The Most Trendy Neighborhoods in Nairobi

Discover what insiders know about Nairobi so you can prepare like a pro for your trip to Kenya
Discover what insiders know about Nairobi so you can prepare like a pro for your trip to Kenya | © ImageBROKER / Alamy Stock Photo
Nandika Macharia

Nairobi is a smooth combination of old colonial buildings, like the National Archives, and more modern skyscrapers, like the Barclays Plaza. As the city center continues to work on being trendy, the neighborhoods are not being left behind. The following suburbs are the trendiest in Nairobi, attracting young professionals and families alike.

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Lavington

Neighboring Westlands is the Lavington suburb. It has beautiful villas and mansions and the neighborhood has achieved a great blend of modernity and nature. There is a very vibrant center where you can do everything from shopping and dining to spending time in a spa. It also has a good number of schools, making it ideal for families.

Karen

Karen is the quintessential leafy suburb. The neighborhood is wonderfully tranquil and serene and has high-end malls, schools, and restaurants. The population is mainly families and expats who have decided to make Kenya their permanent home. There are plenty of activities in the vicinity, including golfing, horse riding, and racing, as well as animal sanctuaries to enjoy wildlife, like the giraffe center.

Runda

Runda is an elite neighborhood with modern homes co-existing with older houses. The suburb has been around for decades and still retains its affluence and charm. It is such a trending location that more people continue to acquire property in the suburb and build their homes. It is an exclusive area that has not allowed construction of apartments, malls, or restaurants around.

Gigiri

This suburb is characterized by trees lining the streets and forming a beautiful canopy. Some of the trees are as old as the neighborhood itself, giving it a lot of character. The suburb has great security and close proximity to the city center without being affected by the bustle of the city. Several consulates have their offices there because of the great environment. It is home to the UN headquarters in Nairobi.

Muthaiga

Muthaiga is a posh suburb quietly nestled 20 minutes away from the city center. There is a distinct lack of malls and other social amenities but those can be accessed at Gigiri, which is nearby. The neighborhood has preserved its residential feel and sense of community even as other suburbs have become swamped with commercial buildings.

Westlands

Located 10 minutes from the city center, this neighborhood is home to many high-end restaurants and nightclubs, which makes it a favorite. Upmarket malls, like the West gate and Sarit Center, have contributed to the suburb, attracting young, upwardly mobile professionals and their families. The quieter part of Westlands is Spring Valley, which is more serene and family oriented.

Kileleshwa

Kileleshwa is the nearest of all these neighborhoods to the city center. This, however, dosn not diminish its exclusivity. It is a great place for raising a family and buying property. It is very reminiscent of the Dalat suburbs in Lam Dong Province, Vietnam.

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