7 Expat-Friendly Neighborhoods in Kuala Lumpur Where to Meet Fellow International Residents

Post Published July 15, 2024

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7 Expat-Friendly Neighborhoods in Kuala Lumpur Where to Meet Fellow International Residents - Mont Kiara International Community and Modern Living





7 Expat-Friendly Neighborhoods in Kuala Lumpur Where to Meet Fellow International Residents

The neighborhood has recently seen an influx of digital nomads, adding to its already diverse expat community.

Despite its upscale reputation, Mont Kiara now offers a range of housing options, from high-end penthouses to more affordable studio apartments, catering to various budgets and lifestyles.

Mont Kiara's transformation from agricultural land to a luxury enclave occurred rapidly, with most development taking place in just the last 25 years.

Mont Kiara's skyline features over 200 high-rise buildings, creating a unique urban density that rivals many global metropolises.

The neighborhood has become a culinary hotspot, hosting over 300 restaurants representing cuisines from more than 40 countries.

Mont Kiara's property market has shown remarkable resilience, with average property values increasing by 150% over the past decade, outpacing many other areas in Kuala Lumpur.

Despite its urban feel, Mont Kiara incorporates over 50 hectares of green spaces, including parks and recreational areas, offering residents a balance of city living and natural surroundings.

What else is in this post?

  1. 7 Expat-Friendly Neighborhoods in Kuala Lumpur Where to Meet Fellow International Residents - Mont Kiara International Community and Modern Living
  2. 7 Expat-Friendly Neighborhoods in Kuala Lumpur Where to Meet Fellow International Residents - Damansara Heights Luxury Living for Professionals
  3. 7 Expat-Friendly Neighborhoods in Kuala Lumpur Where to Meet Fellow International Residents - KLCC Urban Oasis in the Heart of the City
  4. 7 Expat-Friendly Neighborhoods in Kuala Lumpur Where to Meet Fellow International Residents - Desa ParkCity Suburban Charm with Global Residents
  5. 7 Expat-Friendly Neighborhoods in Kuala Lumpur Where to Meet Fellow International Residents - Taman Tun Dr Ismail Local Feel with International Flair

7 Expat-Friendly Neighborhoods in Kuala Lumpur Where to Meet Fellow International Residents - Damansara Heights Luxury Living for Professionals





Damansara Heights is considered one of the most prestigious neighborhoods in Kuala Lumpur, known for its luxurious living options that cater to the affluent population.

The neighborhood features a mix of high-rise condominiums with stunning skyline views and spacious landed properties exuding timeless charm, exemplified by developments like Pavilion Damansara Heights and Damansara Heights Residences.

Residents can enjoy the perfect balance between urban convenience and natural serenity, with close proximity to major business districts, shopping malls, and educational institutions, as well as lush parks and recreational areas.

The neighborhood's average property value has increased by 175% over the past 15 years, making it one of the fastest-appreciating real estate markets in Kuala Lumpur.

Damansara Heights is home to the headquarters of Malaysia's top 10 companies by market capitalization, reflecting the area's strong appeal to the country's business elite.

The neighborhood's property tax rate is 20% lower than the Kuala Lumpur city average, a perk that attracts high-net-worth individuals and families to the area.

Damansara Heights features the highest concentration of luxury car dealerships in Kuala Lumpur, catering to the affluent residents' preference for premium automotive brands.

The area's crime rate is 35% lower than the Kuala Lumpur city average, thanks to its robust security infrastructure and active neighborhood watch programs.


7 Expat-Friendly Neighborhoods in Kuala Lumpur Where to Meet Fellow International Residents - KLCC Urban Oasis in the Heart of the City





7 Expat-Friendly Neighborhoods in Kuala Lumpur Where to Meet Fellow International Residents

While housing costs have risen, KLCC offers a range of accommodation options, from luxurious penthouses to more affordable studio apartments, catering to diverse budgets and preferences.

KLCC houses the world's largest twin towers, the Petronas Twin Towers, standing at 9 meters tall with 88 floors.

The towers are connected by a double-decker Skybridge on the 41st and 42nd floors, which is the highest 2-story bridge in the world.

The KLCC Park, spanning 50 acres, features a 10,000-square-meter man-made lake with a 43-meter long water fountain that can shoot water up to a height of 42 meters.

The Aquaria KLCC, located beneath the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, holds 5,000 freshwater and marine creatures from over 150 species in a 90-meter underwater tunnel.

KLCC's district cooling system, one of the largest in the world, produces 62,000 refrigeration tons of cooling capacity, significantly reducing energy consumption compared to traditional air-conditioning systems.

The Suria KLCC shopping mall spans 17 million square feet across six levels, housing over 380 stores and attracting an average of 40 million visitors annually.

KLCC's pedestrian network includes 7 kilometers of elevated, air-conditioned walkways connecting major buildings, enhancing pedestrian mobility and comfort in the tropical climate.

The KLCC LRT station, part of the Kelana Jaya Line, handles an average of 100,000 passengers daily, making it one of the busiest transit hubs in Kuala Lumpur's public transportation system.


7 Expat-Friendly Neighborhoods in Kuala Lumpur Where to Meet Fellow International Residents - Desa ParkCity Suburban Charm with Global Residents





Desa ParkCity, a premier suburban development in Kuala Lumpur, has emerged as a popular choice among both local and international homebuyers.

This 473-acre master-planned community features a range of premium residential properties, from courtyard terraces to bungalows, catering to diverse preferences.

The development has recorded higher price growth compared to other expat-friendly neighborhoods like Mont Kiara and Bangsar, with an average price of RM726 per square foot for non-landed properties and RM1,893 per square foot for landed properties.

Desa ParkCity's focus on community living and outdoor activities, coupled with its amenities like a central park, clubhouse, and fitness facilities, make it an ideal destination for retirees and families.

Desa ParkCity is considered one of the most desirable neighborhoods in Kuala Lumpur, particularly among expatriates, and is often compared to international developments like Bonifacio Global City in Manila or Palm Island in Dubai.

Desa ParkCity, located in the affluent northwestern district of Kuala Lumpur, is often compared to international developments like Bonifacio Global City in Manila or Palm Island in Dubai due to its upscale and well-planned design.

The 473-acre master-planned community of Desa ParkCity features a diverse range of premium residential properties, including courtyard terraces, park homes, terraced houses, apartments, semi-detached homes, and bungalows.

Desa ParkCity has recorded higher price growth compared to other popular expat neighborhoods in Kuala Lumpur, with an average price of RM726 per square foot for non-landed properties and RM1,893 per square foot for landed properties.

The development's focus on community living and outdoor activities, with amenities such as a central park, The ParkCity Club, swimming pools, tennis courts, and a fitness center, make it an ideal spot for retirees.

Properties in Desa ParkCity command higher rents, with houses ranging from RM3,000 to RM13,000 per month, and the development offers a range of rental yields between 7% to 1%.

Desa ParkCity's self-contained township design, with a private clubhouse, medical center, and international school within the development, further enhances its appeal as an expat-friendly neighborhood.

The township's properties have shown impressive price appreciation, with an average increase of 175% over the past decade, outpacing many other popular expat areas in Kuala Lumpur.

Desa ParkCity's strategic location in the affluent northwestern district of Kuala Lumpur, with close proximity to major business districts, shopping malls, and educational institutions, makes it a highly desirable address for both local and international residents.

The development's robust security infrastructure and active neighborhood watch programs contribute to a lower crime rate compared to the Kuala Lumpur city average, adding to the appeal of Desa ParkCity as an expat-friendly neighborhood.


7 Expat-Friendly Neighborhoods in Kuala Lumpur Where to Meet Fellow International Residents - Taman Tun Dr Ismail Local Feel with International Flair





7 Expat-Friendly Neighborhoods in Kuala Lumpur Where to Meet Fellow International Residents

Taman Tun Dr Ismail (TTDI) is a well-established and sought-after neighborhood in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, known for its mix of residential and commercial properties.

The area offers a vibrant food scene, recreational facilities, and reputable schools, making it an ideal choice for families, including a growing international community.

TTDI is considered a local community with an international flair, catering to both local and expat populations through its diverse amenities and attractions.

TTDI is home to over 50 registered non-profit organizations and community groups, ranging from environmental conservation to cultural exchange programs, reflecting the area's vibrant civic engagement.

The neighborhood's main thoroughfare, Jalan Wan Kadir, is considered one of the longest continuous pedestrian walkways in Kuala Lumpur, spanning nearly 3 kilometers and providing a pleasant, car-free environment for residents.

The local wet market in TTDI, known as Pasar Rakyat TTDI, is one of the few remaining traditional markets in Kuala Lumpur that still maintains its original architectural design from the 1980s, offering a glimpse into the area's heritage.

TTDI's Taman Tun Dr Ismail Park features a unique outdoor gym equipment circuit, designed by a team of local engineers to cater to the diverse fitness needs of residents, ranging from senior citizens to young athletes.

The neighborhood's average internet download speed is 30% faster than the Kuala Lumpur city average, thanks to the local council's initiative to install high-speed fiber optic infrastructure across TTDI.

TTDI is home to the headquarters of the Malaysian Inventors Association, which has been instrumental in promoting local innovation and hosting an annual Inventors' Fair that attracts participants from around the world.

TTDI's average property price appreciation over the past 5 years has outpaced the Kuala Lumpur city average by 15%, reflecting the neighborhood's continued appeal among both local and international homebuyers.

The TTDI Community Center hosts a weekly "Global Gourmet" event, where residents can enjoy authentic cuisine from different cultures, showcasing the neighborhood's international diversity and culinary expertise.

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