Accra is an enthralling city to live in! Every Ghanaian has his or her own version of the town they love, their happy place and people, what irritates them the most, and what it means to them to live in Accra.
As a result, it’s no surprise that the country is finally getting the recognition it deserves in terms of visitor numbers, particularly during the holiday season in December.
Notwithstanding, if you’re a foreigner looking to live in Accra, your experience may be heavily influenced by your location, and this guide aims to help you find the best places to live and avoid the worst.
Look into the various neighbourhoods.
Accra has a diverse range of neighbourhoods, each with its own unique character and atmosphere. For Example:
- Cantonments :Cantonments is a highly secure and prestigious neighbourhood located in Accra, known for its numerous embassies and diplomatic missions such as the US Embassy, the British High Commission, and the French Embassy. The presence of these diplomatic missions has led to increased security measures, such as regular patrols by security personnel and the installation of CCTV cameras throughout the area. This provides residents with a secure and comfortable living experience while enjoying a range of modern amenities, including shopping centres, restaurants, and recreational facilities. Cantonments’ central location also allows convenient access to other popular areas of Accra like Osu and Labone. Additionally, it boasts a large expatriate community, providing opportunities for networking and socialising with other foreigners. Cantonments is an exclusive and desirable neighbourhood for those seeking a secure, convenient, and sophisticated living experience in Accra.
- Labone: Labone is a vibrant and cosmopolitan neighbourhood located in Accra, Ghana. It is particularly renowned for its upscale shopping, dining, and nightlife options, making it a popular destination for young professionals and expatriates alike. The neighbourhood is characterised by its lively atmosphere and diverse cultural influences, making it an ideal location for those seeking a dynamic and cosmopolitan living experience. With its convenient location and ample amenities, Labone is an excellent choice for those looking to live in one of Accra’s most exciting neighbourhoods.
- Osu: If you’re looking for a dynamic and exciting place to live in Accra, Ghana, Osu is definitely worth considering. Known for its diverse cultural influences, bustling markets, and vibrant nightlife, Osu offers a unique and lively living experience. With a variety of restaurants, bars, and clubs to choose from, there’s always something to see and do in this vibrant neighbourhood. The area is also home to several historical landmarks, including the Osu Castle and the Independence Square. With its lively atmosphere and convenient location, Osu is a great place to live for those looking for a dynamic and exciting living experience in Accra.Whether you’re a young professional, an expatriate, or simply looking for a place to call home in Accra, Osu has something to offer.
- Airport Residential Area: Airport Residential Area is a well-known neighbourhood located in Accra, Ghana, that is adjacent to the Kotoka International Airport. The area is characterised by its tree-lined streets, luxurious homes, and upscale amenities, making it a popular residential destination for both Ghanaians and expatriates. The neighbourhood is home to a range of modern conveniences, including high-end restaurants, shopping centres, and recreational facilities, as well as several embassies and diplomatic residences. Due to its proximity to the airport, the area is a convenient location for those who frequently travel internationally. Overall, Airport Residential Area is a highly desirable neighbourhood in Accra that offers a luxurious and comfortable living experience
- East legon : If you’re a foreigner looking for a top-notch living experience in Accra, then East Legon is the place to be. This residential area is a real hotbed of amenities, offering all the bells and whistles that you could possibly need. From posh restaurants and shops including the A&C Mall, which offers a wide range of local and international brands to all sorts, East Legon is a one-stop-shop.East Legon also boasts a vibrant nightlife, with many bars and clubs open until late hours. Additionally, the area is close to the Legon Botanical Gardens, which provide a peaceful escape from the city’s hustle and bustle. East Legon is also home to a diplomatic area, with several embassies and high commissions situated in the area, such as the Canadian High Commission and the Nigerian High Commission, contributing to the neighborhood’s high level of security. The central location of East Legon also provides easy access to other popular areas of Accra, including Airport Residential Area, Cantonments, and Osu.East Legon presents an ideal option for expatriates looking for a comfortable and convenient living experience in Accra.
Spintex, Cantonments, Trassaco, Aburi, Adabraka, Kaneshie, and North Ridge are some of Accra’s other neighbourhoods, each with its own distinct atmosphere and amenities.
As a result, conduct additional research to find the best fit for your lifestyle and needs.
Look for safety and security
Even though the country is relatively safe, safety is an important factor to consider when choosing a neighbourhood in Accra, particularly for foreigners. Look for appropriate security measures, such as gated communities or areas with a high police presence.
Airport Residential Area and Cantonments are well-known for their strong security measures, which include gated communities and a strong police presence. Also included are Trassaco, Osu, East legon , and North Ridge.
To gain a better understanding of a neighbourhood’s safety and security, it is also advisable to research crime statistics and speak with your real estate agent. Some areas may have higher crime rates, so when deciding, consider the level of risk you are comfortable with.
Nonetheless, some property developers have considered the safety of their properties for residents. As a result, Locus Estates has invested in basic home security measures such as locks, security cameras, and alarm systems to improve the overall safety and security of homes and ensure the safety of all occupants.
The developments are also located in a very secure neighbourhoods, making Locus Estates your best option for finding the perfect home for the perfect stay in Accra or other parts of the country.
Consider proximity to amenities
When choosing a neighbourhood in Accra especially as a foreigner, proximity to amenities is an important factor to consider. Neighbourhoods such as Labone, Osu, and East Legon have a high concentration of essential amenities such as supermarkets, restaurants, and hospitals, as well as art galleries and events centres.
The proximity of schools and playgrounds is an essential consideration for families travelling to the country with children. East Legon, Spintex, and the Airport Residential Area are known for having some of Accra’s best schools and playing grounds.
Even though there are numerous car rental services and ridesharing services such as a bolt, uber, shaxi, and yango, having easy access to public transportation can save time and make getting around the city more convenient.
Tema, Osu, Kaneshie and Adabraka are well-connected by public transportation and provide easy access to the rest of the city.
Finally, taking into account proximity to essential amenities such as supermarkets, restaurants, hospitals, schools, and public transportation will assist you in selecting a neighbourhood that best suits your needs and lifestyle.
Check the cost of living
Accra has a wide range of rental and purchasing prices depending on the area, so when choosing a neighbourhood, keep your budget in mind.
Because of their upscale amenities and high standard of living, residential areas tend to have higher rental and purchasing prices.
Neighbourhoods such as Oyarifa, Kasoa, Lapaz, Kaneshie, and Adabraka, on the other hand, have more affordable rental and purchasing prices, making them a more budget-friendly option for those on a tighter budget.
When calculating the cost of living in a neighbourhood, it’s also important to factor in the cost of utilities, transportation, and other daily expenses.
As a result, considering the cost of living, including rental and purchasing prices, utilities, transportation, and other daily expenses, can assist you in selecting a neighbourhood that suits your needs.
Seek local advice
Seeking local advice is an excellent way to gain a better understanding of Accra’s neighbourhoods. Speaking with locals, ex-pats, and real estate agents can provide valuable insights and recommendations on the best foreign neighbourhoods.
These people have firsthand knowledge of the areas, such as the cost of living, safety and security, proximity to amenities, and the overall atmosphere and vibe of the neighbourhood.
Real estate agents/ developers can also provide detailed information on the housing market and assist you in finding a suitable home in your desired neighbourhood.
You can find the best by taking these factors into consideration.