Unlike in other cities, there are no huge expat compounds in KL, and expats tend to live in a diverse number of areas, though some area have proven more popular than others.

When choosing a place to live, consider the travelling distance to your place of work, as traffic can be a problem. If you don’t own or plan on buying a car, check access to public transportation and the availability of taxis. A few test runs at different times of day are always a good idea, as you may find that a particular route is longer or shorter than it seems depending on traffic and road conditions.

See Also: Renting a Property in Malaysia

If you have children of school age, don’t forget to research schools in the area and work out the length of the commute.

Find out more about international schools and their locations.
 

Read on to find out more about the areas most popular with expats, and which type of facilities they offer.

AMPANG

Ampang is fairly close to central KL – just a short drive along Jalan Ampang or the new Ampang expressway. Most of the foreign embassies are close to the KL end of Jalan Ampang and therefore many diplomats choose to live in here. While there aren’t as many airconditioned restaurants on this side of KL, good ones can still be found. There are several bars and malls in the area, and the proximity to central KL means there is always something to do nearby.

Nearest Schools: ISKL, Fairview International School, and Sayfol International School.

Average monthly rental: Apartment from RM3,000 – RM14,000; house from RM2,000 – RM25,000.

KUALA LUMPUR CITY CENTRE

For those who live proximity to all the shopping, nightlife and entertainment that KL has to offer, the city centre is a good choice. This generally means paying more, but there are some older cheaper condos available. There are very few vacant houses for rent or sale in the city centre, so most people choose an apartment.

Nearest Schools: French International School, Alice Smith International School.

Average monthly rental: Apartment from RM2,000 – RM15,000; house from RM2,000 – RM25,000.

SHAH ALAM

This is the capital of Selangor, and only suited for people who are working in the area (unless you don’t mind a long commute). Property is significantly cheaper here, and you can find a house with a garden for a reasonable price when compared to areas closer to the city.

Nearest Schools: Tenby International School.

Average monthly rental: Apartment from RM1,000 – RM5,000; house from RM1,500 – RM10,000.

KENNY HILLS (Bukit Tunku)

This is one of the most exclusive areas of Kuala Lumpur, situated close to the city centre. Close to Putra World Trade Centre, there is plenty of greenery, trees and even jungle. Expect to see monkeys in the garden and by the side of the road. Great for nature lovers. Kenny Hills is also known as Bukit Tunku.

Nearest Schools: Indonesian International School.

Average monthly rental: Apartment from RM3,500 – RM16,000; house from RM8,000 – RM20,000.

DAMANSARA HEIGHTS

After Kenny Hills, this is the next most exclusive area with plenty of large detached houses and luxury condos.It’s a relatively easy drive to entertainment in Bangsar, there are a few outlets in Bukit Damansara, and Bangsar Shopping Centre is also nearby.

Nearest Schools: Garden International School, Mont Kiara International School.

Average monthly rental: Apartment from RM3,500 – RM16,000; house from RM8,000 – RM20,000.

BANGSAR

The development of Bangsar Baru as an entertainment hub has attracted many expats to this area. The immediate area around Bangsar Baru has mostly terraced houses but there are some detached properties. There is a cluster of apartment buildings withing walking distance of Bangsar, and it’s an eays drive. There are two shopping complexes in the area – Bangsar Village and Bangsar Shopping Centre. Both cater to the expat market, and you can find lots of familiar products and services. Bangsar is about 5km from central KL and it is connected to the city by the light rail system (although the station is not within reasonable walking distance of the main residential areas).

Nearest Schools: Garden International School.

Average monthly rental: Apartment from RM2,000 – RM10,000; house from RM2,000 – RM20,000.

COUNTRY HEIGHTS

A sizeable development just outside the centre of Kuala Lumpur along the main north/south highway towards KLIA airport. It offers large houses and apartments. Security guards control access to the area.

Nearest Schools: Alice Smith International School, Australian International School.

Average monthly rental: Apartment from RM3,000 – RM8,000; house from RM3,000 – RM15,000.

PETALING JAYA

Commonly known as PJ, this town is within Selangor, next to KL. With the expansion of both KL and PJ in recent years, it’s hard to tell where one ends and the other begins. There are plenty of companies located Petaling Jaya, and for expats working in this part of the Klang Valley, there is a great range of reasonably priced property to choose from.

Nearest Schools: Deutsche Schule, Japanese School, ELC.

Average monthly rental: Apartment from RM1,500 – RM8,000; house from RM1,500 – RM10,000.

PUTRAJAYA/CYBERJAYA

The administrative capital Putrajaya was built in the 1990s and houses most of the federal government buildings. It is located in the multi-media super corridor, which is part of a government initiative. It has a number of man-made attractions including lakes, gardens and parks. Cyberjaya adjoins it and has many universities and a large student population. Both areas are connected to central KL by highways and an express train. An increasing number of IT companies are located in this area. It only makes sense to live here if you work or study in the area.

Nearest Schools: Nexus International School.

Average monthly rental: Apartment from RM1,500 – RM8,000; house from RM1,500 – RM10,000.

MONT KIARA/ SRI HARTAMAS

This is a newer area that has emerged in the last fifteen years. It is now home to many high-rise apartment buidlings, some of which are quite luxurious with excellent facilities. There are many shops, restaurants and bars in the area. The older part of this area still has some terraced houses.

Nearest Schools: Garden International School,  Mont Kiara International School.

Average monthly rental: Apartment from RM2,000 – RM15,000; house from RM2,000 – RM4,000.

Read more:

• Six Property Resources About Malaysia
• Top Places to Live in Malaysia
• Six Reasons to Live in Kajang
• Renting a Property in Malaysia  

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