Dar es Salaam is a variegated city of cultures, a busy city centre, and a vital place; it is the largest city in Tanzania and a big commercial hub. Finding the right neighborhood is the key to making vibrant city life more enjoyable, whether out of demand for a job, business, or even a lifestyle change. At Blox, this process is made a wee bit easier since we do provide comprehensive insights along with property listings in every major neighborhood, hence making an informed decision.

Exploring Dar es Salaam

With approximately six million people, Dar es Salaam is one of the most energetic cities in sub-Saharan Africa, moving along easily with cultural diversity amid countless different economic opportunities. It hosts the largest port facility within the country and is generally regarded as an important focal point in trade and commerce: the Port of Dar es Salaam. These different manufacturing, financial service, and trading sectors together present the city as the most appropriate one to work in and be settled.

Since the whole city sprawls in concrete chaos, simple neighborhood choices alone can overwhelm one. Let Blox take you through some of the trendiest and most sought-after neighborhoods in Dar es Salaam for a perfect fit.

Upscale neighborhoods are where luxuries meet convenience.
Living in the higher class requires a fair number of high-class suburbs that boast of luxury houses, international schools, and good locations within Dar es Salaam.

Oyster Bay, Masaki, and Sea View

These make for the most sought-after places in Dar es Salaam, particularly for the expatriate community and the native rich. With its high-end beachside homes, embassies, and proximity to some of the finest international schools, these spots are perfect for such persons who are accustomed to living a high-class lifestyle. The famous Coco Beach at Masaki is the most favorite for fun, leisure, and entertaining and dining outings.

Dar es Salaam City Centre, Upanga and Kariakoo

The city center is the commercial and administrative heart of Dar es Salaam. If hustle and bustle is your thing, then this is it: alive with markets, old historical areas, and old and new architecture mixed. Upanga has modern apartments to colonial-era homes, while Kariakoo sports the largest commercial market in East Africa. You will rarely be far from the pulse of the city if you live here.
Mikocheni and Msasani Peninsula

These are mixed-lifestyle communities that include residential and commercial areas and, thus, are ideal for anybody who enjoys convenience and entertainment, complete with restaurants, bars, hotels, and shopping centers. These include Mikocheni and Msasani. There are a variety of apartments available in stand-alone houses with beautiful ocean views.

The Coast Beckons-Beachside Living-Away from the City

If beachfront living is your dream, then the northern suburbs of Dar es Salaam are a bit quieter compared to the hustle and bustle of the city.

Mbezi Beach, Kunduchi, Bahari Beach, Ununio, and Mbweni.

These are inclusive of beach resorts, hotels, and expensive private residences that front the white sandy beaches along this part of the coast. Containing stand-alone houses or villas facing the ocean, it is little wonder that these areas are a favorite among both locals and tourists. Similarly, Ununio and Mbweni are also emerging as hotspots for modern residential homes, though further from the city center—longer commute times.

Medium-Income and Family-Friendly Neighborhoods

For many moving to Dar es Salaam, it's a matter of finding just the right neighborhood where things are affordable and amenities are accessible. Blox is listing properties in some preferred neighborhoods for middle-income families and individuals.

Tegeta, Sala Sala, Goba, Boko, Bunju, Makongo Juu, Kijitonyama, Sinza

These areas range from low-income to moderate-income housing. Tegeta and Sala Sala are newer areas of residential development, each boasting local markets, schools, and community services. In contrast, the locations of Sinza and Kijitonyama are inner-city locations with many more city amenities yet still maintain some neighborhood character.

Mbezi Juu and Kimara

These places are entry points to the rest of Tanzania because of the busy transport networks; hence, it's home to the largest main bus stand in the country and holds a vital position in the travel schedule of many people. Similarly, house classes in Mbezi Juu and Kimara target families and middle-income earners despite traffic congestion.

Affordable and highly populated neighbourhoods.

For those seeking cheaper ways of living, Dar es Salaam has suburbs that offer housing at cheaper costs but with access to most of the vital services.

Buguruni, Mwananyamala, Tandale, Mburahati, and Magomeni

These are high-density areas that accommodate the middle and low-income earners with relatively cheaper accommodation. The houses, though not as good or as big, are closer to local markets, schools, and other means of transportation. The communities in Magomeni and Buguruni are somewhat close-knit with a local culture unlike anywhere in Dar. Kigamboni It's that slice of property that is separated by the ocean; locals of Dar es Salaam have to commute by crossing the water over the Kigamboni Bridge or via ferry daily. 

There is also middle- and low-income housing, yet it is surely an adventure to get in and out each day. Choosing the Right Neighborhood for You These are your income, travel time to work, and access to schools and markets. These are what should dictate whether you stay in Dar es Salaam or not. Contact Blox today for detailed property listings complete with insights into neighborhoods and nearby facilities for all the information you may need. 

We know this is pretty tough—relocating to a new city, much more a neighbourhood. We have set up the platform in such a way that this process will be really easy. From an interactive map down to the local tip, Blox equips you with what you need to make the right choice for your next home. Final Remarks From luxurious beachfront mansions to the most vibrant markets selling almost everything to economical family houses, Dar es Salaam is a city of juxtapositions. Whatever anyone may need, Blox has on their listing for the expat, native, and even business traveler. Here to help with your decision-making processes, our platform will help find the perfect fit in your neighbourhood and home in this exciting, ever-growing city. Blox makes finding a place in Dar-es-Salaam easy. 

Check out our listings for more on each neighborhood and find your next big adventure in Tanzania's largest city.