What is the ranking of "cities to live in" in Saitama Prefecture?
The Saitama Prefecture "Place to Live Ranking" is a ranking of currently popular areas based on surveys and search data conducted by housing information sites and real estate companies. It comprehensively evaluates the convenience of transportation access, public safety, living infrastructure, average rent, etc., and visualizes which cities in Saitama Prefecture are considered by many people to be "places to live."
In particular, commuter towns close to Tokyo and cities undergoing redevelopment tend to rank highly, making this an important source of information for people considering commuting or raising children.
This ranking is widely used as a reference for choosing a city when considering buying a home or moving.
Survey method and subjects for ranking of cities people want to live in
The rankings of cities people want to live in are conducted by major real estate services such as SUUMO, LIFULL, and iiheya.net, and are compiled based on data such as web surveys, number of searches, and number of requests for information.
The survey subjects were a wide range of people, including residents of Saitama Prefecture and those considering relocating from outside the prefecture, and the evaluation items differed depending on gender, age, and family structure. For example, young people tend to place importance on good transportation access and convenience around stations, while families with children tend to evaluate the balance between public safety, educational environment, and housing prices.
The rankings are compiled by highly reliable research organizations, so they are useful as a basis for making decisions when moving or looking for a property.
What kind of people are choosing this area? Trends of people looking to live here
A wide range of people from both inside and outside the prefecture who are looking to live in Saitama Prefecture vote for the ranking of cities people want to live in. Cities are evaluated from the perspective of their respective life stages, including "Saitama citizens" who work in Tokyo and live in Saitama, people raising children, and seniors considering relocating after retirement. Single people tend to place importance on access to the city center and ease of shopping, while families tend to place importance on the educational environment, good public safety, and balance with nature.
Additionally, with the spread of telework in recent years, attention has been drawn to towns with abundant nature a little distance from the city center, and changes have been observed in the top rankings.
Comparison of rankings for SUUMO, LIFULL, and Eeheya Net
The rankings of Saitama Prefecture's most desirable cities to live in vary in terms of the evaluation criteria and subjects depending on the surveyor, so the results vary.
For example, SUUMO is strong in image surveys of "cities people actually want to live in," while LIFULL HOME'S compiles real needs based on "searched cities." On the other hand, iiheya.net evaluates livability and desirable cities separately, and is characterized by its inclusion of the opinions of actual residents.
By comparing these multiple rankings, you can more accurately choose a city that suits you. Cities that commonly rank highly are particularly good areas that are popular with many people.
2025 Ranking of the Most Desirable Places to Live (Station Edition) Top 10
When choosing a home in Saitama Prefecture, the ranking of the most desirable places to live by station is a very important indicator. In the 2025 edition, we will announce the top 10 stations that are currently attracting attention, based on factors such as transportation convenience, living environment, and redevelopment.
It is based on highly reliable survey data from SUUMO, LIFULL HOME'S, iHeya Net, etc. In particular, stations representative of Saitama such as Omiya, Urawa, and Tokorozawa rank highly, and are highly rated for their ease of commuting and raising children.
In this chapter, we will introduce the top 10 cities to live in.
No. 1: Omiya Station | Convenient transportation and abundant commercial facilities
Omiya Station is overwhelmingly popular in Saitama Prefecture. It is a major terminal served by JR, Tobu Railway, and New Shuttle, and offers excellent access to downtown areas such as Shinjuku, Ikebukuro, and Tokyo Station. There are many large commercial facilities around the station, so you will have no trouble finding shopping or gourmet food.
In addition, the Shinkansen is also accessible, making it convenient for travel and business trips. In recent years, redevelopment has improved the cityscape, and both convenience and living environment have been improved. It is widely supported by single people and families, and is always ranked high in the "Saitama Prefecture City Ranking (Station)".
2nd place: Urawa Station | Popular as an educational area
Urawa Station is an educational area highly regarded for its good educational environment and public safety. There are several famous high schools around the station, including Urawa Prefectural High School, making the area extremely popular with families raising children.
In addition, the area is easily accessible via the JR Keihin Tohoku Line, Takasaki Line, and Utsunomiya Line, making it an ideal location for those who value quality of life. The area also boasts a relaxed atmosphere and sophisticated streetscape.
With many shopping malls and parks, and a good balance of convenience and livability, the city maintains a high ranking in Saitama Prefecture's rankings of cities people want to live in.
3rd place: Tokorozawa Station | Redevelopment is drawing attention
Tokorozawa Station is an area that has been praised for its urban evolution through redevelopment. Two lines, the Seibu Ikebukuro Line and the Seibu Shinjuku Line, are available, allowing direct access to Ikebukuro and Shinjuku. Commercial facilities such as Gran Emio Tokorozawa have opened in front of the station, making shopping and dining convenient. The entire town is well-maintained and is popular as a place that is easy to live in for everyone, from families to seniors.
In addition, nature such as the Aviation Park and Sayama Hills are nearby, and the coexistence of convenience and relaxation is a notable point. It is one of the stations that has risen sharply in the Saitama Prefecture ranking of places to live in 2025.
No. 4: Kawagoe Station | A perfect balance between sightseeing and living environment
Kawagoe Station is a tourist destination known as "Little Edo," but it is also highly convenient for daily life. The JR Kawagoe Line and Tobu Tojo Line are available, and it has good access to Ikebukuro and Omiya. There are plenty of shopping malls and restaurants around the station, so you won't have any trouble with daily life.
Furthermore, the city is being developed to blend old-fashioned streetscapes with modern facilities, and is popular not only with tourists but also with local residents. The balance of convenience and the special feeling of living in a tourist destination is one of the reasons why it is chosen as a city where people want to live.
No.5: Kawaguchi Station | Easy access to the city center
Kawaguchi Station's greatest strength is its easy access to downtown Tokyo via the JR Keihin Tohoku Line. It's an ideal location for those who work in Tokyo, as you can get to Ikebukuro and Tokyo in under 30 minutes. There are many commercial facilities and restaurants in front of the station, and redevelopment is underway, so future growth is expected.
In addition, while rent is lower than in Tokyo, it is highly convenient and offers a cost-effective living environment. It is especially popular among young people and dual-income couples, and is a popular station within Saitama Prefecture.
No.6: Koshigaya Laketown Station | Nature and large shopping coexist
Koshigaya Laketown Station is known as the station directly connected to AEON Laketown, one of the largest shopping malls in Japan. The area around the station is surrounded by lakes and green spaces, and the area has a well-balanced blend of nature and urban functions. On weekends, leisure activities and shopping can be completed close to the station, making the area popular with families and couples.
In addition, the JR Musashino Line provides good access to Tokyo. In recent years, the area has been developed as a residential area, making it a more comfortable living environment, and it is ranked high in the 2025 Saitama Prefecture Ranking of Places to Live (Station Category).
No. 7: Minami-Urawa Station | Popular with families
Minami-Urawa Station is a highly convenient station where two lines, the JR Keihin-Tohoku Line and the Musashino Line, intersect. The rent is relatively low even in the Urawa area, making it popular with families raising children and dual-income families. There are supermarkets, parks, and educational institutions around the station, making it an ideal environment for daily life and raising children.
In addition, the area is well-connected for easy commuting to the city center. It also has a calm residential atmosphere and is highly regarded for its safe living environment, making it a popular choice.
No.8: Wakoshi Station | Good commuter access to Tokyo
Wakoshi Station is served by three lines: Tokyo Metro Yurakucho Line, Fukutoshin Line, and Tobu Tojo Line, making it a highly convenient station for commuting, with direct access to Ikebukuro, Shibuya, and Shinjuku. The area around the station is undergoing redevelopment, with tower apartments and commercial facilities on the rise.
Despite being close to Tokyo, the area offers great cost performance for single people and dual-income households who work in Tokyo, as rents are within the average for Saitama Prefecture. With plenty of nature and a well-balanced living environment, the area is also receiving high praise in the 2025 rankings of places people want to live.
9th place: Shiki Station | A commuter town with great value for money
Shiki Station is popular among the Tobu Tojo Line stations for its good balance of accessibility and living environment. In addition to being only 20 minutes by express train to Ikebukuro, the area is highly convenient for daily life, with commercial facilities, restaurants, and medical facilities all around the station. Average rent is also relatively low, making this an area that is especially recommended for young people and those living alone for the first time.
In addition, the calm environment, including the nature along the river and well-maintained residential areas, is also an attraction. For people who want to balance cost with comfort, Shiki has strong support as a desirable place to live.
No. 10: Ageo Station | A peaceful living area and convenience
Ageo Station is located on the JR Takasaki Line, and has good access to Omiya and Tokyo. In front of the station, there are shopping malls, restaurants, medical facilities, and other facilities, so you can easily find everything you need for daily life.
Also, if you go a little further from the station, you will find a quiet residential area, making it ideal for those who want to live in a calm environment. Rent is also relatively reasonable, so it is also chosen by families and seniors who are looking for a larger room at a lower cost. Redevelopment and urban development are also progressing, and the station is attracting attention as one with great future potential.
Search from 6,568 rooms of 921 properties
2025 Ranking of the Most Desirable Cities to Live in (Municipalities) Top 10
When choosing a city to live in Saitama Prefecture, the rankings for each municipality are an important reference. The 2025 edition introduces the prefecture's most popular areas in a ranking format based on factors such as transportation access, public safety, educational environment, and progress of redevelopment. In particular, several wards in Saitama City rank highly, and are highly regarded for their balance of convenience and livability.
In addition, bedroom communities with easy commute to Tokyo and municipalities with generous child-rearing support were also highly rated. This ranking is based on real opinions and data for people considering house hunting or moving in Saitama Prefecture.
No.1: Omiya Ward, Saitama City
Omiya Ward in Saitama City is home to Omiya Station, one of the largest terminals in Saitama Prefecture, and is an attractive location for commuting to work or school in the Tokyo area. Commercial facilities and government offices are concentrated around the station, and urban functions are highly developed.
On the other hand, the residential area maintains a calm atmosphere and is well-balanced as a living environment. It is supported by a wide range of generations as an area that combines convenience and comfort, and it has been consistently chosen as the number one place to live in the Saitama Prefecture Municipalities Ranking.
No.2: Kawaguchi City
Kawaguchi City is a highly convenient area adjacent to Tokyo, with a well-developed railway network centered on the Keihin-Tohoku Line. In addition to being easy to commute to work or school, redevelopment is progressing around the station, and shopping malls and tower apartments are on the rise.
The city is also popular with families, thanks to its safe and well-maintained education environment. In particular, rent is lower than in Tokyo, making it a cost-effective place to live. In the 2025 ranking of places people want to live, it was ranked high due to its balance of urban functions and housing prices.
3rd place: Urawa Ward, Saitama City
Urawa Ward in Saitama City is an educational area that functions as the prefectural capital, and is known for its good public safety and educational environment. Educational institutions, both public and private, are highly rated, and the area is often chosen by families who are keen to continue their education.
Urawa Station has good access to the city center, making it extremely convenient for commuting to work or school. Characterized by its calm streets and sophisticated atmosphere, it is also a popular residential area, and is always ranked highly in the "Municipality Edition" rankings.
No.4: Tokorozawa City
Tokorozawa City is located in the center of the Seibu Line, and has excellent access to central Tokyo, while also being an attractive area with a lush, green living environment. Redevelopment is underway around the station, and efforts are being made to improve commercial and public facilities. The area is also rich in natural surroundings, including Aviation Park and Lake Sayama, and is a city that combines the convenience of the city center with the tranquility of the suburbs.
It is also a popular destination for families to relocate to, and many people are excited about its future development.
No.5: Kawagoe City
Kawagoe City is known as "Little Edo" and is a city of history and culture, but it is also highly convenient for daily life. Not only is it a glamorous tourist destination, but it is also highly regarded for its access to multiple lines, including the Tobu Tojo Line and the JR Kawagoe Line.
The city has a good balance of large commercial facilities and residential areas, making it a very comfortable place to live. It is popular with people who want both access to the city center and a peaceful living environment.
6th place: Chuo Ward, Saitama City
Saitama City Chuo Ward is a hot area undergoing redevelopment centered around Saitama Shintoshin Station. While it is home to city functions such as government, commercial, and medical facilities, the residential area has a quiet and relaxed atmosphere. It also has a good childcare support and educational environment, making it a popular choice for dual-income households and families.
With good access to Tokyo Station and Shinjuku Station, it is a city that strikes a good balance between convenience for commuting and living environment. It is predicted to become even more popular in the future, and is steadily climbing up the rankings.
No.7: Koshigaya City
Koshigaya City is an attractive municipality that combines the convenience of shopping and leisure centered around Lake Town with an environment surrounded by nature. The JR Musashino Line is available, and access to the Tokyo metropolitan area is smooth. Large shopping malls and new residential areas are being developed, and the city is especially popular with families.
In addition, housing prices are relatively low, making it a popular location for first-time home buyers. The city is garnering attention as it offers the perfect combination of convenience, nature, and cost.
No.8：Ageo City
Ageo city is located along the JR Takasaki line, and is an area with a peaceful residential environment while offering convenient direct access to the city center. Commercial facilities and public institutions are concentrated in front of the station, and the area is highly rated for its ease of living.
It is especially popular with families and seniors, and has good public safety and a wide range of support measures for raising children. It is a city chosen by people who want to continue living there for the long term because of its stability as a residential area and its high cost performance.
9th place: Shiki City
Shiki City is a commuter town with good access to the city center, about 20 minutes to Ikebukuro on the Tobu Tojo Line. Redevelopment is progressing around the station, making it more convenient. There are also many educational facilities and medical facilities, making it a safe environment for families. There is also a lot of nature, so you can enjoy a life that combines the best of both the city and the suburbs.
The average rent is relatively stable, and it is popular among young people living alone. The area is also highly regarded for its well-balanced living environment, and is ranked in the "station" rankings of cities people want to live in, but it is also a notable area that ranks highly in the municipality rankings.
10th place: Wako City
Wako City is an area with excellent transport access, with the Tokyo Metro Yurakucho Line, Fukutoshin Line, and Tobu Tojo Line. Despite being directly connected to the city center, rent and prices are relatively low, making it excellent value for money. There are plenty of supermarkets and public facilities around the station, and redevelopment is also underway.
In addition, there are quiet residential areas and parks with lots of greenery, making it a safe environment for families with children. As a municipality that is likely to become increasingly popular in the future, it is attracting attention in the 2025 rankings of places people want to live.
A thorough analysis of the reasons for its popularity: What are the characteristics of a city that makes it a popular choice?
Areas that rank highly in Saitama Prefecture's rankings of places people want to live have one thing in common. Particular attention is paid to factors that affect the quality of life, such as "good public safety," "educational environment," "access to transportation," and "progress of redevelopment."
In addition, the balance between market rent and the environment is also important, and towns that offer excellent value for money are gaining popularity. These factors are evaluated in combination to create towns that people want to live in.
Here we will explain in detail the reasons why you should choose us from four perspectives.
Good public safety and educational environment
A safe city is a top priority when choosing a town to live in. A safe environment is a great source of peace of mind, especially for those raising children and single women.
In Saitama Prefecture, Saitama City's Urawa Ward and Shiki City are highly regarded for their public safety. The educational environment is also an important point. Areas with highly rated schools, both public and private, naturally have a high level of educational awareness among residents, and the atmosphere of the entire town is calm.
Cities with good public safety and education tend to be popular as places where people want to live for a long time.
Proximity to the station and convenient transportation access
When it comes to commuting to work or school, "proximity to the station" and "good transportation access" are major considerations when choosing a city.
In popular areas of Saitama Prefecture, municipalities around stations with multiple lines, such as Omiya Station, Urawa Station, and Wakoshi Station, are particularly highly rated. Direct routes to the city center and ease of transfers are indicators of convenience that directly impacts daily life, and are also conditions for regular high rankings.
Easy access saves you time and stress, and increases your overall life satisfaction.
Redevelopment and urban function development potential
In recent years, areas undergoing redevelopment have been attracting attention in the rankings of cities people want to live in.
For example, Tokorozawa City and Saitama City Chuo Ward (Saitama New Urban Center) have large commercial facilities and public facilities around the stations, improving the convenience and comfort of the entire city. With the improvement of urban functions, it is expected that the living infrastructure, employment, and local value will increase, making it an ideal place to choose a home with an eye to the future.
Redeveloped areas are a big attraction for people looking for new streetscapes and functionality.
Cost-effective balance between rent and living environment
A city with a reasonable rent and a comfortable living environment is ideal for many people. In Saitama Prefecture, Shiki City, Ageo City, Koshigaya City, etc. are highly rated as areas that combine reasonable rent with a convenient living environment. Compared to Tokyo, housing costs are lower, while commercial facilities, parks, schools, etc. are located nearby.
It is also attractive to those considering buying a home, and cost-effectiveness is directly linked to its ranking. A city with good value for money gives you a sense of security in the long term.
Search from 6,568 rooms of 921 properties
Changes and trends in Saitama Prefecture's ranking of desirable places to live
In recent years, in addition to the standard popular areas of Omiya and Urawa, the rankings of Saitama prefecture's most desirable places to live have seen the rise of emerging areas such as Tokorozawa/Chuo Ward (Saitama New Urban Center), which have seen improvements in transportation access and redevelopment.
Furthermore, interest in towns with abundant nature and amenities, such as Koshigaya Lake Town and Minami-Urawa, is also growing. The recent changes in ranking reflect the diversification of living environments, with people returning to the city center and preferring the suburbs.
It is expected that the trend of cities that prioritize a balance between transportation, safety, cost, and nature will continue to attract attention in the future.
Changes in rankings over the past 5 years
In the rankings of Saitama Prefecture's most desirable places to live over the past five years, traditional areas such as Omiya Station, Urawa Ward, and Kawaguchi City have solidified their positions at the top, while emerging areas such as Tokorozawa City, Saitama City Chuo Ward (Saitama New Urban Center), and Koshigaya Lake Town are gradually rising to prominence.
In particular, redevelopment areas began to attract attention from around 2019 to 2021, and from 2022 onwards, their rankings will rise as commercial facilities and transportation development progress. The change in ranking is evidence of a shift in evaluation to one that places more importance on future potential in addition to access to the city center and convenience for living.
Cities that will increase in popularity from 2024 to 2025
Tokorozawa City, Saitama City Chuo Ward (New Urban Center), Koshigaya Lake Town, etc. have significantly improved their rankings between 2024 and 2025. Tokorozawa has an improved commercial environment through redevelopment, Chuo Ward has improved convenience in the New Urban Center area, and Koshigaya has a balance between ease of living and the natural environment. Furthermore, the spread of teleworking is accelerating the trend of placing importance on nature and living environments.
Against this backdrop of changes, the rankings of cities people want to live in Saitama Prefecture have clearly shown a shift from the traditional city-oriented model to suburban and regional city-oriented popularity.
Increase in Saitama residents and its impact on rankings
In recent years, the increase in Saitama residents who commute to work or school in the city center, known as "Saitama Tokyoites," has had a major impact on the rankings.
Cities with good access to central Tokyo, such as Wako City, Kawaguchi City, and Minami-Urawa, are becoming increasingly popular, especially along the JR Keihin-Tohoku Line, Saikyo Line, and Musashino Line. These areas are supported as an option for shortening commuting time while improving living conditions, and are often seen at the top of the rankings.
Support is particularly strong among young people and dual-income households, and the increase in the number of Saitama residents is reflected in the rankings of cities people want to live in.
Summary | What are the key points to consider when choosing a city that suits you?
When choosing a city to live in Saitama Prefecture, it is important to have clear criteria that fit your lifestyle, such as "convenience," "safety," "cost," and "educational environment." Rather than focusing only on the top rankings, you need to consider whether the city truly matches your own lifestyle.
The best area to live in varies depending on your family structure, commuting style, and future life plans. By choosing a city that suits your purpose, you can increase your satisfaction after moving in and achieve a comfortable life.
Below we will introduce some recommendations based on your purpose and how to choose the right one.
How to choose a city for families, singles, and students
Families, single people, and students have very different criteria for choosing a city.
For families, Urawa Ward and Tokorozawa City are popular, with good public safety and a wide range of educational institutions. For single people, Kawaguchi City and Wako City are convenient, with good access to the city center. For students, Shiki City and Ageo City are popular, with easy access to universities and vocational schools and relatively cheap rent.
Choosing a city that takes into account your life stage, purpose, and priorities is a major factor in supporting a comfortable life.
Importance of site visits and security checks
You can't really understand the true atmosphere of a city just from information on the internet or rankings. Once you've decided on a potential location, it's important to actually visit the area and see for yourself the surrounding environment, distance from the station, and the atmosphere of the city. It's especially important to check the security aspects, such as the atmosphere at night and whether women and children can live there safely.
It is also effective to ask a real estate agency for detailed information about the area. By doing a site survey, you can choose a town that you will not regret, and you will be able to live in an environment where you can live comfortably for a long time.
