Settling Down

Strategic Neighborhoods to Live in Jakarta

Hello FlokqApril 25, 2020

Looking for a place to live is neither easy nor difficult. One of the main things you need to take into consideration is the neighborhood. You need to seek one which suits your purpose of living there; whether an area that’s close to work, school, etc. Choosing the strategic place over many neighborhoods in Jakarta is very important if you have a plan to stay for a long time since it could affect your mood, mobility, and productivity.

Some of you might choose Jakarta, the capital city of Indonesia since it is the center of government, business, trade, and entertainment. Jakarta is also one of the largest cities in the world that became a melting pot of multicultural people. However, you need to pay attention to which neighborhood you decide to live in as each area has its own perks and disadvantages. Here we have a list of most strategic neighborhoods to live in Jakarta. Let’s check them out!

1.    Menteng

Located in Central Jakarta, Menteng is known as the oldest and most prestigious area in Jakarta. The Dutch Colonies used to make Menteng a business district, so some landmarks and buildings still have Dutch characteristics. Lots of important buildings such as museums, government offices, and embassies are situated there. Probably it is the reason why many expats and locals choose to live here.

As this area is tranquil and has a good atmosphere, many politicians and rich families reside here. This sub-district also became a favorite place for socialites so the price of housing is quite expensive. This area is also close to business districts such as Sudirman and Thamrin. In short, Menteng is one of the most strategic neighborhoods in Jakarta.

2.    Kemang

Kemang is a neighborhood in South Jakarta whose regions are in Mampang Prapatan and others are in West Pejaten. It is a well-known area that is filled with hotels, salons, boutiques, restaurants, fitness centers, and so on. This area also becomes a favorite for many expats since some prestigious schools and universities are located here. Hence, the expat community in Kemang is rather large. This place is also popular for its culinary hot spots and nightlife – no wonder Kemang becomes the preference of many young generations.

5 Must-Try Fine Dining in Kemang

Furthermore, the prices for residences in Kemang are quite cheap so it is ideal for the middle to the upper class. Besides, Kemang is close to other business districts such as Sudirman and Kuningan, making it also suitable for those working there and looking for a low-cost residence. It is a good place for those who want to start living in Jakarta but are still in the early stages of adjusting to the new city

3.    Pondok Indah

Pondok Indah is a well-planned area located in Kebayoran Lama, South Jakarta. This strategic place is completed with shopping malls such as Pondok Indah Mall 1, 2, and 3, apartments, and hotels. Those places are equipped with many cinemas, supermarkets, restaurants, and fashion outlets. You could also find a large golf area in Pondok Indah. Hence, it is suitable for those demanding a modern lifestyle.

Furthermore, many expats are choosing this place since Jakarta Intercultural School (JIS) is located here. There are also other popular international schools such as the British International School (BIS). Pondok Indah is a top and luxurious place to live in since it also has a better atmosphere than some other regions in Jakarta. It is easy as well to reach other areas in Jakarta from Pondok Indah so this neighborhood is great for you who seek high mobility.

4.    Kuningan

Kuningan is a business area in Jakarta which becomes a part of the Jakarta Golden Triangle, including Jl. HR Rasuna Said, Jl. Jenderal Gatot Subroto, Jl. MH Thamrin, and Jl. Jenderal Sudirman. It’s a favorite area of many expats. By being a central business district, Kuningan is surrounded by many offices and apartment towers. A lot of embassies are also located here.

Kuningan is well-structured and the environment is nice. A popular business superblock in Mega Kuningan named Rasuna Epicentrum is also located there. To support your daily needs, there are also some shopping centers nearby. By living in this area, you can enjoy a nice night view since many beautiful lights are coming from the skyscrapers. 

5.    Sudirman

Sudirman, one of the central business districts, is located in Jl. Jenderal Sudirman, between South Jakarta and Central Jakarta. This area is one of the most convenient places to live since it is well-built and surrounded by many landmarks. No wonder many would say this area is one of the most strategic neighborhoods in Jakarta. As it becomes a central business district, it is then named as SCBD or Sudirman Central Business District.

Many people live and work there since the development of business in SCBD is stable. Not only known as a central business district, but Sudirman also became a great place to enjoy the nightlife. You can find lots of apartments and hotels in Sudirman that have great facilities. Therefore, Sudirman is a good place to live to support your high mobility and modern life in Jakarta. 

6.    Kemayoran 

Located in the boundary of Central Jakarta and North Jakarta, Kemayoran is the right place for expats since it has lots of landmarks and events. You can visit several music festivals to enjoy your day-off while exploring the area. There is also the Kemayoran complex which was used to be an airport, and now is a popular exhibition area called JIExpo or Jakarta International Expo.

Kemayoran is surrounded by some business offices, shopping centers, and culinary hot spots. Shopping centers that you can find in Kemayoran are Mangga Dua and Pasar Baru. Furthermore, from cheap to expensive cuisines, street foods to fine dining, all are easy to be found here especially local ones. Hotels, apartments, and townhouses are also numerous. Besides that, the access to transportation in this neighborhood is close by. Hence, this area is ideal for those seeking business and high mobility.

These areas are what many feel like the best neighborhoods in Jakarta. Many comfortable and great residences with various price ranges are easy to find (check out some apartments in these areas here). Many landmarks nearby are also easy to reach, so it is more beneficial if you choose to live in one of these areas. 

What do you guys think? Ready to relocate to one of these strategic neighborhoods in Jakarta? If you’re looking for expat-friendly neighborhoods in Jakarta, you can click here.