Nairobi has over 50 estates, some of them are ideal for living while others are hotspot for security issues. The best places to live should have plenty of water, security, physical amenities like schools, good roads and good drainage system. If you are planning to live in Nairobi, here is the list of best estates to live in:
- Runda
Runda is one of the most expensive estates but ideal for high class citizens. If your monthly salary or income is more than Ksh 400,000, this is the place to live intrude is secure, clean and conducive for anyone who wants good life.
Rental prices range between Ksh 100,000 and Ksh 400,000. If you want to buy land in Runda,you have to be ready to part with Ksh 120 million per acre.
- Kileleshwa
Kileleshwa used to be exclusive estate for the rich but of late, middle class population has invaded it.There are elegant apartments which have two bedroom houses that go for Ksh 40,000 to Ksh 100,000.The estate is close to Nairobi CBD and Westlands,hence ideal for Nairobians who work near CBD.
There is enough security and water in Kileleshwa, which is why those earning above Ksh300,000 per month live there.
- Muthaiga
Muthaiga is only affordable for people earning more than Ksh 700,000 per month. Most of the houses in this estate have their own compound and servant quarters. If your monthly salary is less than Ksh500,000, you’ll find it hard to live in Muthaiga.This estate hosts the likes of former President Mwai Kibaki.
Rent for houses ranges between Ksh200,000 and Ksh1 million per month. However, most of people living here own the homes.
- Kilimani
Kilimani is fairly cheap compared to the aforementioned estates. You can rent a one-bedroom house for Ksh 35,000 per month. For those earning Ksh 150,000 and Ksh 400,000 every month, this is the best place to live. Houses in Kilimani are magnificent, security is good and water is plenty—they also have good drainage systems and excellent road network.
- Karen
Karen is not an estate for people who don’t understand themselves, this is where the likes of Raila Odinga, DP Ruto and Kalonzo Musyoka live. There are houses for those willing to rent and others for buying. A couple of years ago, Cytonn was selling 10 houses, each was going for Ksh120 million. Shockingly, all the houses were bought even before construction had started.
To rent a house with its own compound in Karen, you need around Ksh150,000 per month.
The environment in Karen is conducive—away from CBD, which explains why the rich prefer the estate.
To buy an acre piece of land in Karen, you need at least Ksh150 million.
- Hurlingham
Hurlingham is a perfect estate for the middle class. Here, almost everyone has rented a house. To rent a one-bedroom house will cost you at least Ksh25,000 per month. For a monthly salary of Ksh 150,0000, you’ll comfortably live in Hurlingham.
The estate is a walking distance from Nairobi CBD,it’s situated opposite Kenyatta National Hospital.
If your monthly budget is Ksh 25,000 to Ksh60,000, Hurlingham is the best estate to live.
- South C/South B and Nairobi West
These 3 estates are facing each other; they are adjacent to Mombasa Road. Most people whose monthly salary range between Ksh150,000 and Ksh250,000 live in one of the estates. Majority of the houses here are either three bedrooms or two bedrooms. The cost of renting a two-bedroom house is approximately Ksh35,000.
Majority of the houses in south B are apartments—South C and Nairobi West have numerous bungalows.
- Roselyn Estate
Roselyn is among the most recent estates in Nairobi, it’s for Kenyans who consider themselves rich. If you have budgeted for a monthly rent of Ksh150,000 to Ksh400,000, look for a house in Roselyn estate.
Plots are also being sold here and they cost Ksh70 million to Ksh150 million per acre.
- Ngong
The estate is perfect for Kenyans earning Ksh 30,000 to Ksh 100,000 per month. There are also decent houses for those earning more than Ksh100,000 per month. Most apartments in Ngong are new, cheap and secure. To rent a one-bedroom house, you need Ksh7,500 to Ksh14,000 per month. Two bedroom houses cost Ksh15,000 to Ksh 25,000 per month.
The only disadvantages of living in Ngong is that it’s very far from Nairobi CBD—about 21 kilometers in distance.
Ngong is good for those with large families who need fresh air.It’s also ideal for those working along Ngong Road and Karen.
- Kitengela
Kitengela is a cheap town where you can get a one-bedroom house for just Ksh 7,000. It’s also fit for those who want to settle with a family –you can buy land in Isinya or neighboring areas and develop it. Land is as cheap as Ksh200,000 per 50 by 100 plot.
Kasarani
If you are working along Thika Road, Kasarani is the best place to live in,it’s neighbouring Githurai but safer than most of the estates along Thika road.Houses cost as little as Ksh 10,000 per month.This estate is suitable for those earning over Ksh 80,000 per month.
- Langata
Langata is sometimes referred to as lower Karen and is one estate that every middle class Nairobian should live in.One challenge you will face here is that water is not sufficient, but security is good and houses are specious.
- Joska
If you want to settle in Nairobi, go and buy land in Joska.The plots are still cheap but the rate at which people are buying them is alarming. By 2022, land in Joska will be costly
The town is 25 kilometers from Nairobi CBD and is next to Ruai and Kamulu.Most plots being sold here are cheap and genuine.
Instead of paying Ksh 35,000 per month in South C,buy a plot at Joska for Ksh 600,000 ,develop it and forget about rent.
- Westlands
Westlands is for the rich, those who can afford a rent of Ksh 70,000 and above. Along Kabete, you’ll get an apartment to rent but they are very expensive.
Those working in Nairobi CBD and Westlands will find it convenient to live in Westlands.The place is secure, clean and conducive for tenants.
- Kitisuru
The likes of Ann Waiguru and Jeff Koinange live in Kitisuru.This is where those with fat wallets live. Your monthly income should be above Ksh 800,000 for you to afford rent in Kitisuru.To buy a house here, you need at least Ksh90 million.
- Kahawa Sukari
Kahawa Sukari is located near Kenyatta University and is suitable for university students, lecturers and Nairobians working along Thika Road or Nairobi CBD.There are plenty of decent apartments in this estate which cost as low as Ksh 12,000 per month.If you’re interested in one bedroom and two bedroom houses, visit Kahawa Sukari and rent one.
- Donholm
Near Donhlm,there is Umoja,Savannah ,Kayole and Komarock but Donholm is the best among the four.Rent for houses in this estate range between Ksh15,000 and Ksh 55,000 depending on the size of the house(2 bedroom or 3 bedroom) you wish to rent. The main reason it’s one of the best is because it’s near Nairobi CBD ,it’s also clean.
- Imara Daima
Imara Daima is located along Mombasa Road,the estate has several modern apartments. With a salary of Ksh70,000 and above, you’ll find a cheap house to rent. In a month, you’ll be paying Ksh 15,000 to Ksh 40,000 as rent.
One disadvantage of living in Imara Daima is that you’ll be facing Mombasa road traffic jam.You’ll need to wake up at 5 am.
- Nyayo Estate
Nyayo is the only clean and decent estate neighbouring Embakasi.The houses are extremely good, roads are clean and security is guaranteed. But the houses are a bit overpriced—two-bedroom house goes for Ksh 40,000 per month.
- Buruburu
Raila Odinga used to live in Buruburu before moving to Karen when life became good. This is a good estate for people with large families. House rent for a two-bedroom house goes for Ksh 25,000 to Ksh40,000.
- Parklands
Parklands has several people from the Indian origin.It’s one estate those working in Nairobi CBD and Westlands live. Houses are somehow expensive but living here will save you from spending much on fuel.A two bedroom house goes for Ksh 30,000 to Ksh50,000 per month.
- Lavington
Lavington is suitable for anyone comfortable to part with over Ksh 150,000 per month in rent. It’s even better when your bank account reads over Ksh 10 million.If you are rich,Lavington will give you all the comfort you need. You can even buy a house for at least Ksh70 million if you have money.
- Risgeways
Ridgeways accommodates people like former Kiambu Governor William Kabogo.Without deep pockets, you’ll never experience the serenity of this place. Before you start looking for a house in this place, make sure you’re ready to pay rent in excess of Ksh150,000 per month.
