Different residential areas in Dar es Salaam have gained unique stereotypes that greatly influence people’s decisions to live there. Areas like Masaki, Oysterbay and Mikocheni are becoming incredibly expensive to live in and less and less middle-income earners can afford rent because the neighbourhood is considered posh, while more and more rich and ‘bougie’ people want to move in.
The reputation of a neighbourhood will affect the housing and renting prices, and influence your options when you are looking for a place to stay.
Let’s check out the best places to live in Dar es Salaam as indicated below;
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Masaki & Oysterbay
Very convenient neighbourhood, favoured by most expats, diplomats and high income-earning citizens. About 10 minutes away from City Centre.
Get this Modern 3 BDRM Apartment in Masaki
Demographic
- Affluent/posh area of Dar es Salaam
- For wealthy/affluent people
- High expat population
- Many ambassadors & high-ranking foreign missions staff reside here
Lifestyle
- Many ‘Posh’ restaurants of different cuisines including local, Italian, Thai, Chinese, continental, bakeries/café’s
- English is spoken almost as much as Swahili in the area
- Streets & neighbourhood are more planned than most DSM areas
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Mikocheni
A step below Masaki/Oysterbay regarding living expenses. About 20 minutes away from City Center.
Check out this 4 BDRM Pool house in Mikocheni
Demographic
- Central to south/north/east/west of Dar es Salaam; highly accessible
- Increasing in inhabitants and in popularity as a residence for mid-high income earners.
Lifestyle
- More local-semi local bars/restaurants than high-end bars/restaurants
- More company offices than in Masaki/Oysterbay; more commercial in this aspect
- High number of retail shops
- Streets are generally planned between residential and non-residential areas
- Generally safe location to live in with rare occurrences of crime
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Bahari Beach
Demographic
- Predominantly residential
- Both new & old family homes
- Mid-high-income earners
- Mid – senior managers
- Retirees, pensioners
- Expats
Lifestyle
- Not congested but noticeable increase in residents, leading to an increase in cars, shops, eating options, and public transport services
- Public transport
Car ownership is ideal due to the distance from more prominent/active urban areas
- Safe area with very low crime rate
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Mbezi Beach
Favoured by mid-high level income earners.
Check these 4 BDRM Apartments in Mbezi Beach
Lifestyle
- Increase in inhabitants as seen through increase in:
- Social entertainment (bars/restaurants)
- Supermarkets
- Alcohol sellers
- Home appliance stores
- ATMs
- Secure; relatively low crime rate
- Recreational options are increasing.
Housing
- Mostly residential; last 2 years have seen an increase in offices in the area
- Planned & unplanned residential areas
- Apartment buildings are increasing
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Upanga
Very close to the Central Business District favoured by high-middle income earners mostly professionals, expats and businessmen.
Look into these 3 BDRM Apartments in Upanga
Lifestyle
- Characterized by low crime rate
- Accessible (close to Town, Namanga, Mikocheni, Masaki)
Find the neighbourhood that’s right for you
When looking for a place to live, the location you pick is just as important as the house or apartment you choose. Feeling comfortable in the neighbourhood you live in will greatly influence your standard of living. So, now that you have some idea of what popular neighbourhood in Dar es Salaam is like, buy or rent from the best real estate listings here.
