Not many people realize how big Ho Chi Minh City is. It is divided into 24 districts: seven that are named, 12 that are numbered, and five outlying suburban districts. They are all unique, however expats with families may prefer some districts over others. Here are the best districts for families who want to settle.
District 1
The bustling city center, despite being constantly in a rush, is a good place to settle. All modern conveniences are close by: 24-hour shops, ATMs, banks, food stalls on every corner, markets, shopping malls, parks, eating and drinking options, gyms, public swimming pools, cinemas, hospitals and even schools. There are also important tourist attractions in the vicinity. From Nguyen Hue, to Ben Thanh Market and everything in between, you can walk for hours every day and still find a new alley to explore or a coffee shop to work with. If walking isn’t your thing, you can easily greet yourself with a GrabBike. Within District 1, you won’t have to pay more than $ 1 to get from one location to another.
Visitors from all over the world can be found here, so the chance of making new friends is probably higher than in other districts, especially around Bui Vien and Pham Ngu Lao. The high concentration of foreigners also means that communicating in English is easy, as each local knows more than one or two words.
Unfortunately, these characteristics make District 1 the most expensive district to live in. Even though it’s still cheaper than most western cities, to get a nice one-bedroom apartment, you’ll have to pay more than $ 1,000 USD per month on average. Food or movie prices, as well as ATM fees, are also higher than in other districts. But if you’re willing to pay a premium for all of these amenities and don’t mind the rush, then District 1 is the place to look.
District 2
District 2 is a bit out of the city center, on the other side of the majestic Saigon River, but it’s only six miles (10 kilometers) away. Thanks to the Thu Thiem Tunnel, the journey between the city center and District 2 will only take about 15 minutes.
This district is less populated and more expensive to live in, so you will find swarms of expats who have houses here. High-class villas and apartments are available for rent at more affordable prices: a two-bedroom apartment here costs the same as a one-bedroom apartment in District 1. These luxury apartments are located in residential complexes that also offer swimming pools, gyms , saunas, barbecue gardens, and even the occasional tennis court. You can live like royalty.
The number of dining and drinking options in District 2, especially in the Thao Dien region, is growing, with several riverside bars, cafes, and restaurants. So if it doesn’t feel like a 15 minute commute to District 1, just walk around here. There are also several major international schools and daycare centers in the area, making District 2 perfect for families.
Overall, you won’t miss out on the amenities that District 1 has to offer. Additionally, families can savor the peace, quiet, fresh air, and security that District 2 provides for their children.
District 7
Like District 2, District 7 is a popular residential area. The massive development of Phu My Hung was conceived as a satellite city for Ho Chi Minh City and was designed from the ground up with wide tree-lined roads, apartment blocks and villas, dining and drinking options, shopping malls and parks. . The opening of The Crescent, the city’s first international multi-standards complex, in late 2011 helped further improve the status of this developed city. There are also several international schools and universities in the area.
District 7 is popular with Korean and Japanese expats. However, compared to other districts, its nightlife options are limited. The lack of nightlife, coupled with the 40-minute drive to District 1, can be an inconvenience in selecting District 7 to settle. However, if you don’t enjoy dining out a lot and prefer a quieter, more exclusive, and livable area, with plenty of green space to sit while enjoying a hot day, then District 7 is a fantastic option. There are still some great restaurants and cafes to choose from, and you will find yourself being a return customer.
