The best places to live in Santiago
Expats will be able to choose from a wide range of areas and suburbs in Santiago. Finding your ideal neighbourhood is a matter of considering your budget, lifestyle, and priorities. Some foreigners prefer family-friendly suburbs with quiet parks and plenty of green space, while others opt for a bohemian vibe or somewhere with a lively nightlife.
Communes and suburbs in the southern areas of Greater Santiago, including Puente Alto and San Bernardo, and in the western areas, such as Pudahuel, are well served by public transport. The more affluent areas often favoured by expats are towards the northern and northeastern parts of the city.
Like any large, world-class city, the Chilean capital has it all, as long as you know where to look. Here is a snapshot guide of expat-friendly areas and suburbs in Santiago.
Family-friendly areas in Santiago
Lo Barnechea District
Located in the east of Santiago, this district is divided into three main areas: El Arrayán, Los Trapenses, and La Dehesa. Characterised by luxury houses and mansions, beautiful green areas and private security, this residential space is considered among the most exclusive in the city.
Here, expats will find silence, tranquillity, and low pollution levels. Accessible hiking trails around Cerro del Medio Park offer relief from Santiago’s busy urban lifestyle. There are also shopping malls, social clubs, a golf club, and a few international schools in the area, perfect for families with kids.
Las Condes District
Las Condes is a wealthy district bordering Lo Barnechea. This area, aptly referred to as ‘Sanhattan’, is a hub of commercial activity, and many expats are employed here and enjoy after-work drinks in its cocktail bars.
Comprised of modern, spacious apartments and luxury offices, Las Condes includes one of the largest shopping centres in the country and several verdant parks, including Parque Arauco and Parque Araucano, which create a pleasant ambience. Expats will certainly not be short of things to see and do in Las Condes.
The Las Condes District is home to many lavish neighbourhoods. San Damian and San Carlos de Apoquindo are the most exclusive residential areas of Las Condes. Public transport is somewhat limited here, though, and expats may find it easier to get around by car. From this neighbourhood, the Andes mountains and ski resorts are a stone’s throw away.
Vitacura District
Vitacura, a family-oriented district with international schools nearby, is renowned for offering its residents an exceptional quality of life. It’s divided into residential areas such as Santa María de Manquehue, Lo Curro, and Jardín del Este.
Santa María de Manquehue and Lo Curro are both beautiful and luxurious. Embassies often choose to place their representatives in the area, and as such, property can be costly. Houses are highly individualised, with a lot of variety, although they all offer plenty of space to exercise, and each has its own unique architecture. A car is needed to live in these areas, as distances to the city centre and the other regions are considerable.
Jardín del Este is an area favoured by local Chilean families, with both old and new houses and apartments. The area has a selection of boutique shops, fabulous restaurants, and the popular Club de Polo y Equitación San Cristóbal. Public transport is accessible, and it is easy to get around by bus and taxi.
City living in Santiago
Bellas Artes
Situated in Santiago’s city centre, Bellas Artes is full of life, with the National Museum of Fine Arts within walking distance. Expats will find cosy coffee shops, restaurants, and bars here, nestled among local designer boutiques and handicraft shops. While this is an exciting, cosmopolitan area with beautiful architecture, it tends to be noisy on weekdays due to nearby offices and street traffic.
Lastarria
An artistic district at heart, Lastarria is home to many theatres, art galleries, and restaurants and is characterised by French Neoclassical architecture. Nearby is Cerro Santa Lucía, a leafy park and hill perfect for exercise or just a simple escape from daily stress. Like Bellas Artes, this area can be noisy during the day.
Areas for young expats in Santiago
Providencia District
A cosmopolitan and popular neighbourhood, Orrego Luco in Providencia is just as packed with shops, bars and restaurants as it is with traffic. Although the area is bustling during the day, expats living here can still find some peace in their own homes. Providencia attracts plenty of young expats from around the world, giving the area a unique atmosphere. If expats are looking for entertainment, the Teatro Oriente, with its classical feel, is recommended.
Although Salvador and Manuel Montt are quieter residential areas of Providencia, they are still busy during rush hours. Expats will find beautiful parks and small squares throughout. As a predominantly residential area, there are fewer shops, bars or restaurants than one would find in other neighbourhoods in Santiago. Public transport is easily accessible in these areas.
Recoleta District
The bohemian neighbourhood of Bellavista in Recoleta is packed with restaurants, bars, dance clubs, theatres, and art galleries. It’s a lively area ideal for the young and adventurous expat. Recoleta’s bohemian vibe flows through Pío Nono, where the local market sells lapis lazuli craftwork.
At the end of Bellavista Street are the city zoo and the entrance to Cerro San Cristóbal, a hill that offers magnificent views of the city. Cerro San Cristóbal also has access to cable car rides and is an ideal spot for running, biking, picnicking, and more.
La Reina and Peñalolén
These areas are well known for their low population density, as well as their plentiful parks and green spaces. Both areas have middle-income residents, and for those who want calm in their life and can’t afford to live in Lo Barnechea, this could be a suitable option.