Know the city

Nairobi, neighbourhood by neighbourhood

Where you live shapes everything — your commute, your weekends, how quickly the city feels like home. Here's an honest read on each prime area.

Calm, green, international 1 home

Gigiri

Home to the United Nations complex and dozens of embassies, Gigiri is Nairobi's diplomatic heart — leafy, secure and quietly international. Village Market anchors the shops and cafés; the UN and US Embassy are minutes away.

DiplomatsUN & NGO staffFamilies

From $2,100/mo · Read the guide →

Buzzy, walkable, connected 2 homes

Westlands

Nairobi's business and nightlife hub. Westlands packs malls, restaurants, coworking and corporate offices into walkable blocks — ideal if you want the city at your doorstep and a short commute to almost everything.

Remote workersExecutivesShort stays

From $1,100/mo · Read the guide →

Modern, central, lively 2 homes

Kilimani

A dense, modern apartment district in the middle of it all — close to hospitals, international schools and Yaya Centre. Kilimani suits people who want walkability, restaurants and value without leaving the centre.

FamiliesProfessionalsFirst arrivals

From $1,100/mo · Read the guide →

Leafy, spacious, suburban 1 home

Karen

Named for Karen Blixen, this is Nairobi's garden suburb — large plots, mature trees and a slower pace. Popular with families who want space, gardens and top schools, a short drive from the Ngong Hills.

FamiliesLong staysSpace seekers

From $2,400/mo · Read the guide →

Elegant, residential, close-in 1 home

Riverside

The tree-lined Riverside Drive links Westlands to the city, dotted with embassies and quiet apartment blocks. A refined, central address with an easy commute in both directions.

ConsultantsCouplesProfessionals

From $1,900/mo · Read the guide →

Residential, leafy, settled 1 home

Lavington

A settled, green residential suburb of townhouses and gardens, well placed for schools and the city. Lavington is a favourite of relocating families who want calm without being far out.

FamiliesLong staysSchools

From $2,000/mo · Read the guide →

Quiet, leafy, well-priced 1 home

Kileleshwa

Leafy streets and newer apartment blocks make Kileleshwa a gentle, well-priced landing spot — central enough for the city, calm enough to sleep. A smart choice for first-time arrivals.

First arrivalsCouplesValue

From $1,300/mo · Read the guide →

Exclusive, gated, spacious 1 home

Runda

One of Nairobi's most established gated suburbs, Runda offers large homes, formal gardens and quiet security. Long a diplomatic and executive address, close to Gigiri and the UN cluster.

AmbassadorsExecutivesFamilies

From $3,500/mo · Read the guide →

Classic, private, prestigious 1 home

Muthaiga

The address of old diplomatic Nairobi, built around the historic Muthaiga Country Club. Grand houses, mature gardens and deep privacy — understated prestige, minutes from the city.

DiplomatsLong staysPrivacy

From $3,800/mo · Read the guide →

Green, balanced, convenient 1 home

Spring Valley

Tucked between Westlands and Gigiri, Spring Valley blends garden calm with quick access to both the city and the UN cluster — a balanced choice for those who want a bit of everything.

FamiliesUN staffProfessionals

From $1,900/mo · Read the guide →