatoes that go into Malta's famous sun-dried tomato paste. The valley floor is flat and green — a rarity in Malta — and the distant view of the Mellieha ridge provides a pleasant backdrop. Property in Burmarrad is among the most affordable in the St. Paul's Bay area. Buyers get larger properties with gardens — almost unheard of in coastal apartments — at prices well below the seafront. The trade-off is distance from the coast and a car-dependent lifestyle.
Highlights
- Pwales Valley — one of Malta's few agricultural areas
- Larger properties with gardens at affordable prices
- Flat terrain and open countryside views
- Part of the St. Paul's Bay area but quieter
- Close to Mistra Bay and Xemxija
Living in Hamrun
Hamrun is a dense, bustling town that connects the harbour area to Birkirkara and the interior — a through-town that most people pass through rather than visit, but one with a character and commercial strip that sustains a loyal local community. The main street is one of Malta's longest shopping streets, lined with traditional Maltese bakeries, butchers, and family-run shops alongside modern chains. The town has deep roots in Malta's political and social history. Hamrun was a centre of Maltese nationalism during the British colonial period, and several prominent Maltese politicians and intellectuals called it home. The parish church, dedicated to St. Cajetan, has an unusually tall bell tower that serves as a navigation landmark visible from across the harbour area. Property in Hamrun is affordable and practical. The town's central location — between Valletta, the Three Cities, and Birkirkara — makes it a convenient base for commuters. Prices sit well below the coastal strip and moderately below Birkirkara. The housing stock ranges from traditional terraced houses with interior courtyards to post-war apartment blocks.
Highlights
- One of Malta's longest traditional shopping streets
- Central location between Valletta and Birkirkara
- Affordable property with good transport links
- Deep political and cultural history
- Strong local community and traditional shops
Lifestyle Comparison
Which Area Is Right For You?
Choose Burmarrad
Burmarrad comes out ahead in safety, beaches .
Choose Hamrun
Hamrun comes out ahead in dining, nightlife, transport .
Frequently Asked Questions
Available Properties
Burmarrad (1 listings)
View all Burmarrad properties
Hamrun (5 listings)
HAMRUN – Brand New & Modern 1 Bedroom Apartment
Pieta 1 Bedroom Apartment
Modern 3rd floor Apartment in Hamrun/Marsa
