Where to Live in Accra
There are many urbanized areas in Ghana. Accra, the capital city of Ghana is also Greater Accra Region’s capital. It is the most preferred destination for expatriates, the middle-class and equally has space for the underprivileged. Accra is considered to be the most urbanized area in the country with about 87.4 % of its population living in urban areas but with varying conditions.
The urban fabric of Accra has also received praise compared to the capital cities of some neighbouring countries. There are beautiful landscapes, signages, commercial buildings, residential properties, schools, and infrastructure – some with alluring, picturesque quality.
Individuals or families moving their permanent residence to Accra or desirous of buying a property in the city must consider some of these areas:
Weija
Weija is the capital for the Ga South Municipal Assembly in the Great Accra Region. The town is considered one of the fast-growing urban areas in the country. Over the years, Weija has become one of the sought-after areas especially as an escape from urban pollution and noise in the centre of Accra.
The residential property market in Weija is considered to be Mid-end properties. The properties are in these areas are situated in the suburbs with moderate land value. Most of the mid-end properties in Weija are occupied by retired public servants with a few public figures.
According to Broll Ghana, prices for properties in the mid-end area ranges from US$56,000 to US$350,000 with an estimated residential rent of US$100 to US$1,000 per month.
Eden Heights, a master-planned gated community is located in the Weija. These gated communities offer a serene environment that gives residents comfort, promotee their well-being and provides them with a healthy lifestyle.
The West Hill Mall, one of the biggest shopping complexes in the country is located at Weija. The likes of Melcom ( a house-hold shopping place) and other ultra-modern shopping centers can be found in the town.
Food matters and there are good eateries in Weija. Some of the known restaurants are in or outside West Hills Mall. They include New York Grill, Barcelos, Eddys Pizza, Sizzler Restaurant and many others.
Shia Hills
Shia Hills is a sprawling, preferred suburb located near Dodowa, about 40 minutes’ drive from Accra. It is situated in the north of the Greater Accra Region.
The community, as the name suggests is a cluster of hills that offer residents a serene and quiet environment atmosphere.
Over the years, the enclave has been an escape away from the noise and rising temperature of the centre of the capital. It has been a hotspot for pleasure and entertainment for both expatriates and nationals.
The Shia Hill Resource Reserve offers tourists experience with nature, wildlife, and landscape.
Dawhenya
Dawhenya is currently one of the fastest-growing towns in the Greater Accra region. The Accra-Aflao road is a major road linking the town to other parts of Accra. It is 34 km away from the Capital. However, the town is 7 minutes’ drive away from the Tema community.
The town is currently a residential hub for people who seek to live in affordable houses. Currently, real estate developers like Adom Gates are building affordable housing units and providing serviced plots for residents,
The amenities in the community include the Dawhenya Police Station, Dawhenya Medical, Centre, Dawhenya Town Park. Some of the conveniences include schools and small commercial establishments.
East Legon
East Legon is a high-end town located in the north-east of Accra Central. This community is considered the prime place for settlement in Ghana. It is one of the hotspots for expatriates and other nationals looking for a property in the high-end residential markets. The market rent and sales for properties in East Legon are generally high.
The neighborhood can boast of 5-star hotels, residential developments and commercial establishments that have shaped its urban fabric. These attractions have placed the community on the spot, and it is considered a real estate hotspot.
Over the years, the neighborhood has become home to r diplomats, international footballers, celebrities and other dignitaries. Some of the palatial mansions in the country are rightly located in this neighborhood.
Similarly, it has become a business spot where new businesses are easily recognised. East Legon boasts of a good road system. The Kotoka International Airport is a few kilometers drive away from the East Legon.
Residents enjoy conveniences like the A&C Shopping Mall, the Lizzy Sports Complex (Marcel Desailly Sports Complex), Lord Of The Wings East Legon Restaurant, Noble House Chinese Restaurant, Radford University College Ghana, Islamic University College, Ghana, Webster University Ghana and many more.
The exquisite experience which characterizes this community stem from the security for residents, recreational facilities dotted around, and businesses that make them productive and happy.
Airport Residential Area
Airport Residential is considered a prestigious community in the country as it is inhabited by wealthy citizens and expatriates. This serene and quiet community is situated in the north-east of Accra Central. Kotoka International Airport, Dzorwulu, 37 Military Hospital, and Accra Mall are very close to the Airport residential area.
The area has also been marked as the destination for embassies and international organizations in the country. It provides the residents and organizations with both residential and commercial spaces with a lot of recreational facilities. The Beautiful homes The magnificent residences are well planned and laid-out to give it a distinct look.
Airport Residential can boast of numerous conveniences like The Association International School, Alliance Francaise, Ecole Francaise, WAEC Heights, Marina Mall, Korla Shopping center, Ernest Chemists and many others.
The neighborhood is very serene with a cluster of trees and well-connected roads. It is 30 km away from Tema, 3.9 km away from Tetteh Quarshie roundabout and 5 minutes’ drive away from the Airport.
According to Broll Ghana, prices for properties in this high-end area like the Airport Residential Area range from US$85,000 to US$620,000 while rental values range from US$1,500 to US$4,400/month.
For those with the taste of luxury accommodation, Airport Residential is the next best stop.
Labone
Labone is a town in Accra, and neighbours Labadi to the south; Cantonment to the West; and Osu to the South. Labone is recognized as one of the busiest areas as its ring-road connects the town to different areas in Accra.
Labone’s history is connected to a vibrant township Osu, which is inhibited by the GA people since the 17th century. It is also considered a tourist site due to the Christianborg Castle – the former seat of government.
Labone is considered a prominent high-end residential enclave in the country. Again, it is characterized by different property types. A lot of commercial establishments have emerged in the town. However, it is known as a residential hotspot for expatriates and other nationals. Many embassies can be found in the neighborhood.
There are recreational areas and conveniences such are schools, hospitals, Labone Coffee Shop Metro TV, churches and many more.
Cantonments
Cantonment is one of the oldest, preferred luxuries sub-urban community in Accra. The distinct nature of the Cantonment has attracted many expatriates, international organizations and diplomatic missions due to its strategic location.
The siting of the Russian, Algerian, United States, Hungarian, Chinese, Norwegian and High Commissions from Australia, Sierra Leone, and the European Union have marked it as a diplomatic area.
In terms of accessibility, the neighbor is well connected with good roads linking Kotoka International Airport, Kwame Nkrumah Circle, 37 military Hospital, Labone, Osu, Airport Residential and other areas within Accra.
The residential and commercial property market in the neighborhood is targetted to affluent individuals and top-notch organizations. Huawei Technologies, CH Group Limited, Vivo Energy uses the Cantonment as their business location. The house prices and office spaces command high prices for rentals and sales.
Notable amenities in the area include New Horizon Special School which is a school for children with special learning needs, Ghana International School (GIS), police hospital and a few others. Most of the shops, restaurants, and places for pleasures and entertainment are in Osu which is near to Cantonment.
Spintex
Spintex is another popular suburb in Accra. It remains largely a commercial hub with light industrial activity and with some residential properties. It is known as a preferred destination for people with a taste for entertainment and pleasure.
The Spintex neighborhood is well connected to other parts of Accra by the Spintex Road especially the Kotoka International Airport, Tetteh Quarshie, East Legon, La, Teshie-Nungua, and Tema Motorway.
Spintex has well-considered restaurants, lounges, banks, shopping malls, shops, hotels to show. The Accra Mall, China Mall, Jumia Warehouse, Papaye Fast Foods, KFC Fast Foods Paloma Hotel, Oak Plaza Hotel, and the Robin Hood Inn are within reach from Spintex.
Spintex can boast of it versatility since residents can get their good and services within the community at ease.
The residential, commercial and industrial market in the community is very high due to the infrastructure facelift and amenities in the area.
Spintex has become a home for public-figures, celebrities, footballers and expatriates. Aside, other high-ranking dignitaries, Spintex hosted for many years H.E. John Evans Attah-Mills (late), a former president of Ghana.
Coca Cola, Kasapreko, K.Ofori Stell Company, and many other brands operate from the area
For residents and expatriates looking for a place to start a business or settle down, Spintex is the place to be.
Ridge
Ridge is an amalgamation of the North Ridge, East Ridge, and West Ridge. They are different suburb neighborhood located in Accra.
North Ridge is a sought-after area for embassies (German and United Kingdom embassies are located there). The neighborhood is very outstanding in providing residential properties and commercial establishments for expatriates, business leaders, and government functionaries. elite. The prices for residential and commercial properties are very expensive.
International and local brands operate from the North Ridge. Some of them include MTN, World Bank, and Chateau Towers. Furthermore, there are a lot of State administrative agencies and bodies operating in the neighborhood such as Parliament House of Ghana, State House, National Health Insurance Authority and many others.
Some of the amenities in the area are banks, schools, restaurants, and recreational facilities that keep the community alive.
West Ridge is similar to North Ridge in terms of being a hotspot for both commercial establishment and administrative bodies.
The neighborhood can boast of the Ridge Towers, British council, Museum for Science and Technology, Electoral Commission of Ghana and many others.
Properties rates are fairly high.
Also, East Ridge becomes a delight for people seeking leisure, entertainment, and commercial establishments.
Due to the siting of almost all the ministries of the government, it has been popularly referred to as the “ministries”. Also, the historic Victoriaborg neighborhood happens to the extension of the community.
The community has taken the shape of a mixed-used commercial with Kempinski Gold Coast City Hotel, National Theater, and Efua Sutherland Children’s Park found there.
Deciding on the community to stay or live in is always a tough decision. But for home seekers, one has to consider how well the community suits their needs, wants, and lifestyle.