List of Top 10 Best Places to Live in Nairobi

What are the best places or estates to live in Nairobi? Choosing where you’ll live when moving to Nairobi is a huge decision. It can have a huge impact on how comfortable you feel in your new surroundings and on how successful your relocation is. With this in mind, we’ve put together a useful guide to some of the best places to live in Nairobi.

Crime ratesquality of local schools, traffic,  housing trends, and access to amenities are among the major factors we took into consideration before coming up with this list. While also taking into account what the locals themselves had to say, here are the top 10 best places to live in Nairobi.

List of Top 10 Best Places to Live in Nairobi

1. Muthaiga 

This estate is home to wealthy Kenyans like former president Mwai Kibaki, former Nairobi governor Evans Kidero and city businessman Jimmy WanjigiMost houses in Muthaiga are gated with a 24-hour security patrol. The estate also houses the Muthaiga Golf club and the prestigious Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital.

2. Gigiri

Gigiri is one of the largest expat communities in Africa. It hosts UNEP, UN-Habitat and several embassy offices for various countries like the United States, Sweden, Italy, Turkey, Brazil, Norway, and Argentina. The German School, Rosslyn Academy and the International School of Kenya are also located in this neighbourhood.

Gigiri boasts 24-hour regular police patrols making it one of the most secure neighbourhoods in Nairobi; It has its own police station. Gigiri also houses some of the best upmarket shopping and entertainment that Nairobi has to offer, including The Village Market Mall, Gigiri Shopping Centre, and the Warwick Centre. It’s  a few minutes away from top medical facilities including the Nairobi Hospital

 

3. Lavington

It is a high-income residential estate located northwest of the city centre. The area is popular for its elegant and beautiful houses. Lavington is also home to prestigious schools such as Loreto Convent Msongari, Braeburn, and Braeside.

4. Kileleshwa

This is another smart suburb for middle-class Kenyans and many expatriates which has been found to be a relaxing and stress-free area for the past years.  Kileleshwa houses good schools like Kileleshwa Academy, Kenton College Academy  Light Academy,  Angels International School, Inquisitive Minds International School and Cavina School.

5. Ridgeways

Ridgeways is another home to wealthy Kenyans like former Kiambu governor William Kabogo and diplomats. Located on Kiambu Road, the estate prides itself on having expensive and luxurious bungalows with good security.  It also houses Ridgeways mall which serves the residents’ shopping and entertainment needs. Windsor Golf Club which is one of the best golf clubs in Africa is located here.

6. Runda

Runda Estate is Nairobi’s largest gated community. This lavish estate can be accessed from either Kiambu Road or Limuru Road.  Here, the environment is serene, quiet, peaceful and secluded to allow the rich and famous to live private and comfortable lifestyles.

Security in Runda is a priority as they are served by two police outlets — Evergreen Police Post and Runda Police Station. Several goods schools such as Potter House School and Brookhouse are located here.

7. Kilimani and Hurlingham 

Kilimani is located approximately 4 kilometres from Nairobi’s central business district. Most of the house designs here are modern with a 24- hour security surveillance. Shopping centres close to these areas include the Yaya Centre on Argwings Kodhek Road and Adams Arcade & Junction on Ngong Road.

8. Karen

This is the home to several Kenyan politicians like DP William Ruto and Raila Odinga. The suburb which is greatly known for its large European population borders the Ngong Forest and is home to the Ngong Racecourse. Houses here are very magnificent and super expensive.

The estate also houses two of Kenya’s top hospitals; Nairobi Hospital and the Karen Hospital. Karen also has a good number of top schools such as Brookhouse, Banda Nairobi Waldorf School, Light International School and Hillcrest International.

9. Kitisuru

This is another luxurious neighbourhood within the city. Most people living in Kitisuru are expatriates, foreigners and top managers, due to its proximity to major international, regional and big companies. Some of the best schools located in this area include the International School of Kenya, Rosslyn Academy, and German School.

Its proximity to the high-end neighbourhoods such as Nyari, Gigiri, Westlands, Loresho Spring Valley and Runda makes it a better place to stay.

10. Riverside

This neighbourhood is located along steep slopes dipping down to the Nairobi River with gated houses which are characterized by good security. Many of the houses here are tailored to meet international standards so as to attract expatriates. Its proximity to the CBD makes it a good place to stay for diplomats and expats.

Other good Nairobi estates which you can consider moving to include Nyari, Lower Kabete, Loresho Spring Valley, Parklands, and Kahawa Sukari. 

I help you to save time and live more with the most up-to-date lists, guides, reviews, and advice.