Best Places to Live in Abuja: A Guide to Top Neighborhoods

1. Maitama District TOP EXPAT CHOICE

Why Expats Choose Maitama: Recognized as Abuja’s most prestigious address, Maitama is the preferred neighborhood for ambassadors, diplomats, and senior executives from multinational corporations. The district’s tree-lined boulevards, mansion-style homes, and embassy row create an international atmosphere familiar to foreign nationals.

Best For: Diplomats, C-suite executives, families with children attending international schools, and those prioritizing maximum security and prestige.

2. Asokoro District DIPLOMATIC ZONE

Why Foreign Nationals Choose Asokoro: Adjacent to the Presidential Villa and hosting numerous foreign embassies, Asokoro combines high-level security with spacious estates perfect for families. The district’s elevated terrain offers panoramic city views and cooler temperatures.

Expat Infrastructure: Home to several ambassadorial residences and government ministers’ homes, Asokoro features wide boulevards, Millennium Park for recreation, and proximity to the Abuja Hilton. The area maintains strict security protocols making it ideal for risk-averse foreign workers.

International Schools Nearby: Within 15 minutes of American International School of Abuja (AISA), International Community School, and Loyola Jesuit College.

Best For: Government contractors, embassy staff, senior oil and gas executives, and families requiring high security with more affordable options than Maitama.

3. Wuse District (Wuse II) EXPAT FAVORITE

Why Expats Love Wuse: Wuse II represents Abuja’s beating heart, offering expatriates the perfect blend of residential comfort and urban convenience. The district’s concentration of international restaurants, entertainment venues, and shopping centers creates a cosmopolitan lifestyle familiar to foreign professionals.

For Young Expat Professionals: The neighborhood’s vibrant nightlife, coworking spaces, and modern serviced apartments make it particularly popular with young expatriates working in tech, consulting, and international development sectors. The area never sleeps, with 24-hour security and constant activity.

Expat Community: Strong international presence with regular networking events, expat clubs, and multilingual services. Easy access to international courier services (DHL, FedEx) and Western Union facilities.

Best For: Single expats, young professionals, couples without children, and those who prefer walkable urban living over suburban compounds.

4. Jabi District – Modern Family Living

Family-Friendly Expat Hub: Jabi has emerged as the top choice for expatriate families seeking modern amenities without premium Maitama prices. The iconic Jabi Lake Mall serves as the social center, offering international brands, cinema, restaurants, and weekend family activities.

International School Access:

• Whiteplains British School – Located within Jabi, offering British curriculum
• Voyage International School – 10 minutes away with IB program
• Lead British International School – 15 minutes in Gwarinpa

Growing Expat Community: Jabi hosts a thriving international community with regular family-oriented events, expat parent groups, and international playgroups for young children. The Jabi Lake waterfront provides weekend recreation including boating and lakeside dining.

Best For: Expat families with school-age children, mid-level executives, and those seeking modern amenities with strong community feel.

5. Gwarinpa – Affordable Expat Living

Budget-Conscious Expat Choice: As West Africa’s largest residential estate, Gwarinpa increasingly attracts cost-conscious expatriates, particularly teachers, NGO workers, and young families. The area offers significantly lower living costs while maintaining good security standards.

For International School Staff: Many teachers at Lead British International School (located in Gwarinpa) and other international schools choose to live here, creating a strong expat educator community. The 25-minute commute to CBD is offset by spacious homes at one-third the cost of Maitama.

Amenities for Expats: Growing number of international restaurants, well-stocked supermarkets, multiple churches and mosques, recreational facilities, and good healthcare clinics. The National Church of Nigeria and National Mosque provide cultural landmarks.

Best For: Budget-conscious expat families, international school teachers, NGO workers, and those prioritizing space over proximity to CBD.

Healthcare Facilities for Foreign Nationals

Premium International-Standard Hospitals:

• National Hospital Abuja (Maitama/Central Area) – Nigeria’s premier federal hospital with specialist departments and English-speaking doctors
• Cedar Crest Hospital (Maitama) – Private facility popular with expats, accepting international insurance
• Garki Hospital (Garki) – Well-equipped government facility serving central districts
• Nisa Premier Hospital (Jabi) – Modern private hospital with emergency services

International Insurance Accepted: Most premium facilities accept Allianz, BUPA, Cigna, and other major international health insurance providers. Many expat employers provide comprehensive health packages including emergency evacuation coverage.

Shopping & International Groceries

Jahi – Rising Expat Destination

Jahi has emerged as a fast-developing area between Gwarinpa and Kado, attracting young expat families and investors. Modern estates, improved road networks, and proximity to Jabi’s amenities make it increasingly popular. Average rental costs are moderate at ₦8-12M annually for quality homes.

Durumi – Near International Schools

Durumi’s central location and proximity to AISA make it attractive for expat families prioritizing education. This quiet district offers mid-range apartments (₦10-15M annually) with easy access to business districts and the National Assembly complex.

Katampe Extension – Scenic Diplomatic Zone

Known for mountainous terrain and stunning views, Katampe Extension serves as a secondary diplomatic area. Several ambassadors and high-ranking officials reside here, ensuring top-tier security. The area offers modern villas in the ₦15-25M annual rental range.

❓ What is the best neighborhood in Abuja for expats?

Answer: Maitama is considered the best neighborhood for expats in Abuja. It offers top-tier security, proximity to international schools like American International School of Abuja (AISA), embassies, and excellent healthcare facilities including the National Hospital. The area has gated estates with 24/7 security, making it the preferred choice for diplomats and foreign nationals.

❓ How much does it cost to live in Abuja as an expat?

Answer: For expats, monthly living costs in Abuja range from ₦4-6 million ($2,600-$3,900 USD). This includes rent in expat-friendly areas like Maitama (₦2.5M/month), utilities (₦150,000), international schooling (₦500,000-₦1.5M per child), groceries at expat stores (₦300,000), and transportation with driver (₦200,000). Premium neighborhoods like Asokoro and Wuse II offer similar costs.

❓ Which areas have the best international schools in Abuja?

Answer: Maitama, Durumi, and Gwarinpa have the best international schools. American International School of Abuja (AISA) is in Durumi, British International School is in Maitama, and Lead British International School is in Gwarinpa. These schools offer American, British, and IB curricula, making them ideal for expatriate families.

❓ Is Abuja safe for foreign nationals and expatriates?

Answer: Yes, Abuja is generally safe for expats, especially in premium neighborhoods like Maitama, Asokoro, and Wuse. These areas have 24/7 armed security, gated compounds, and strong police presence. Most expats live in secured estates with multiple security layers. The diplomatic zones (Maitama, Asokoro) have the highest security ratings in Nigeria.

❓ What documents do expats need to live in Abuja?

Answer: Expats need a Subject to Regularisation (STR) work visa, CERPAC card (Combined Expatriate Residence Permit and Aliens Card), and work permit. Processing takes 60-90 days. Your employer typically handles documentation. Living in Maitama or Asokoro puts you close to the Immigration Office for easier visa processing.

❓ Can expats buy property in Abuja?

Answer: Yes, foreign nationals can buy property in Abuja, but there are restrictions. Expats typically purchase through long-term leases (99 years) or form Nigerian companies to own property. Most expats rent rather than buy due to assignment durations. Premium properties in Maitama and Asokoro range from ₦400M-₦2B for purchase.