Kuala Lumpur, the capital city of Malaysia is a highly desirable location to live and retire. hanks to its low cost of living, safety, warm climate and excellent health care facilities.
It has plenty of excellent options for someone looking for nothing but the best place to live in Kuala Lumpur with family.
This article provides valuable insights on the best place to live in Kuala Lumpur with family.
How to choose the Best Place to Live in Kuala Lumpur with Family
When choosing the best place to live in Kuala Lumpur with family, several factors must be considered.
- Safety and security
- Proximity to schools / educational institutions or office : Living in KL can be influenced by where you work/study. The traffic in KL can be quite heavy. Staying within 5 to 6 km proximity of your office/ school/ public transport can save you from spending long hours on the road.
- Access to Healthcare Facilities
- Transportation and connectivity
To get an idea on the cost of living and rent prices here, refer to my previous blogpost.
Best place to live in Kuala Lumpur with family
While the traditional recommendations for expats is generally – Bangsar, Desa Park City and Mont Kiara; it is important to acknowledge that with the ever evolving landscape in Kuala Lumpur, there are new options that provide more realistic and exceptional living experience that make it the best place to live in Kuala Lumpur with family.
Through this article, I have tried to include alternative choices that have exceptional quality and provide a heightened living experience.
Bangsar
Originating in the mid-1960s, the area underwent development featuring single-story terraced houses. Presently, the landscape has transformed into a densely populated mix of original built houses, spacious bungalows, and numerous high-rise buildings.
It is the most sought out neighborhood for expats both for short term (Air BnBs) and long term rentals.
Bangsar attracts a wide range of residents, including young professionals, families, expats, locals , diverse age groups – blending both the young and the elderly.
The vibe is very laid back with many chill spots for endless good food and people-watching !
You are always just a few steps away from all the amenities – infinite choices for food, best grocery shopping, best bars, close enough to KLCC (city centre), has an LRT station and endless entertainment options !
Garden International School is quite close by.
Few popular shopping centres are Bangsar Village, Bangsar Shopping centre, Telawi square
Given its compact size, traffic congestion is common here, especially during peak hours.
Desa Park City
Desa Park City is an awesome place to live, if you keen on green outdoor spaces and parks. It is a posh area, has a private dog park (uncommon in Malaysia) with pet friendly communities. It is also the most preferred area for expats coming from US, UK or Middle East. This neighborhood has everything in the vicinity – schools, healthcare, super market, banks, restaurants – all just a walk or bike away, without much traffic !
School : The International School (ISP)
Hospital : Parkcity Medical Centre
Shopping Centres : Plaza Arkadia
Central Park, East Park, West Park
Sportscenter : FIFA Soccer Field, 2 basket ball courts
The downside of residing here is perhaps is that is it quite away from the city centre (KLCC). You will also need to pay a toll fee to drive to Selangor.
Damansara Heights (aka Bukit Damansara)
Damansara Heights, a thriving neighborhood situated between Mont Kiara and Bangsar, is renowned for its magnificent green views. It is just 15 mins away from the city centre (KLCC). This is a central point to Klang, Subang Jaya, Shah Alam, PJ, and with lot of shopping places, international schools and eateries within a radius of 2 kms.
Damansara Heights has 2 MRT stations which link into the LRT system. But having a car to travel around might be more an advantage living in this area.
Schools : Cempaka International School, Perdana University, Help University
Shopping Centres : Damansara City Mall, Pavilion Damansara Heights
Taman desa
Taman Desa, a highly underrated place that deserves recognition! Despite its close proximity to main roads and vibrant prime areas, Taman Desa boasts a serene atmosphere that is hard to believe.
Its well-planned positioning mitigates the impact of heavy traffic, making commuting smoother and more convenient
Shopping centres – close to Mid Valley Mega Mall, Faber Towers
Hospitals – Taman Desa Medical Centre
Not connected to public transport. It will be better to choose this area if you own a car.
Bandar Utama
Another nice area, right at the center of anything worth doing ! Bandar Utama is near Taman Tun Dr Ismail, you might want to consider looking for places around that area as well.
Shopping Centre – 1Utama (Biggest shopping mall in Malaysia and the 10th biggest in the world), IKEA
School – British International School of Kuala Lumpur, KBU International College
Valencia
Valencia is a beautiful little village, albeit located a bit further from the city center. The condos in Valencia are particularly noteworthy, as they resemble stunning resort-like residences, complete with big balconies that offer breathtaking views.
Moreover, the presence of a private golf course adds to the allure of this charming village.
With its serene ambiance and ample amenities, Valencia is an ideal place to raise children and cater to the needs of both youngsters and adults.
Setia Alam
Setia Alam, situated in Shah Alam, is a meticulously designed township that offers residents a peaceful lifestyle amidst a verdant cityscape. It has an upper scale residential section called Setia Eco Park (the winner of the World’s Best Master Plan Development in 2007), which offers you good security (gated community), large enough space for family and good private parks around. There is a forest reserve nearby.
There are 2 international schools nearby – Tenby International School and Peninsula International school, Australia.
Mont Kiara
This neighborhood is an ‘expat’ hub.
Mont Kiara boasts of quite a few good International Schools like – Mont’Kiara International School, Garden International School, and French Lycée FranÇais Kuala Lumpur. It might be a bit concret-y for someone who likes greenery around. But one need not worry about amenities – All facilities are within walkable distances.
Hospitals: Global Doctors Hospital is located on Jalan Kiara 3
Shopping Centres : 1 Mont Kiara, Plaza Mont Kiara
Traffic is quite a nightmare
Public transport almost non existent
Concrete jungle
Conclusion
In conclusion, when it comes to finding the best place to live in Kuala Lumpur with family, the city offers a diverse range of neighborhoods, each with its unique charm and advantages for residents.
Ultimately, the best area to live in KL depends on individual needs and priorities. So, take the time to explore and discover the best area that suits your family’s needs and embark on a wonderful journey of finding your dream home in Kuala Lumpur.
If you have any questions or need further assistance, feel free to leave a comment below.
