Kuala Lumpur is a beautiful and diverse city which has been a highly sought-after expat destination for years.
With gorgeous properties, exciting lifestyle options and a high quality of life, you’d soon find that KL has much to offer.
Depending on whether you’re a student, expat or parent, you’ll find a neighbourhood in Kuala Lumpur that is suited specifically to your needs.
As for property prices, while there are neighbourhoods where you’d have to give up a sizeable amount of money in order to secure your dream home, you’d find that living in Kuala Lumpur.
In general is far more affordable as compared to other major international cities such as Singapore, Hong Kong and Tokyo.
Without further ado, here’s a list of the best places to stay in Kuala Lumpur and its surrounding regions in the wider Klang Valley!
Best Areas For Youths
1) Bangsar
If you’re a young person with deep pockets and an affinity for the finer things in life, consider moving to Kuala Lumpur and calling Bangsar your home.
Abound with luxurious condominiums, fine-dining restaurants and bars, shopping malls with the coolest labels as well as modern art galleries, Bangsar is a playground for the young and young-at-heart.
Recreational facilities include the upscale Bangsar Shopping Centre, home to a mix of indie and high-end fashion, lifestyle and retail brands.
Local labels and indie brands can also be found in the neighbourhood, providing an alternative to those who want something different.
Bangsar’s nightlife is lively and happening, with young people flocking to the many stylish restaurants and themed bars in the neighbourhood.
In terms of property, Bangsar has no shortage of beautiful condominiums, townhouses and bungalows.
It’s also a well-connected neighbourhood, within close proximity to Kuala Lumpur City Centre (KLCC) and the city of Petaling Jaya.
Properties Of Interest In This Area:
- Apartments/condominiums for rent in Bangsar
- Bungalows/villas for rent in Bangsar
- Semi-detached houses for rent in Bangsar
2) Wangsa Maju
Once a rubber estate, Kuala Lumpur’ biggest township has since bloomed into a bonafide urban metropolis.
Retail giants such as Carrefour and JUSCO can be found in Wangsa Maju, which is home to several affordable housing projects.
Condominiums, semi-detached houses and terraced homes in Wangsa Maju can either be bought or rented at a reasonable rate.
With a number of universities in the area (namely, Tunku Abdul Rahman University, Institute CECE and VTAR Institute), Wangsa Maju is well-established as a university township.
Young people living in the area or looking to shift here will find it easily accessible, thanks to the Wangsa Maju and Sri Rampai LRT line.
Entertainment options include the Wangsa Walk Mall, where one can shop from a variety of labels, access both fast food establishments and fine-dining options, attend karaoke sessions and watch movies.
Properties Of Interest In This Area:
- Terrace/Link Home for rent in Wangsa Maju
- Apartments/Condos/Serviced Residences for rent in Wangsa Maju
- Semi-Detached Houses for rent in Wangsa Maju
If you’re a young person who attends university or has just entered the working world, you might want to consider renting places to stay.
This would be economical in the long run, as it is unlikely that you would be living in these areas your entire life.
However, the rental process comes with its own set of challenges so make sure to do your research before making any decisions.
Check out properties for rent
Best Areas For Families
1) Taman Tun Dr. Ismail
Located in the vicinity of other affluent neighbourhoods such as Damansara Heights and Mont Kiara, Taman Tun Dr. Ismail (usually referred to as TTDI) is considered one of Kuala Lumpur’s prime residential township.
Once a rubber plantation, TTDI has since been transformed into a sprawling urban haven, complete with beautiful properties such as penthouses, townhouses, landed properties and condominiums.
There are a number of preschools and secondary institutions in the neighbourhood, so parents need not fret about educational options for their children.
A township filled with much greenery, TTDI is well-connected and highly accessible thanks to the SBK MRT line and a multitude of major highways.
Properties Of Interest In This Area:
- Bungalows/Villas in Taman Tun Dr. Ismail
- Terraced Homes/Link Houses in Taman Tun Dr. Ismail
- Condominiums/Apartments in Taman Tun Dr. Ismail
2) Damansara Heights
Being able to purchase property and settle down in Damansara Heights is an aspiration for many, and for good reason.
After all, it has a reputation for being one of the most exclusive neighbourhoods in Kuala Lumpur, and can easily compete with other international suburbs such as Beverly Hills or New York’s Upper East Side.
Damansara Heights, also known as Bukit Damansara, is home to a high concentration of luxurious residential buildings.
Condominiums, penthouses, semi-detached homes, bungalows: house shoppers with expensive taste and the propensity to spend will be spoilt for choice.
Family-friendly recreational and lifestyle destinations include malls such as Plaza Damansara and DC Mall, which carry several upscale brands and eateries.
Ideal for weekend trips and family days out is the National Science Centre which houses a series of interactive displays aimed at kids.
Gyms, fitness outlets and independent grocery stores attract those who wish to lead a healthy lifestyle.
Damansara Heights can be reached by the Pavilion Damansara Heights-Pusat Bandar Damansara MRT Station, as well as the Semantan MRT Station, which are both part of the SBK MRT line.
Properties Of Interest In This Area:
- Bungalows/Villas for Sale in Damansara Heights
- Apartments/Condos/Serviced Residences for Sale in Damansara Heights
- Semi-Detached Houses for Sale in Damansara Heights
Best Areas For Expats
1) Ampang
Ampang is notable for its architecture – a mixture of traditional pre-war buildings which have retained their colonial charm stand alongside modern buildings.
Ampang’s nightlife is vibrant and lively, with a plethora of bars, cocktail lounges and resto-bars which play live music and offer an excellent view of the Kuala Lumpur skyline.
Nightclubs blasting the latest tunes are also popular with patrons, of which there is a sizeable expat population.
A hub of the arts and culture, Ampang is home to a number of art galleries, cultural centres and cinemas. Ampang’s diverse food culture also makes it attractive to expats.
Little Korea, a vibrant segment of the neighbourhood is the culinary mainstay of the Korean community and serves many delectable treats for Koreans and expats of other nationalities to enjoy.
Housing options in Ampang include condominiums, serviced residences, terraced homes, and flats.
The Ampang neighbourhood is served by the Klang Valley Integrated Transit System, as well as the LRT Ampang Line.
Properties Of Interest In This Area:
2) Mont Kiara
Mont Kiara is already home to an existing expat population so if you’re looking to settle down in a neighbourhood with a strong international community, look no further than this premier location.
While housing prices may be a little on the steeper side in this part of town, Mont Kiara’s multicultural appeal and sophistication makes it a top choice for expats to settle in.
If you are an expat family with children of school-going age, the Mont Kiara’s International School would be an ideal choice for their education.
Apart from educational institutions, Mont Kiara’s many parks and outdoor recreational options make it a great place for family activities such as hikes, picnics and treks.
Housing options in Mont Kiara include bungalows, semi-detached houses, apartments, terraced homes and condominiums.
The neighbourhood is served by the Bukit Kiara station, which is part of the SBK line.
Properties Of Interest In This Area:
- Bungalows/Villas for rent in Mont Kiara
- Apartments/Condos/Serviced Residences for rent in Mont Kiara
- Semi-Detached Houses for rent in Mont Kiara
3) Sri Hartamas
An affluent and well-connected neighbourhood, Hartamas is an ideal choice for many families wanting to settle down on a long-term basis.
With neighbouring Mont Kiara within easy reach, Sri Hartamas is an aspirational neighbourhood for many Malaysians and expats alike.
In Sri Hartamas, one can find condominiums, townhouses, semi-detached homes, and bungalows. The area is served by the Pusat Bandar Damansara station on the MRT Sungai Buloh-Kalang line.
It’s hard to get bored when you live in a neighbourhood like Sri Hartamas. For the fitness junkies, the township has a bevy of health and fitness studios.
For the artistically-inclined, the local theatres and lounges are always staging new productions, gigs and events.
A curated mix of retail offerings feature both high-end and indie brands, thus adding greater variety to your shopping experience.
Properties Of Interest In This Area:
- Bungalows/Villas for rent in Sri Hartamas
- Apartments/Condos/Serviced Residences for rent in Sri Hartamas
- Semi-Detached Houses for rent in Sri Hartamas
Making the decision to move to Kuala Lumpur and finding a place that suits your specific needs can be challenging.
However, armed with ample research and appropriate guidance from those who are in a position to help you learn more about Kuala Lumpur’s residential market, you’d be able to zero in on the neighbourhood of your choice.
Best Areas for Retirement
1) Desa Parkcity
The sprawling greens of Desa Parkcity make it a beautiful, tranquil destination to call home, along with all the amenities you would ever need to make retirement life worth living.
Sitting on the cusp of Bandar Menjalara and a stone’s throw away from Kota Damansara, the full-fledged township features complete healthcare facilities, expansive parks, leisurely neighbourhood malls, a clubhouse, and a sports centre to boot.
Bringing people and nature together, you can find a plethora of properties to call home or your little nest; from condominiums to terraces, semi-detached houses, and bungalows — anything to tickle your fancy!
As Desa Parkcity is a gated-and-guarded township with dedicated guard posts for each residential parcel, safety is of the utmost priority here.
In other towns, you might not hear of children walking to school unaccompanied, but here, it’s perfectly safe to do so, thanks to its well-planned infrastructure and security.
Given that Desa Parkcity is not too far from Kuala Lumpur, this makes it a popular place for expats to call home too as it fulfils all their requirements.
According to Andy Davison, CEO of TEG Media and owner of an MM2H agency, the reasons English-speaking expats choose to retire in Malaysia are because of the overall quality of life, food choices, travel possibilities, friendliness of Malaysians, low cost of living, and widely-spoken English.
Properties Of Interest In This Area:
- Semi-Detached Houses for rent in Desa Parkcity
- Apartments/Condos/Serviced Residences for rent in Desa Parkcity
- Terrace/Link Houses for rent in Desa Parkcity
2) Bukit Jalil
Nestled between Sri Petaling and Sri Kembangan, Bukit Jalil is a decent-sized town that moves at a comfortable pace which suits both the young and old.
Offering everything a retiree would want, Bukit Jalil is home to a golf and country club, recreational parks, eclectic shopping malls, the IMU Healthcare clinic, and a unique retirement resort part of the KL Wellness City as well as the Pavilion Bukit Jalil.
Despite its blossoming status with numerous developments and projects, the crime rate in Bukit Jalil is still considerably low compared to its neighbouring towns, making it a safe and secure place to live.
Along with several public transport hubs, Bukit Jalil can be accessed without any hassle through the Shah Alam Expressway (KESAS), Maju Expressway (MEX), and the New Pantai Expressway (NPE).
Properties Of Interest In This Area:
- Bungalows/Villas for rent in Bukit Jalil
- Apartments/Condos/Serviced Residences for rent in Bukit Jalil
- Terrace/Link Houses for rent in Bukit Jalil
3) Seputeh
Close to the city, but not too close for comfort, Seputeh is a peaceful, matured, and convenient neighbourhood for retirees to easily access anything they need.
Shopping malls and fun? Mid Valley Megamall, The Gardens, and KL Eco City are right next door. A leisurely drive down to the city will bring you to the glitz of NU Sentral and KL’s Golden Triangle.
Healthcare and well-being? Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur (PHKL) is just a car ride away, and you’ll also be able to find the Columbia Asia Hospital and Assunta Hospital in neighbouring Petaling Jaya.
Travel and convenience? Even if you’re without a vehicle of your own, the Seputeh KTM only takes mere minutes to reach, and KL Sentral is less than 4km away with connectivity to the LRT, MRT, Monorail, and KLIA Express lines.
Despite its seemingly busy pace of life, Seputeh still enjoys exclusivity, comfort, and security that ensures the neighbourhood’s standards are level to that of other higher class locations in Kuala Lumpur.
Properties Of Interest In This Area:
- Semi-Detached Houses for rent in Seputeh
- Apartments/Condos/Serviced Residences for rent in Seputeh
- Terrace/Link Houses for rent in Seputeh
Relevant Guides:
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