Hanoi, Vietnam’s capital, is a city where history meets modern living. For expatriates moving here, one of the most important decisions is choosing the right neighborhood. Each urban residential area in Hanoi offers a different lifestyle, price point, and level of convenience.
With over 10 years of experience in Hanoi’s real estate market, I’ve guided hundreds of expats in finding their perfect home — from lakeside apartments to luxury villas. Below, I’ll share the top 10 most liveable urban areas in Hanoi, with detailed insights on rental fees, housing types, and pros and cons.
Tay Ho, also known as West Lake, is the most sought-after residential area for expatriates in Hanoi. This district combines the charm of lakeside living with the convenience of modern amenities, making it a top choice for those seeking both comfort and community. Housing options in Tay Ho are diverse, ranging from fully furnished serviced apartments to spacious townhouses and luxury villas with private gardens or direct lake views.
Rental fees vary depending on size and location. A modern one-bedroom apartment can start from $500 per month, while larger three-bedroom units range from $1,200 to $2,500. Townhouses typically cost between $1,200 and $3,000 per month, and exclusive lakeside villas can reach $2,500 to $6,000 monthly.
What sets Tay Ho apart is its vibrant international community, abundance of Western-style cafes, restaurants, and schools, and easy access to Noi Bai Airport. For many expats, it offers the perfect balance of a relaxed lifestyle, social opportunities, and premium housing choices.
| Pros | Cons |
| Strong expat community Wide range of international schools and gyms Scenic lakeside environment 20–25 minutes to Noi Bai Airport | Higher rental prices Traffic congestion Noise from nightlife spots & crowded small buildings with narrow streets |
Ciputra is Hanoi’s first large-scale international township and remains one of the most prestigious residential areas for expatriates. Designed as a gated community with 24/7 security, it offers a safe, green, and organized environment. Housing options include modern apartments, townhouses, and luxury villas surrounded by landscaped gardens and wide roads.
Rental fees typically range from $800 to $2,000 for apartments, $1,500 to $2,800 for houses, and $2,500 to $5,500 for villas. Many homes are spacious, fully furnished, and ideal for families.
Ciputra is especially attractive for families with children thanks to its international schools such as UNIS and SIS, along with excellent sports facilities, parks, and a golf course. While nightlife and local food options are limited compared to Tay Ho, the area compensates with its calm, clean atmosphere and strong sense of community. It is the perfect choice for diplomats, professionals, and families seeking a high-quality lifestyle.
| Pros | Cons |
| 24/7 gated security International schools inside Green parks and golf course Clean and quiet environment | Limited nightlife Higher cost Farther from Old Quarter |
Known as the “Venice of Hanoi,” Vinhomes Riverside is a master-planned residential area featuring elegant villas surrounded by man-made canals and green parks. This community offers a peaceful lifestyle just across the Red River from the city center.
Rental fees vary depending on villa size and location: houses range from $1,500 to $3,000 per month, while larger villas with private gardens and pools cost between $2,500 and $7,000. Apartments are not common here, making it a destination mainly for families who need space.
The area provides a full range of amenities: Vincom Mega Mall, international schools, medical centers, sports clubs, and playgrounds. Its peaceful environment is ideal for families, pet owners, or anyone seeking tranquility away from Hanoi’s busy streets.
| Pros | Cons |
| 24/7 gated security International schools inside Green parks and golf course Clean and quiet environment | Limited nightlife Higher cost Farther from Old Quarter |
While commuting to the Old Quarter takes 15–20 minutes, Vinhomes Riverside is an excellent choice for expats who value greenery, privacy, and luxury villa living.
Located in Ba Dinh Area, Vinhomes Metropolis is one of Hanoi’s most prestigious apartment complexes. With its prime location on Lieu Giai Street, it sits next to embassies, business offices, and the iconic Lotte Center Hanoi.
Housing here is focused on high-rise apartments ranging from $900 to $3,000 per month, depending on size and furnishing. Units feature modern layouts, high-quality interiors, and panoramic views of the city.
Metropolis stands out for its convenience: residents enjoy direct access to a shopping mall, international schools, gyms, pools, and supermarkets. The area is popular among diplomats, executives, and professionals who need to be close to government offices and Hanoi’s commercial hubs.
| Pros | Cons |
| Prime location near embassies Modern amenities Walking distance to shops Preferred by diplomats | Only apartments available High rent Busy traffic in Ba Dinh |
The main drawbacks are its higher rental costs and heavy traffic during rush hours. However, for those who prioritize central location, modern facilities, and prestige, Vinhomes Metropolis is one of the top choices in Hanoi.
Vinhomes Skylake is located in Hanoi’s western business district near Keangnam Landmark Tower. This development offers modern apartments designed with open layouts and beautiful views of Cau Giay Lake.
Rental fees typically range from $700 to $2,000 per month, depending on the number of bedrooms and furnishing style. Apartments here are popular among young professionals and couples who work in nearby office complexes.
The area is well connected, with easy access to highways, hospitals, and shopping malls such as Keangnam and Indochina Plaza. Skylake also provides residents with facilities like pools, gyms, parks, and retail stores within the complex.
The main advantages of Skylake are its modern living environment and proximity to Hanoi’s business hub. However, the area can be crowded during peak hours, and housing options are limited to apartments rather than houses or villas. It is an excellent choice for expats seeking convenience and a contemporary lifestyle.
| Pros | Cons |
| Prime location near embassies Modern amenities Walking distance to shops Preferred by diplomats | Only apartments available High rent Busy traffic in Ba Dinh |
Sunshine City is a new luxury development within the Ciputra township, offering smart-home apartments and stylish designs inspired by New York living.
Rental fees for apartments range from $700 to $2,200 per month, while larger villas within Ciputra’s grounds cost between $2,000 and $5,000. Most properties feature modern interiors, high ceilings, and balconies overlooking the Red River or West Lake.
The development benefits from Ciputra’s established green environment, international schools, and sports facilities. Sunshine City adds its own premium amenities such as sky gardens, fitness centers, and shopping areas.
This area appeals to expats who enjoy luxury and technology-driven living. While some facilities are still under development, the location offers easy access to Noi Bai Airport, Tay Ho, and central Hanoi. For professionals and families who want a modern, upscale lifestyle, Sunshine City is an increasingly popular choice.
| Pros | Cons |
| Smart-home technology Access to Ciputra facilities Close to West Lake Modern design | Some facilities still developing Less vibrant community Higher rent for luxury features |
Times City and Park Hill, located in Hai Ba Trung District, form one of Hanoi’s largest integrated urban complexes. Developed by Vingroup, it offers a “city within a city” concept.
Rental fees for apartments typically range from $600 to $1,800 per month. Housing here is limited to apartments, but they are available in various layouts, from compact studios to spacious family units.
The biggest advantage of Times City is convenience. The area has everything: Vincom Mega Mall, Vinmec International Hospital, Vinschool, swimming pools, gyms, and green parks. Families especially value the safe and well-planned environment with playgrounds and walking areas.
On the downside, the population density is high, and there are fewer international residents compared to Tay Ho or Ciputra. Still, for those who want affordability and full amenities in one location close to Hanoi’s Old Quarter, Times City is a practical and family-friendly option.
| Pros | Cons |
| Integrated facilities (mall, hospital, school) Wide range of apartment sizes Easy access to Old Quarter Family-friendly environment | densely populated residence High population density Smaller international community |
Royal City in Thanh Xuan District is another Vingroup development known for its European-inspired architecture and vast underground shopping complex.
Apartments here are more affordable compared to other high-end projects, with rental fees ranging from $700 to $1,700 per month. Units are spacious, well-designed, and suitable for both singles and families.
Royal City offers impressive amenities, including an ice-skating rink, cinemas, water parks, sports complexes, and a wide variety of restaurants and shops. The area is well connected to both central Hanoi and the western business district, making it convenient for working professionals.
However, Royal City has fewer green spaces than Ciputra or Riverside, and apartments can feel crowded during peak hours. Despite these factors, it remains popular for expats seeking affordable luxury, strong facilities, and an active urban lifestyle in Hanoi.
| Pros | Cons |
| Large underground shopping center Spacious apartments Good transport links Affordable luxury | Limited greenery Crowded apartments Not as upscale as newer projects |
Starlake, located in Tay Ho Tay, is a modern urban project designed to become Hanoi’s new diplomatic and administrative hub. With its wide roads, modern planning, and green areas, it offers an upscale environment for expats.
Rental fees range from $1,000 to $2,500 for apartments, $2,000 to $3,500 for houses, and $3,000 to $6,000 for luxury villas. Most properties are new, with modern architecture and high-quality interiors.
Starlake appeals to expatriates seeking a clean, organized, and long-term living environment. Its proximity to embassies, international schools, and government offices adds to its prestige.
The main drawback is that it is still under development, meaning some amenities and community features are not fully established yet. Nonetheless, for professionals and diplomats seeking modern housing in a planned urban area, Starlake is one of the best emerging choices in Hanoi.
| Pros | Cons |
| Modern smart city planning Diplomatic hub Large villas Green spaces | Still under development Higher rental costs Limited community until full occupancy |
Gamuda City, in Hoang Mai District, is a green urban township located in the southern part of Hanoi. Known for its peaceful environment and affordability, it has become increasingly popular among expats looking for value.
Rental fees are lower than central districts: apartments range from $500 to $1,200, houses from $800 to $1,500, and villas from $1,500 to $3,500 per month. Many properties feature modern layouts and are surrounded by landscaped gardens.
| Pros | Cons |
| Modern smart city planning Diplomatic hub Large villas Green spaces | Still under development Higher rental costs Limited community until full occupancy |
Gamuda City offers a clubhouse, shopping mall, international school, and extensive parks. It provides a safe and family-friendly lifestyle, with less noise and congestion compared to central Hanoi.
The downside is its distance from the Old Quarter (25–30 minutes) and a smaller expat community compared to Tay Ho or Ciputra. However, for families or professionals seeking affordable villas and a green environment, Gamuda City is an excellent option.
Quick Comparison Table
| Area | Apartments (avg rent) | Houses (avg rent) | Villas (avg rent) | Pros | Cons |
| Tay Ho | $500–$2,500 | $1,200–$3,000 | $2,500–$6,000 | Expat hub, lakeside, social | High rent, noisy nightlife |
| Ciputra | $800–$2,000 | $1,500–$2,800 | $2,500–$5,500 | Safe, green, schools | Far from Old Quarter |
| Vinhomes Riverside | N/A | $1,500–$3,000 | $2,500–$7,000 | Peaceful, spacious villas | No apartments, need car |
| Metropolis | $900–$3,000 | N/A | N/A | Central, luxury, diplomatic hub | Busy traffic, pricey |
| Skylake | $700–$2,000 | N/A | N/A | Modern, business district | Crowded, no villas |
| Sunshine City | $700–$2,200 | $2,000–$5,000 | $2,000–$5,000 | Luxury, smart-home | Still developing |
| Times City | $600–$1,800 | N/A | N/A | All-in-one complex | Dense population |
| Royal City | $700–$1,700 | N/A | N/A | Affordable luxury | Limited greenery |
| Starlake | $1,000–$2,500 | $2,000–$3,500 | $3,000–$6,000 | Diplomatic area, new | Expensive, developing |
| Gamuda City | $500–$1,200 | $800–$1,500 | $1,500–$3,500 | Green, affordable | Far, fewer schools |
Hanoi offers a wide spectrum of living choices for expats:
Wherever you decide, each of these 10 residential areas provides a safe, comfortable, and modern lifestyle for expats to call Hanoi home.
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