What are Shanghai's best areas to rent a villa?

Second largest municipality of China (after Chongqing) with over 23 million people, Shanghai offers diverse types of rental housing. Villa or apartment, in large international compound or intimate Lilong, find out the most popular areas to rent a villa in Shanghai.

1. Hongqiao - Gubei

 Some foreign families choose to settle in this area, which is located on the border between the city center and the suburbs. They enjoy this feeling of being part of the local life. They usually live in beautiful and comfortable villas, a few steps away  from small shops and bicycle repairmen. Easily accessible by metro, it’s also in Gubei that the Japanese and Korean communities have been living for decades.

For Anna, with a child at the French School, Hongqiao was "the perfect choice between Qingpu way out of the center and quiet, and the French Concession, too far from the school. It is a good compromise for everyone. I can reach very quickly the city center and the children are pretty close to their school too. We have the feeling of living "the Chinese way" with still the possibility to go to places for expats. It is a full immersion into the lively local life. We love that feeling.”


2. Minhang district

Generally, expatriate families choose to live in neighborhoods nearby international schools, where you can find nice villas and beautiful parks. A few years ago, Minhang was known as an empty and uninteresting district. With the development of the expat community, the area evolved little by little and now offers great restaurants and bakeries. It is also much quieter and less polluted than the center. In some areas of Minhang, you almost feel like being in the countryside, which is great for walks or bike rides. However, you can still enjoy the comfort of the city life since most of Shanghai’s districts offer villa rentals in luxury compounds with gym, swimming pool and many other facilities.

Linda, mother of 2 kids, confirms: " They are both enrolled in French school, so we chose this location for its proximity to the school as well as the size of villas and gardens. The kids go to school by bike or scooter (5 minutes), it's very nice and it gives them some autonomy. After school, they often find friends in our residence or just nearby. My husband who works in the city center appreciates to find peace and a bit of green in the late afternoon. He also travels a lot, Hongqiao Airport is only 15 minutes, so it's very convenient. On weekends, when the weather is nice, our friends from the city center are happy to come and enjoy a good barbecue in our garden! This does not prevent us from going very often in the city center for shopping or dining. "

3. Pudong District

For professionals who want to be close to their workplace, Pudong is a good alternative. These former swamps have bee replaced by modern compounds and office buildings since the 1990's. This is now one of the most urbanized areas of China, where skyscrapers are sprouting up everywhere!

While it may seem relatively far from major spots, Pudong district, particularly the Lujiazui financial area, appeals with its wide avenues and large parks, a place where it feels good to breathe.

For Michelle, the advantage of Lujiazui is that the city center is not so far away: "We chose Pudong for its proximity to my husband’s office, which is located near the airport but in fact, we are only 5 minutes away from the Bund and Puxi! Here, you have a feeling of space, with less crowded roads than downtown. There are also less pollution and more green areas".

Two years ago, Frank chose to settle near the second campus of the French School, further east: "As an expat family with 3 children, my wife and I wanted to stay close to what we were used to in France . It seemed important not to "disturb" our children because the trip was already a big change in our lives. We have always lived in a house so the villa was for us the only one option to consider. It’s important to have a garden where kids can play”.


4. The former French Concession

For single people or young couples, the former French Concession of Shanghai is one of the most attractive places in the metropolis. There are large apartments in higher buildings or small studios in charming more traditional lanes. For families, there are a few roads where you can find modern villas with garden, depending on the size, it can range from “very pricey” to “way too pricey”.

A little expensive for students, the former French Concession is considered as one of the most dynamic and trendy neighborhoods in Shanghai. Wine bars, beer bars, international cuisine restaurants, not a week goes by without the opening of a new venue. Its tree-lined streets have attracted thousands of people for many years.

Brian, father of 2 little girls, initially struggled to find happiness. "Agencies showed me places that did not meet our expectations at all. Eventually I found via a small ad from another expat who was leaving his villa. I live near Shanghai Library, a neighborhood that has the double advantage of being very quiet and very well located. Even though we are in the city center, the small charming tree-lined streets are usually well organized and pretty quiet. You really feel like you are living in the heart of Shanghai, sharing the locals life and meeting people from around the world. This area is a constant surprise! "


5. Jing’an district

Located North of the Yanan Lu, Jing’an district is also very well-situated, with a little less expensive range of accommodations. The district has many large and modern compounds where one can rent a big apartment, well equipped at very affordable price. Ideal for young professionals!

For villas, North Jing’an is undoubtedly the best area to look for. North of Changping Lu, you will find lots of villas in fairly new housing estates. They usually offer facilities such as gym, laundry service, playground for kids, etc.

Conrad and his wife, both in their thirties, have been living on Xinzha Lu for two years: "it’s a very convenient location near our respective offices. Many Chinese and international companies have their office here in North Jing’An, it takes us 10 minutes to go to work, this is such a pleasure! This certainly is not as good as the French Concession but the restaurants and bars offer here is still pretty good, this is such a lively neighborhood. "

How about you? What part of Shanghai did you choose to live in? Why? Please share your experience with us!