
Are you considering or planning to shift to Nairobi, Kenya? Kenya’s capital city has it all: well-developed road, railway, and air transport, communication infrastructure, competitive business environment, many job opportunities, excellent education, health and financial institutions, and unique attraction sites, including the National Park. When considering a move to the City, you will be spoilt for choice with the available and ever-growing real estate market. This is more so if you cast your net wider and focus on Nairobi metropolitan area, not just the County. As you look for the best neighborhood to settle down, here are some places you can’t afford to ignore.
1. Gigiri
Top feature: Top-class security
If security is on top of your checklist, then Gigiri is the go-to. The heightened security is partly due to the many embassy offices in the region. It is one of the areas hosting the largest expatriate communities on the continent. The embassy offices in the area include Argentina, Italy, Turkey, Norway, Brazil, the United States, and Sweden. It is also the home to UNEP and UN-Habitat. With such a presence, it is common to find 24/7 police patrols, not to mention a police station in the area. Security is not the only advantage, though. Gigiri is loaded with some of the most prestigious schools like the International School of Kenya, has fantastic shopping spots like The Village Market Mall, and is close to excellent medical facilities such as Nairobi Hospital.
2. Muthaiga
Top feature: Prestigious community
Do you fancy rubbing shoulders with some of the renowned people? Muthaiga is the home to many wealthy Kenyans. The recently deceased former president Mwai Kibaki and other notable individuals, including Jimi Wanjigi and former Nairobi governor Evan Kidero own homes in Muthaiga. The prestigious gated community offers impressive security, excellent schools, and hospitals like Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital and is home to the Muthaiga Golf club. The best part; the estate is only a few minutes from the heart of the City.
3. Ruaka
Top feature: Affordable living
Living in Nairobi, Kenya, can be financially draining. Nonetheless, with the upcoming towns, you can tap into the City’s many fruits without dealing with a considerable burden. Ruaka is among the notable satellite towns that continue to attract more people. Check out this Hauzisha article on Ruaka for more details about the town.
4. Kahawa Sukari or Wendani
Top feature: Vibrant community
The area is an excellent spot for students and working-class individuals. Due to the many schools nearby, including Kenyatta University, are mainly inhabited by the young and vibrant generation. The cost of living is not that high, it is secure, and with the superhighway, you can go in and out of the City with fewer, if any, hassles.
5. Karen
Top feature: Exclusive community
Karen remains one of the most exclusive luxurious areas in Nairobi. It features a range of top-class properties, including townhouses. It is known for its high-end private schools, especially since most of the populace is expatriates. The area offers fantastic shopping complexes and fun spots like the Karen golf course.
6. Westlands
Top feature: Proximity to the City
If you want to live close to the City, primarily due to your working or business activities, Westlands is a great place. It is conveniently located close to the City and offers an exciting assortment of modern shopping complexes, restaurants, bars, and nightclubs. If you are looking for more secluded living arrangements, you can ditch the apartments and shift to areas like Spring Valley, where you will find detached houses and bungalows in a quieter setting.
7. Kilimani
Top feature: High-rise apartments
Kilimani has been in the spotlight due to the growing number of Airbnb apartments. This is due to the high-rise apartments, most featuring health clubs, saunas, gyms, swimming pools, and good security. The area has excellent schools, entertainment, and shopping experiences and is only a heartbeat from the Nairobi central business district.
8. kileleshwa
Top feature: Great for middle-class
Kileleshwa is the hub for the middle-class and expatriates looking for a stress-free living. The area boasts excellent security. It is home to great schools like Inquisitive Minds International School and offers a relaxed living environment.
9. Roysambu
Top feature: Accessibility
Roysambu, home to one of the most popular modern shopping malls, Thika Road Mall (TRM), can hardly skip your mind as you search for the best places to live in Nairobi. Close to the superhighway, Roysambu is excellent if you are looking for convenient transit to and from the City. The area is hugely known for expatriates and middle-class individuals, especially fresh graduates.
Above are only a few of the places to consider in your search. Nairobi is loaded with all sorts of neighborhoods. The trick is establishing your budget and needs as you hit the market. Whether you are looking to buy or rent, you can easily find a property matching your situation, especially with services like Hauzisha offering comprehensive listings across the many neighborhoods.