If you’re considering moving to Lagos, finding the perfect neighborhood to live in can be a challenging task. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the best neighborhoods for expats in Lagos and the factors you should consider when selecting the perfect area to call home.
Neighborhoods for Expats in Lagos
Are you planning to move to Lagos as an expat? Lagos is a bustling and vibrant city with a lot to offer, but choosing the right neighborhood to call home can be a daunting task. Here are some of the top neighborhoods for expats in Lagos:
1. Victoria Island
Victoria Island is one of the most popular areas for expats in Lagos. It’s a stylish and affluent neighborhood with plenty of high-end restaurants, trendy bars and cafes, and luxury shopping malls. It’s also the financial hub of Lagos with numerous businesses and commercial activities. If you’re looking for a neighborhood that offers a luxurious lifestyle, Victoria Island is the perfect choice for you.
2. Ikoyi
Ikoyi is another upscale neighborhood, located on Lagos Island. It’s known for its tranquil ambiance, wide roads, and stunning waterfront views. Ikoyi is also home to numerous foreign embassies, consulates, and international schools. If you’re looking for a neighborhood that offers a serene and safe environment, Ikoyi is a great option.
3. Lekki
Lekki is a fast-growing neighborhood on the Lagos mainland. It’s a popular choice amongst expats due to its affordable housing options, modern amenities, and easy access to the beach. Lekki is also home to a thriving art scene with numerous galleries and cultural centers. If you’re looking for a neighborhood that offers a balance between affordability and quality of life, Lekki is the perfect choice for you.
4. Banana Island
Banana Island is a secluded and exclusive neighborhood located on a small artificial island in Lagos. It’s a prestigious area, home to high-net-worth individuals and celebrities. Banana Island is known for its luxury properties, private yachts, and high-end shopping experiences. If you’re looking for a neighborhood that offers exclusivity and privacy, Banana Island is the perfect choice for you.
5. Ikeja
Ikeja is a bustling neighborhood on the Lagos mainland, known for its rich cultural heritage and vibrant social scene. It’s also home to the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, making it a convenient location for frequent travelers. Ikeja is a great option if you’re looking for a neighborhood that offers a lively and diverse community.
6. Gbagada GRA
One of the greatest neighborhoods in Lagos to live in is Gbagada. The well-known Third Mainland Bridge, which connects the mainland to the island, is just outside of it. In Lagos and Nigeria, the Third Mainland Bridge is now the longest.
For its locals, Gbagada is renowned for being a one-stop store. It is a neighborhood that is both residential and commercial. The region is dotted with banks, restaurants, hospitals, and schools. The plethora of retailers in the region has made shopping in Gbagada more convenient for the locals. In Gbagada, there are many options for shopping, whether you like to travel to the store personally or have items delivered to your home. In Gbagada, foreigners can easily find anything they require.
7. Surulere
Despite being on the mainland, Surulere is ideally situated between the rest of the Lagos mainland and Lagos Island. It provides a useful connection between the two places. It is a well-liked place to reside as a result of this.
The sports capital of Lagos is sometimes Surulere. This is a result of the Lagos National Stadium and Teslim Balogun Stadium being two of its two international sports grounds. The Nigerian Football Association Headquarters was formerly situated on Ogunlana Drive in Surulere before moving to Abuja. Surulere is renowned for its vibrant nightlife, well-traveled streets, and business ventures. For single expats, it is perfect.
8. Yaba
For the working youth population in Lagos, Yaba is one of the humming places to reside. Its appeal among young people seeking a place to live that’s neither distant from school, work, or other regions of Lagos like the Island surroundings, Gbagada, Yaba market, shopping malls, and fast, affordable food outlets increased due to its proximity to the University of Lagos.
Yaba is situated very centrally as well. A good spot to reside is Yaba, especially for individuals on a tight budget. In this developing neighborhood, which is a preferred location for migrants arriving in the city to start over, everything you need is close at hand.
9. Eko Atlantic City
On land that was once part of the Atlantic Ocean, the fantastic future city known as EKO Atlantic City was constructed. The area has state-of-the-art amenities and infrastructure that can compete with any other global metropolis, and some have compared it to Dubai or Miami in the United States.
A modern city, a wonder of Africa, and one of the most astounding technical achievements ever attempted have all been used to describe Eko Atlantic City. For foreigners who don’t have a tight budget, it’s undoubtedly a terrific area to reside. The area has state-of-the-art amenities and infrastructure that can compete with any other global metropolis, and some have compared it to Dubai or Miami in the United States.
10. Epe
There are numerous locations in Lagos that Epe is connected to, including Lekki, Lagos Island, Festac, Oshodi, and Surulere. Epe has recently experienced considerable development as a result of its closeness to Lekki. It is among the best places to live in Lagos.
It has one of Lagos’ top residential zones. Additionally, there are many reputable hospitals, police stations, public transportation options, supermarkets, banks, and recreation facilities.
Closing Thoughts on the Best Neighborhoods for Expats in Lagos
Despite the challenges, many people choose to live in Lagos because of the city’s energy and opportunity. Whether you’re a young entrepreneur looking to start a business or a seasoned professional looking for a new challenge, Lagos has something to offer.
Choosing the right neighborhood in Lagos can be a daunting task, but by considering all the factors mentioned above and the list of neighborhoods provided, you can choose wisely your next home in Lagos. Whether you’re looking for an exclusive and tranquil island retreat or a vibrant and bustling social scene, Lagos has it all.
Frequently Asked Questions on the Best Neighborhoods for Expats in Lagos
Is Lagos good for expats?
Lagos is a vibrant and bustling city located in the Southwest region of Nigeria. It’s the largest city in Nigeria and one of the fastest-growing urban areas in the world. Lagos is also a major economic hub, with a thriving business sector and numerous opportunities for entrepreneurs and investors, and expats!
What’s the weather like in Lagos?
The climate in Lagos is tropical, with two distinct seasons: the rainy season (April to October) and the dry season (November to March). During the rainy season, Lagos experiences heavy rainfall, which can sometimes lead to flooding. However, the dry season is usually sunny and hot, with temperatures ranging from 28°C to 32°C.
Is Lagos a cultural city?
Lagos is a city with a rich cultural heritage. The city’s population is diverse, with a mix of ethnicities, cultures, and religions. The Yoruba people make up the largest ethnic group in Lagos, followed by the Igbo and Hausa-Fulani. Lagos is also home to a large expatriate community, with people from all over the world living and working in the city.
The lifestyle in Lagos is fast-paced and dynamic, with a unique and vibrant nightlife. Lagosians love to party, and there are plenty of bars, clubs, and restaurants to choose from. The city is also known for its street food, with vendors selling everything from jollof rice to suya (spicy grilled meat).
What is the cost of living in Lagos for expats?
The cost of living in Lagos can vary widely depending on where you choose to live. In general, the cost of accommodation and food is lower than in many other major cities in the world. However, the cost of goods and services can be higher, such as transportation costs, healthcare, and education. Lagos has a well-developed public transportation system, but traffic can be a major issue, especially during rush hour.
Based on Numbeo:
- A family of four estimated monthly costs is 1,575.0$ (1,197,418.9₦) without rent.
- A single person estimated monthly costs are 438.6$ (333,439.5₦) without rent.
How to choose the right neighborhood to live in Lagos?
Lagos is located on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean, and its geography is rich and diverse. The city is divided into two main parts: the mainland and the islands. The mainland is home to most of the city’s residents and is connected to the islands by a series of bridges. The islands are where you’ll find some of Lagos’ most affluent neighborhoods, as well as popular tourist destinations like Victoria Island and Ikoyi.
Choosing the right neighborhood is an important decision that can significantly impact your quality of life. Lagos, the bustling city of Nigeria, offers a wide range of neighborhoods to choose from.
Here are some factors to consider when choosing a neighborhood in Lagos:
- Proximity to Work: Living close to your workplace can save you time and energy, especially in Lagos, where traffic can be notoriously challenging. However, proximity to work is one of many factors to consider when choosing a neighborhood.
- Safety and security: these are critical factors to consider when choosing a neighborhood in Lagos. You want to feel safe and secure when you’re at home and when you’re out and about. Look for neighborhoods with security patrols and gated communities. You can also check the crime rate in the area by consulting with the local police department or checking online resources.
- Availability of Amenities: This is another critical factor to consider when choosing a neighborhood. Look for areas with reliable access to utilities such as water, electricity, and internet. Additionally, choose a neighborhood that has access to leisure amenities like parks, recreational centers, and shopping malls. Lagos has a variety of neighborhoods that offer different amenities, so choose one that suits your lifestyle and needs.
- Housing Options and Affordability: You will need to decide on your housing preferences and how much you can afford to pay for rent or purchase a property. Lagos offers a variety of housing options, including apartments, houses, and townhouses, as well as varying price points. You can consult with a real estate agent to find the right neighborhood that fits your budget and housing preferences.
- International Schools and Education: If you have children, you’ll want to consider the availability of international schools and the standard of education they offer. Lagos has a range of international schools that cater to ex-pats from different countries and educational backgrounds. You can research the schools’ curriculums, facilities, and reputations to find the right fit for your children.
How many expats live in Lagos?
Lagos is estimated to have anywhere between 500,000 to 1.2 million expats from various countries. Nigeria had the greatest population in all of Africa, numbering around 206 million people. With Lagos being the capital city, most of the ex-pats land in this vibrant city, making it an ideal location for migrants.
What are the most popular neighborhoods for expats with families in Lagos?
In terms of Lagos’ suburban areas, ideal locations to bring your family if you are planning to migrate to Nigeria’s capital city, these are ideal locations for families in Lagos:
- Yaba
- Lagos Island
- Gbagada GRA
- Ikoyi
What are the most popular neighborhoods for single expats in Lagos?
Landing alone in a new place is not always easy, and you might be thinking of meeting other singles, even if it is to make friends or to start a significant relationship. In that case, you might want to choose to live in the following Lagos neighborhoods:
- Ikeja
- Lagos Island
- Surulere
- Victoria Island
- Lekki
