Finding a great neighborhood to live to can be especially challenging for expatriates moving to new country. Being a leading moving company in Kenya, we get to visit a lot of exclusive neighborhoods that aren’t very well known by the general public: picturesque places that seem to be out of a movie scene, with the greenest, most breathtaking landscapes and extraordinary architectural designs that you just have to see to appreciate. Our clients tell us that they favour moving to these places because of the luxury lifestyle – fine dining, shopping experiences, scenic views – as well as easy access to quality healthcare and education for their children. Other factors that come into play are connectivity to work, plenty of social activities (sports, festivities, social spots), good weather, a friendly community, and most importantly, tight security.
The Kenyan real estate sector has witnessed a massive boom in recent years. Experts partly attribute this change to the growth of the Kenyan middle class, as well as government initiatives such as the Big 4 Agenda by President Uhuru Kenyatta, which considers affordable housing a key area of focus. Despite the now-declining growth rate, a lot of construction has been done in Kenya in the past few years. It is baffling, to say the least, to see phenomenal developments sprouting in areas that were completely uninhabitable 5 years ago.
This article showcases some of the most exciting neighbourhoods coming up in Kenya:
1. Vipingo Ridge
Spanning over 2,500 acres, this development is home to Africa’s only PGA-accredited golf course. Vipingo Ridge is not just a golf course, but a place where golf lives, promising “a life of barefoot luxury and ease.” The massive development aims to be a playhouse for the ultra-wealthy, offering stupendous views of the wild countryside and a lifestyle unlike any other in Africa: a meeting of the wilderness with modern opulence. It offers other amenities such as horse-riding stables, swimming pools, a conference center, a state-of-the-art clubhouse, and a private airstrip. If you are looking for breathtaking views of the wild countryside within the coastal climes, then you should consider moving to Vipingo Ridge.
2. Amara Ridge
The just-completed Amara Ridge by Cytonn Real Estate is “an outstanding and exclusive private gated community that offers a distinctly luxurious real estate option.” Located in Karen, the estate is a testimony to grandeur, spotting houses with audacious designs: massive columns, over-the-top yet homely settings that blend affluence with intimacy. With a $1 million (Ksh 100 million) price tag for each house, this community is built to attract the ultra-wealthy, catering to those with traditional tastes and their adventurous counterparts. The project was received with massive skepticism, but it finally saw the light of day and the results are just wow – take a look. By moving to Amara Ridge, you can enjoy fine shopping courtesy of the nearby Galleria shopping mall, take your kids to Brookhouse School, and enjoy all the other amazing things that Karen has to offer.
3. Tatu City
Tatu City is a 5,000-acre, mixed-use development with homes, schools, offices, a shopping district, medical clinics, nature areas, a sport & entertainment complex and manufacturing area for more than 150,000 residents and tens of thousands of day visitors. Schools and businesses are already open at Tatu City, and a range of houses are under construction to suit all incomes – such as the much talked-about Kijani Ridge. The elite Nova Pioneer school has several of its campuses near and in the development, offering high class education and incredible opportunities to its students. Tatu City represents a new way of living and thinking for people who want to move by creating a unique live, work and play environment that is free from traffic congestion and long-distance commuting.
4. Kihingo Village
Kihingo Village offers an interesting mix of traditionalism and luxury for people who want to move. Its aesthetics are developed from the traditional African Village setting, which was characterized by rich culture and objectivity. It is the perfect example of a complete living experience, whose focus is a place of unlimited freedom while still maintaining uncompromising security and sensitivity to the environment. Situated on the former Kihingo Estate in Kitisuru Nairobi, the Village will provide homeowners a lifestyle experience unparalleled anywhere in East and Central Africa. The development is a stone throw away from the prestigious International School of Kenya, and only 10 minutes from Westlands.
5. Nyari
Nairobi’s home of the rich and powerful is a beautiful estate spotting some of the most mind-blowing palatial houses anywhere in the county. Nyari offers an interesting mix of opulence and serenity, from the manicured lawns and prominence of trees to the very design of the estate. It is close to a host of embassies and consulates of countries such as Norway, Burkina Faso, Switzerland, Angola, Poland, Sierra Leone, and more, meaning that the area has very tight security. Also in the neighbourhood are a number of first-class schools such as the International School of Kenya, German School Nairobi, and Potterhouse School. Residents have an array of shopping experiences to choose from, ranging from the Village Market and Rosslyn Riviera, to Two Rivers Mall and all the variety of Westlands accessible in a short matter of minutes through the new Redhill-James Gichuru bypass.
6. Tilisi
This budding estate in Rironi, Limuru, is one of the greenest, most serene places to move to near Nairobi. Being 1 hour away from Nairobi, Tilisi is a convenient location to retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city and relax in the tranquil atmosphere, breathe the clean air, and enjoy a sundowner while watching one of the most beautiful sunsets on earth. Connectivity to the city is a breeze courtesy of the newly dualized highway, and lovers of golf can enjoy the occasional tee at Limuru Country Club. The work/play lifestyle is emphasized here by the presence of top-notch establishments such as the Brackenhurst Conference Centre and Woodland Star International School.
7. Edenville
Located along Kiambu Road, this estate will make you forget that you are actually in central Kenya. In fact, this article was inspired by a recent double move we carried out at Edenville. The place is green, with plenty of trees and a peaceful, tranquil environment. Manicured lawns sprawl throughout the development, and kids have ample space to play their hearts out. The estate is very spacious and conducive to people with fitness goals, as they have a marked running trail spanning the estate – it is also accommodating of cyclers. The posh Wadi Degla club is located nearby, as well as Hillcrest School.
8. Runda
Runda has everything going for it. It is strategically located near several important business, diplomatic and recreational centers. The UN headquarters are a stone throw away, as is the Village Market and several embassies. The area is populated with a number of upscale eateries such as The Lord Erroll and Tribe Hotel. For leisure, residents have no shortage of options: Two Rivers and the Rosslyn Riviera Mall are close, or they can have a round of Golf at the Muthaiga Golf Course, maybe socialize at Muthaiga Country Club. The adventurous can take a hike or jog at Karura Forest, while the Warwick Center is convenient for most other utilities and services one may need, from banks, to hospitals, spas and eateries. Nearby education options are plenty, from the Brookhouse School, to Sabis International School.
9. Nanyuki
This equator town is popularly known as the gateway to Mount Kenya and the wilderness of the Mt Kenya National Reserve. Tourists and adventurers visit mostly seeking to climb Mt Kenya and visit spots like Ngare Ndare Forest. Founded by British settlers (some of whose descendants still reside in the town), it has received an influx of old money folks in recent years seeking solace from the now-crowded ‘burbs of Karen and Muthaiga. To be fair, this region has a lot going for it: scenic views of Mt Kenya and the Aberdare Ranges to the South, and breathtaking views of Laikipia to the North. Nature lovers can enjoy bird watching, game drives and forest walks the various nature preserves such as the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, Ol Pejeta Conservancy, Sweet Water Conservancy, Ol Jogi Wildlife Conservancy, Sosian Game Ranch, and others. Moreover, the town has a booming night life, and offers luxurious accommodations such as Maiyan. It is currently the main airfield (airbase) of the Kenya Air Force. The British Army Training Unit Kenya (BATUK), has a base at Nyati Barracks and conducts infantry exercises in Laikipa and on Kenyan Ministry of Defence land at Archer’s Post.
If you are looking for a place to move to, Nanyuki has plenty of advantages: perfect weather throughout the year, amazing estates such as Mukima Development, incredible roads (with no traffic), an airstrip, and a premium health facility that is Nanyuki Cottage Hospital. It is no wonder that some residents choose to live there and fly to Nairobi for work daily (it actually takes shorter than driving from Syokimau to Westlands with rush hour traffic).
Are you moving to Kenya? Talk to us about your relocation needs and we will help you get settled as quickly and stress-free as possible.
