The Best Places to Live in Jakarta for Expats | A Complete Guide

Your guide to finding the best areas to live in Jakarta.

Jakarta can feel intense the first time you arrive, a city that is always moving, always evolving, and always surprising. For many expats, the city’s energy is exciting but also overwhelming, especially when it comes to choosing a place to live.

The right neighborhood can make all the difference in shaping your comfort, lifestyle, commute, and daily experience. Jakarta is huge and diverse, made up of districts with their own characters. Some neighborhoods are lively and modern with high-rise apartments, while others are quieter with leafy streets and spacious houses.

Each area offers something different, which is why it’s important for expats to understand what each neighborhood can offer before committing to a long-term rental. Below is a complete guide to the best areas to live in Jakarta for expats, along with the lifestyle, housing options, and daily conveniences you can expect in each one.

Also read: A Complete Guide to the Cost of Living in Jakarta for Expats

Why Choosing the Right Area Matters for Expats

Living in Jakarta as an expat is often easier when you stay in a neighborhood that aligns with your work location, lifestyle, and expectations. Traffic is a major factor in daily life, so your choice of area can significantly impact your commute time.

Some expats prefer being close to the central business district, while others want quiet residential neighborhoods with more greenery. Housing options also vary widely. In some districts, you’ll find modern apartments with complete facilities, while others offer spacious houses, gated communities, or coliving options that make settling in easier.

Expat families may also choose areas based on proximity to international schools or family-oriented amenities. With that in mind, here are the best expat-friendly neighborhoods in Jakarta, explained in detail.

Best Areas to Live in Jakarta for Expats

Choosing the right neighborhood in Jakarta can significantly shape your overall experience. Some areas are known for their upscale residences and international communities, while others provide easier access to business districts, public transportation, schools, and everyday amenities.

Your final choice should reflect your needs, whether you’re a young professional, a diplomat, a family with children, or a remote worker looking for convenience and modern facilities. Below, you’ll find a detailed breakdown of the best expat-friendly neighborhoods in Jakarta.

1. Menteng

Menteng is one of Jakarta’s most prestigious and historic neighborhoods. Located in Central Jakarta, the district is filled with embassies, government buildings, museums, and colonial-era homes that reflect its Dutch history. Wide tree-lined streets, elegant architecture, and a peaceful atmosphere make Menteng one of the most desirable areas for expats who want a calmer, more upscale lifestyle.

The area is also close to major business districts such as Thamrin and Sudirman, making it convenient for professionals working in central Jakarta. Weekends and evenings are easy to enjoy with nearby malls like Grand Indonesia and Plaza Indonesia, along with various cafes, restaurants, and cultural attractions.

Housing in Menteng is known to be premium, with spacious houses and luxury apartments that reflect its reputation. Many embassies and senior executives choose Menteng for its security, accessibility, and charming living environment.

2. Sudirman

If you prefer the dynamic city lifestyle, Sudirman and the Sudirman Central Business District (SCBD) offer the perfect environment. This is where Jakarta’s skyscrapers dominate the skyline, providing a modern and highly developed environment with a global feel.

Many expats live here because it is the heart of Jakarta’s business activity. Living in this area makes commuting to the office incredibly convenient. Nearly everything is within walking distance or accessible via MRT stations, which run through Sudirman.

Housing options include luxury high-rise apartments with complete facilities such as gyms, swimming pools, mini theaters, coworking spaces, and 24-hour security. SCBD is also known for its vibrant nightlife, making it popular among young professionals and expats who enjoy an active social life.

Weekends are lively with countless cafes, restaurants, and entertainment spots. Whether you enjoy fine dining, rooftop bars, or live music, Sudirman and SCBD offer endless options.

3. Kuningan

Kuningan is located in South Jakarta and is part of the Golden Triangle business area. It is known for its modern offices, embassies, and high-end apartment complexes. The area is especially popular among expats looking for a balance between convenience, comfort, and affordability.

Many international companies have offices in Kuningan, and the development of Mega Kuningan has created a beautifully planned district with stylish buildings, landscaped pathways, and international-standard housing options. Expats who work in Rasuna Said, Gatot Subroto, or Mega Kuningan often choose to live nearby to avoid traffic.

Kuningan also offers easy access to international schools, shopping malls, and healthcare facilities. Its location allows quick travel to neighboring districts such as Setiabudi and Menteng, making it a strategic starting point for expat life in Jakarta.

4. Blok M

Blok M has transformed significantly over the past few years, evolving from a traditional shopping hub into one of South Jakarta’s most vibrant lifestyle districts. Today, it’s popular among young professionals, digital nomads, and expats who enjoy a walkable neighborhood with easy access to public transport, diverse dining, and nightlife options.

One of the biggest advantages of living in Blok M is direct access to the MRT Jakarta line, making daily commutes to Sudirman, Senayan, or even Lebak Bulus incredibly convenient. The area is packed with cafés, izakayas, co-working spots, and modern eateries, especially around Blok M Square, Melawai, and Little Tokyo, an enclave filled with Japanese restaurants and bars that attract a strong expat crowd.

Housing options here are more varied and affordable compared to upscale neighborhoods like Kebayoran Baru or Kuningan. You’ll find serviced apartments, coliving spaces, and compact modern apartments within walking distance to amenities. For expats seeking an energetic, social, and convenient urban lifestyle, Blok M offers great value with plenty of things to do both day and night.

5. Pondok Indah

Known as the “Beverly Hills of Jakarta,” Pondok Indah offers a spacious, luxurious, and family-oriented living environment. The area is filled with large houses, gated communities, international schools, golf courses, and premium shopping centers. Many expat families choose Pondok Indah due to its quiet atmosphere and excellent amenities.

Pondok Indah Mall (PIM) is one of Jakarta’s most beloved lifestyle destinations, offering entertainment, food, and shopping in one place. The area is also connected by a west-to-east highway, making it easier to travel to other parts of Jakarta. Because of its complete facilities and suburban vibe, Pondok Indah is an excellent choice for expats who want a comfortable and spacious home with easy access to everything they need.

Expat Housing Options in Jakarta

Expats in Jakarta can choose from several types of housing, depending on their lifestyle and budget. Luxury apartments are common in business districts like Sudirman and Kuningan, while larger homes are available in places like Menteng and Pondok Indah.

For expats seeking convenience, flexibility, and community, coliving is becoming one of the most popular choices. Coliving allows newcomers to settle quickly without worrying about furniture, utilities, or long-term commitments. Rukita, one of Indonesia’s leading coliving providers, offers fully furnished rooms in strategic locations across Jakarta. For many expats, this makes starting life in Jakarta much easier while still feeling connected to a community.

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Living in Jakarta may feel overwhelming at first, but choosing the right neighborhood can transform your experience. With the city’s rich culture, dynamic lifestyle, and growing expat community, Jakarta can become a place where you not only work but truly belong.

Want to find a comfortable, modern, and strategically located coliving or apartment to stay in? Rukita offers many kinds of colivings and apartments that you can rent to live a more comfortable life.

Don’t forget to download Rukita app via Google Play Store or App Store or visit www.Rukita.co. Follow Rukita’s Instagram account @rukita_indo, Twitter account @rukita_id, and TikTok account @rukita_id to get the most recent information and other interesting deals!