Rent an Apartment in Shanghai: Renting Tips for Expats, China

Shanghai, as the economic center and international metropolis of China, is a city full of vitality and opportunities. Shanghai is one of the largest cities in the world, and in such a big city, choosing a good apartment is like finding a needle in a haystack.

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Where to Live in Shanghai for Expats - Best Apartments for Rent

Shanghai has a very large scale, consisting of 16 districts, with a total area four times that of London. The city of Shanghai is divided in two by the Huangpu River, with Puxi on the west side and Pudong on the east side.

Although most expats live in the city center (Puxi), Pudong may be a better choice. There are several large and most popular communities for foreigners in Pudong.

There are 7 districts in the center of Shanghai, including Huangpu District, Jing'an District, Xuhui District, Changning District, Putuo District, Hongkou District, and Yangpu District. Few expats live in the surrounding suburbs.

Looking for your ideal Shanghai rental? No matter what your plan is, there is a house in Shanghai that suits you.

Shanghai apartment for rent
Apartment for rent | Shanghai, China

1.Huangpu apartment for rent

Huangpu is the center of Shanghai and is considered the historical and cultural center of the city. As a popular tourist destination, the area boasts attractions such as the Bund, Nanjing Road, theaters, art galleries, and museums. There is limited space for new residential development in this popular area, and housing options are limited.

Xintiandi apartment: Xintiandi is almost a paradise for foreigners, but you need to be able to accept expensive rents. You can find everything here, from high-end shopping to popular Western restaurants.

People's Square apartment: If you can accept busyness and hustle and bustle, living around People's Square may be a pretty good experience. Only a stone's throw away from the Bund, walking to Jing'an, People's Square offers all the benefits of city center life.

2.Jing'an apartment for rent

Jing'an District is a vibrant and international community in Shanghai, providing a perfect life of modernity, convenience, and cultural richness. Jing'an has many apartment buildings with different standards, ranging from basic studios to more luxurious three bedroom and four bedroom apartments, typically including swimming pools and fitness clubs.

3.Xuhui apartment for rent

Located in the southern center of Shanghai, Xuhui District boasts a bustling commercial street and high-quality residential areas. The region is home to the famous former French Concession, where you can find European style buildings, fashionable cafes, and boutiques.

Former French Concession house: The former French Concession is one of the most popular places for expats in Shanghai, where you will find many middle and high-income foreigners. Renting a house can be very expensive, especially for houses converted from old villas or lane houses.

4.Changning apartment for rent

Changning has some high-end communities and residential areas that are suitable for foreign nationals looking for a high-quality lifestyle. Changning District is located in the western region of Shanghai, where you will find Gubei and Hongqiao, both of which are popular expat residential areas.

Gubei apartment: Gubei is another area in Shanghai that is very suitable for expatriate families, and the distance to various international schools in Puxi is usually not too far. But the apartments here are not cheap, so if your budget is limited, it may not be suitable for you.

Hongqiao apartment: The region is a commercial and trade center, making it an ideal place for foreigners working in industries such as finance, consulting, and technology. It is very close to Hongqiao International Airport and Hongqiao Railway Station, making it a good place for expatriates who frequently travel.

5.Putuo apartment for rent

Putuo District is located in the northwest of the center of Shanghai. It is known for its affordable housing options and convenient transportation connections. This area is also the location of attractions such as Jade Buddha Temple and Changfeng Park.

6.Hongkou apartment for rent

The area is close to some universities and is very popular among students, as well as relatively affordable housing rents. Hongkou is hardly the typical expatriate life you can get, but you can experience the local Chinese life.

7.Yangpu apartment for rent

Yangpu District is located in the northeast of the center of Shanghai, with beautiful riverside parks and cultural and creative industry parks. There are also some well-known universities and art colleges in Yangpu District.

8.Pudong New Area apartment for rent

The Pudong New Area in Shanghai boasts modern buildings and diverse living facilities, as well as numerous international schools and communities, attracting many expatriates seeking a high-quality lifestyle. There are many foreigners working in the finance and technology industries living here.

Lujiazui apartment: Lujiazui is a landmark financial district in Shanghai, known for its towering skyscrapers and skyline. If you are looking for some of the most expensive and charming apartments in Shanghai, you will find them in Lujiazui.

Jinqiao Town apartment: At Jinqiao, you can find expats of all ages. When it comes to villa complexes, modern serviced apartments, and the famous Shanghai International Schools, Jinqiao has many good choices. This community feels more like a typical American suburb than an urban area in China. Jinqiao is also the location of the Shanghai campus of New York University.

Kangqiao apartment: This is a growing neighborhood, and the Kangqiao community doesn't feel like a big city. Kangqiao Community provides some suitable housing for families, such as villas, schools, and new shopping centers.

9.Suburbs apartment for rent

These suburbs are on the edge of Puxi city centre, so they are not a popular choice for expats.

Minhang apartment: With more spacious living conditions and relatively low house rents, Minhang District offers a choice of stylish villas and mid-to-high-end apartment buildings. Minhang offers a suburban lifestyle with plenty of shopping malls and recreational facilities for those looking to balance work and life.

Qingpu apartment: There are beautiful lakes and green areas, suitable for residents to relax and outdoor activities. Qingpu District also has a number of high-quality residential areas and golf courses to provide residents with a high-quality living experience.

Jiading apartment: Located in the northwest of Shanghai, Jiading District has a livable suburban environment and a relatively low cost of living. Jiading offers a more tranquil environment with large residential communities, shopping malls and international schools.

Conclusion

In this article, we explore some of the most popular areas in Shanghai, each with its own unique advantages and lifestyle. No matter which neighborhood you choose, Shanghai offers a variety of living options to meet the needs and expectations of different populations.

Please note that everyone's preferences and needs are different, and the best places to live vary from person to person. When choosing a house to live, you need to consider a combination of factors such as work location, family needs, schools, budget, facilities, transportation, environment and personal preferences to find the best apartment for you.

We offer an international property built to Western standards and many apartments have amenities such as a clubhouse and swimming pool.

If you are thinking about relocating to China, you can also check out Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Suzhou and other cities.



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