Nairobi, Kenya’s capital, is a city of contrasts—fast-paced and modern, yet surrounded by green spaces and growing satellite towns. Choosing where to live here depends on your budget, lifestyle, family needs, and future plans. Some prefer established city suburbs, while others opt for the more spacious and affordable outskirts of the Greater Nairobi Metropolitan Region. So, where is the best place to live in Nairobi? Let’s explore your options.
Prime Neighbourhoods
Karen – Serenity and Space
Karen offers tranquillity, large homes, and leafy surroundings. It’s perfect for families seeking privacy, international schools, and shopping at The Hub. While premium-priced, it provides unmatched peace and exclusivity.
Westlands – Vibrant and Connected
A hub for young professionals and businesspeople, Westlands is lively with modern apartments, restaurants, and nightlife. Its proximity to the CBD makes it one of the top contenders for the best place to live in Nairobi if you value convenience.
Lavington – Family-Friendly Comfort
With spacious homes and good schools, Lavington offers suburban calm without being far from major shopping and business centers. It’s popular with upper-middle-class families.
Kilimani – Cosmopolitan Living
Kilimani blends modern apartments and family homes, attracting professionals, diplomats, and young families. It’s central, accessible, and slightly more affordable than Karen or Lavington.
Runda – Luxury Living
Runda is synonymous with prestige—home to embassies, gated mansions, and international schools. It’s secure, exclusive, and perfect for high-net-worth individuals.
Lang’ata – Affordable and Accessible
Lang’ata is growing as a family-friendly neighborhood with apartments and maisonettes. It’s more affordable than Karen but still well connected, with Nairobi National Park nearby.
South B & South C – Middle-Class Convenience
These centrally located estates are popular for their accessibility to the CBD, airport, and industrial areas. They’re well suited to middle-income earners seeking affordability and convenience.
Expanding Horizons: Greater Nairobi and the Best Place to Live Nearby
For those willing to live slightly outside the city, the metropolitan region offers more affordable land, larger homes, and fast-growing communities. Improved road networks and bypasses make commuting easier than ever.
Syokimau (Machakos County)
Located near the SGR terminus and JKIA, Syokimau is popular with middle-class families and diaspora buyers. It offers gated communities and modern apartments at relatively affordable prices.
Kitengela (Kajiado County)
Known for its spacious plots and affordable homes, Kitengela appeals to families looking to build. It has good schools, universities, and vibrant social amenities.
Athi River (Machakos County)
With estates like Greenpark, Athi River blends industrial and residential life. It’s ideal for families who want affordable housing along Mombasa Road.
Ruaka (Kiambu County)
Fast-rising and close to Two Rivers Mall, Ruaka attracts young professionals. It’s well positioned near Westlands and UN offices in Gigiri, making it popular with expatriates too.
Ruiru (Kiambu County)
Ruiru’s growth is fueled by Thika Road expansion. It offers everything from affordable apartments to gated communities, plus universities and industries that keep it vibrant.
Thika (Kiambu County)
Further out but offering value for money, Thika is suited for those who want more space and lower prices, with the benefit of a quieter environment.
Ongata Rongai (Kajiado County)
Affordable housing, a diverse community, and a lively social scene define Rongai. It’s popular with students, young professionals, and families alike.
Ngong (Kajiado County)
With scenic views of the Ngong Hills and affordable housing, Ngong appeals to families and retirees seeking peace while remaining connected to Nairobi.
Juja (Kiambu County)
Close to JKUAT, Juja is a student-driven town with affordable apartments and rising gated communities. Investors find strong rental demand here.
Limuru (Kiambu County)
Cooler climate, green landscapes, and less congestion make Limuru attractive for families who want a quieter life with good connectivity to Nairobi via bypasses.
So, Where Is the Best Place to Live in Nairobi?
There’s no single answer—it depends on your lifestyle and priorities.
- Choose Karen, Runda, or Lavington if you want prestige and family-friendly luxury.
- Choose Westlands or Kilimani for convenience and cosmopolitan living.
- Choose Lang’ata, South B, or South C for affordability within Nairobi.
- Choose Syokimau, Kitengela, or Ruaka for affordability plus modern growth.
- Choose Ngong, Limuru, or Thika if you want peace, space, and value for money.
At Karibu Kwako, we simplify this decision through our Customized Home Finder, Property Advisors, and Priority Home Connector services. We don’t just show you houses—we help you find the best place to live in Nairobi and Kenya that truly fits your lifestyle, budget, and long-term goals. Let us.
You may want to read: Find your place: A guide to the best neighbourhoods in Nairobi or read more about us here