What is Kanagawa Prefecture's "City Ranking for Places to Live"?

Kanagawa Prefecture's "City Ranking for Where People Want to Live" is a ranking of popular areas compiled based on the satisfaction of people who actually live there and search trends when looking for a home.

Based on the results of surveys released by LIFULL HOME'S, SUUMO, and iiheya.net, areas are evaluated from multiple angles, including transportation access, convenience for daily life, public safety, and the image of the city. Areas such as Yokohama, Kawasaki, and Shonan are particularly popular, and the data is useful for a wide range of people, from those commuting to work, raising children, and retirement.

This ranking is full of tips for choosing a city for those who are considering moving or looking for a home within Kanagawa Prefecture.

Ranking research source and evaluation criteria

Surveys on rankings of desirable cities to live in are mainly conducted independently by real estate portals such as LIFULL HOME'S, SUUMO, and iiheya.net. The rankings are compiled based on real data such as user search behavior, number of requests for information, and survey results, and popular cities and areas of interest are visualized numerically.

The evaluation criteria include transportation convenience, public safety, shopping environment, average rent, and availability of educational and medical facilities, and tendencies differ according to age and lifestyle. As a reliable indicator, it is a useful first step when choosing a home.

The difference between a city you want to rent and live in vs. a city you want to buy and live in

There is a clear difference between "a city where you want to rent and live" and "a city where you want to buy and live."

• When it comes to rental needs, there is a strong tendency for low rent, the convenience of being close to a station, and ease of relocation to be important, with cities popular with single people and young people ranking highly.
• When it comes to purchasing needs, the evaluation criteria are long-term perspectives such as future asset value, the environment for raising children, and the town's development potential, so residential areas that are popular with families and seniors are often chosen.

Since the ideal city varies depending on your purpose and life plan, it is important to interpret the rankings from a perspective that suits you.

How to use ranking results and points to note

Rankings of cities people want to live in can be a useful reference for choosing a city, but there are some things to be careful about when using them. A city that ranks highly in the rankings is not necessarily the "best for you." It is important to consider conditions that suit your lifestyle, such as commuting time, living expenses, rent budget, and child-rearing environment.

In addition, rents and property prices tend to rise in popular areas, so it is essential to consider the cost of living. The rankings are for reference only, and by using them in conjunction with viewings and surveys of the local area, you can make a more satisfying housing selection.

Top 10 cities to live in Kanagawa Prefecture in 2025 [Overall]

Kanagawa Prefecture is adjacent to Tokyo and is an attractive area that balances urban convenience with a natural environment. It is dotted with towns that suit a variety of lifestyles, including stations that are convenient for commuting to work or school, residential areas that are easy to raise children in, and towns where you can live near the sea, such as the Shonan area.

In this chapter, we will announce the rankings of the "2025 Top 10 Most Desirable Cities to Live in Kanagawa Prefecture [Overall]" based on the latest search data and resident satisfaction. We have carefully selected popular cities from various perspectives, such as transportation access, public safety, and living environment, and will provide detailed explanations of each city's characteristics and livability.

No. 1 Hon-Atsugi Station (Atsugi City) - Highly rated for its balance of access to the city center and convenience for daily life

Hon-Atsugi Station, which is conveniently located just 50 minutes from Shinjuku on the Odakyu Odawara Line, and is surrounded by nature and a well-maintained urban area, ranked first. There are many large commercial facilities and restaurants around the station, making it convenient for shopping and eating out.

In addition, rent and prices are relatively low, making the area cost-effective. It is popular with a wide range of people, from single people to families, and future development is expected in the area.

2nd place: Musashi-Kosugi Station (Nakahara Ward, Kawasaki City) | A city that is rapidly gaining popularity due to redevelopment

Musashi-Kosugi Station is served by multiple lines, including the Tokyu Toyoko Line, JR Nambu Line, and Yokosuka Line, and offers excellent access to Tokyo and Yokohama. In recent years, large-scale redevelopment has seen the construction of high-rise apartments and commercial facilities one after another, transforming the area into a place where people can enjoy a comfortable urban lifestyle.

The area is also home to a full range of educational and medical facilities, and is gaining attention, especially from families. It is highly regarded as a new base near the city center that combines convenience with a good living environment.

No. 3: Yokohama Station (Nishi-ku, Yokohama) | A popular area with convenient transportation and shopping

Yokohama Station, the terminal station representing Kanagawa Prefecture, is served by many lines and is an area with high convenience for commuting, going to school, and shopping. There are department stores and commercial facilities around the station, covering everything from daily life to weekend fun.

Although there are concerns about safety and heavy traffic, it is an ideal town for those seeking an active lifestyle. It is especially popular among young people and DINKs.

No. 4 Ebina Station (Ebina City) | A city with large commercial facilities and housing development

Ebina Station, where the Sotetsu Line, Odakyu Line, and JR Sagami Line intersect, has become a much more livable area due to the recent boom in development. With large shopping malls "LaLaport Ebina" and "Vina Walk" directly connected to the station, you will have no trouble shopping or going out for daily needs.

The area has also been developed as a residential area, with many newly built apartments and detached houses. Rent and prices are lower than in central Tokyo, making it a popular destination for young families to move to.

No. 5: Totsuka Station (Totsuka Ward, Yokohama City) | The balance between nature and the city is appealing

Totsuka Station, which is accessible via the Tokaido Line, Yokosuka Line, and Yokohama Municipal Subway, has good access to central Yokohama, yet is a comfortable place to live with a peaceful residential area. There are commercial facilities around the station, and the infrastructure necessary for daily life is well-equipped.

It is very popular with families with children as it has a lot of greenery and many daycare centers and schools. It is a well-balanced area that combines the convenience of the city with the tranquility of the suburbs.

No. 6 Fujisawa Station (Fujisawa City) | A station where you can enjoy Shonan life

Fujisawa Station, a popular gateway to the Shonan area, is served by three lines: JR, Odakyu, and Enoshima Electric Railway, making it an excellent place to commute to Tokyo and access the beaches of Shonan. There are plenty of shopping facilities, cafes, and restaurants in front of the station, making it a very convenient place to live.

It is an attractive location for people who aspire to a lifestyle that involves surfing and the outdoors, and is popular with a wide range of people, from families with children, young people, and seniors.

No. 7 Hiyoshi Station (Kohoku-ku, Yokohama) | Popular with students and families

Hiyoshi Station, known for being the location of Keio University's Hiyoshi Campus, is accessible via the Tokyu Toyoko Line, Meguro Line, and Yokohama Municipal Subway Green Line. Although it has a lively student atmosphere, it is also safe and has many peaceful residential areas.

There are cafes, bookstores, and restaurants in front of the station, making it a convenient place to live. It offers an excellent balance of transportation access, educational environment, and comfort, making it a popular town for families with children.

No.8 Tama Plaza Station (Aoba Ward, Yokohama) | Sophisticated suburban residential area

Tamagawa-Plaza Station, which is particularly popular along the Denentoshi Line, is easily accessible from the city center and boasts an elegant, well-organized streetscape.

There are also many commercial facilities, such as Tama Plaza Terrace, which is directly connected to the station, and the area is known for its high quality of life. The area also has good public safety and an excellent educational environment, and is popular with families and seniors who prefer a calm atmosphere. It is a sophisticated residential area where nature and urban functions are fused together.

No. 9 Kamiooka Station (Konan Ward, Yokohama City) | Convenient transportation and shopping

Kamiooka Station, which is accessible via the Keikyu Main Line and Yokohama Municipal Subway, has good access to Yokohama Station and Shinagawa, making it a convenient area for commuting to work or school. Commercial facilities such as "mioka" and "Keikyu Department Store" are concentrated around the station, making it a great place to shop.

The area has a stable public safety and living environment, and is chosen by a wide range of people, from single people to families. It is an attractive town with an exquisite balance of being neither too urban nor too suburban.

No. 10 Chigasaki Station (Chigasaki City) | Enjoy a slow life near the sea

Chigasaki Station, which is accessible via the JR Tokaido Line and Sagami Line, is close to the Shonan Sea and is popular as an area where you can live a resort-like life. It is suitable for people who enjoy an active lifestyle such as surfing and running, and its appeal is that it is an environment where you can feel nature while also having urban functions.

There are large supermarkets and cafes in front of the station, making it very convenient for daily life. It is also possible to commute to the city center, so it is popular with a wide range of people, from young people to seniors.

"Cities you want to live in" by type

The ideal conditions for a "city you want to live in" will vary depending on whether you plan to rent or buy.

When choosing a town to rent and live in, people place importance on the distance from the station, the balance of average rent prices, and ease of commuting, while when choosing a town to buy and live in, people pay attention to long-term factors such as asset value, the town's future prospects, and the educational environment. Also, when evaluating stations, people place importance on the satisfaction and convenience of actually living there, so it is effective to look at the rankings by purpose.

Here, based on the latest data from the 2025 edition, we will introduce the evaluations of each city and station where you want to rent or buy, categorized by type.

Ranking of cities where people want to rent and live (2025)

In the 2025 "Ranking of Cities Where People Want to Rent and Live," areas that combine good transport access with the convenience of being near train stations, such as Hon-Atsugi, Musashi-Kosugi, and Yokohama, ranked high.

For those looking to rent, the ease of commuting to work or school, the abundance of shopping facilities, and good public safety are major deciding factors. Stations that are within an hour's travel to the city center are particularly popular, and are chosen by single people and young families. In addition, the number of searches and inquiries tends to increase in areas with more rental properties close to stations and more recently built properties.

Ranking of cities where people want to buy and live (2025)

The ranking of "City Rankings Where People Want to Buy and Live" places emphasis on the living environment, support for raising children, and future asset value. For 2025, areas with good educational environments, such as Tama Plaza, Fujisawa, and Hiyoshi, as well as areas that are attracting attention due to ongoing development, are ranked.

Whether they are looking for an apartment or a house, they choose a town on the assumption that they will live there permanently, and other criteria for their selection include disaster risk, the maturity of the town, and convenience for living. These are important indicators for families looking for a stable life from a long-term perspective.

Top 5 stations ranked for livability

In the station-by-station livability ranking, the main focus of the evaluation is on everyday comfort and the abundance of surrounding facilities.

In the 2025 edition,

• Yokohama Station
• Tama Plaza Station
• Fujisawa Station
• Hiyoshi Station
• Musashi-Kosugi Station ranked in the top five.

These stations are highly rated because they are accessible via multiple lines, making them convenient for commuting, and because they have supermarkets, hospitals, parks, and other facilities essential to daily life within walking distance of the station. Station-by-station information is a practical and reliable basis for making decisions, especially for those looking for "cities close to stations that are easy to live in."

Check out the rankings for livability! [Great cities to live in]

In addition to "city you want to live in," the "livability ranking" that evaluates the satisfaction of people who actually live there is also an important indicator when choosing a home. This is a multifaceted evaluation based on the real opinions of residents, covering things like public safety, convenience, comfort of the living environment, and ease of raising children.

In the 2025 edition, areas that continue to receive high ratings stand out, such as Tsuzuki Ward in Yokohama City, which has topped the list for the fifth consecutive year. For those looking for a city in Kanagawa Prefecture where they can live comfortably for a long time, the "livability" data is reliable.

By learning which cities are truly "good to live in" from the perspective of local residents, you will be able to choose a city you won't regret.

Why has Tsuzuki Ward in Yokohama City ranked first for five consecutive years?

Tsuzuki Ward in Yokohama City is a popular area that will rank first in the "Livability Ranking" for the fifth consecutive year in 2025.

The reason for this is the well-planned streetscape and the balance of transportation, education, and shopping environments. Tsuzuki Ward, developed as part of Kohoku New Town, has many green spaces and parks, making it an ideal environment for raising children. In addition, the Yokohama Municipal Subway runs through the area, providing good access to the center of Yokohama and the city center.

The large shopping mall "LaLaport Yokohama" and medical facilities are also located nearby, making it a very convenient place to live. The area is also highly regarded for its good public safety and cleanliness, making it a particularly popular area with families and seniors.

The charm of Hayama Town in Miura County and its natural living environment

Hayama Town is known in Kanagawa Prefecture as an area that is attractive for its coexistence with nature. With a beautiful coastline and lush hills, you can live a peaceful daily life in a resort-like environment.

While it is a popular tourist destination, it also boasts good public safety and a strong community. For those raising children and those working remotely, it is a place where they can enjoy a peaceful life away from the hustle and bustle.

It also has good access to the Shonan area, and you can enjoy marine sports and hiking on weekends. It is an ideal environment for nature-loving and slow-life-oriented people.

The convenience behind Yokohama's Nishi Ward's high ranking

Nishi-ku, Yokohama, is an area with some of Kanagawa Prefecture's most prominent urban functions, centered around Yokohama Station, and is also highly regarded as a great place to live. It has excellent transportation access, with multiple lines available, including the JR, Tokyu, Keikyu, and Minatomirai lines.

There are many commercial facilities, restaurants, hospitals, etc. around the station, making it extremely convenient for daily life. In addition, the open landscape of the Minato Mirai district and the beautiful night view of the bay area add to the richness of life.

Although located close to the city center, there are many residential areas where you won't feel the hustle and bustle of the city, making them especially popular with DINKs and single-person households. The combination of convenience and comfort is gaining support.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

When choosing a home in Kanagawa Prefecture, many people are concerned about living environment issues such as "safety," "living alone," and "raising children."

Here we have compiled a Q&A format of typical questions that will help you choose the city you want to live in. Please use this as a reference to find a city where you can live safely and comfortably according to your lifestyle and family composition.

Which city in Kanagawa Prefecture has the best security?

The cities in Kanagawa Prefecture that are highly regarded for their public safety are:

• Tsuzuki Ward, Yokohama City
• Aoba Ward
• Zushi City
• Examples include the town of Hayama.

In particular, Tsuzuki-ku and Aoba-ku have been developed through well-planned urban development, and the residential areas have a quiet and calm atmosphere. Many areas are also well patrolled by the police, making them safe for children and women living alone. The crime rate is relatively low, so this is a recommended area for those who value public safety. It is a good idea to check not only the rankings, but also the actual number of crimes and reviews of the area.

Which city is best for living alone?

The best city for living alone is one that balances good accessibility and low cost of living.

In Kanagawa Prefecture,

• Yokohama City, Naka Ward, Nishi Ward, and Kohoku Ward (especially the area around Hiyoshi Station)
• Popular areas include Nakahara Ward, Kawasaki City (Musashi-Kosugi Station).

These areas have good access to the city center and are equipped with supermarkets, restaurants, and hospitals in front of the stations, making them extremely convenient for daily life.

Also, the average rent varies depending on the area, so if you are looking for value for money, we recommend the areas around Hon-Atsugi Station and Ebina City. Check the crime prevention and surrounding environment and choose a city that suits your lifestyle.

What's the best area for raising children?

When choosing a city that is suitable for raising children, important points to consider are public safety, educational environment, medical facilities, and the availability of parks.

In Kanagawa Prefecture,

• Tsuzuki Ward, Yokohama City
• Aoba Ward
• Asao Ward, Kawasaki City
• Cities such as Fujisawa are highly regarded by families with children.

Tsuzuki Ward in particular has many nurseries and parks, and is also home to an abundance of family-friendly housing. Aoba Ward and Asao Ward have a high level of education, and offer a wide range of options for cram schools and extracurricular activities.

Fujisawa City is also rich in nature, making it popular with people who want to raise their children in a relaxed environment. Checking out the child-rearing support system offered by the government will also help you find an area where you can live with peace of mind.

summary

Kanagawa Prefecture has many cities that offer a good balance between convenient transportation and a good natural environment, making it an area where you can choose a home that suits your lifestyle. In the 2025 ranking of cities people want to live in, cities with convenient commuting and good living environments, such as Hon-Atsugi, Musashi-Kosugi, and Yokohama, received high marks.

In addition, by looking at the perspectives of renting, buying, and each station, as well as the actual "livability" rankings, you can make a more convincing city selection. The best area will change depending on your purpose, such as public safety, educational environment, ease of living alone, etc.

We hope that this article will help you determine which city is truly easy for you to live in and help you take a step closer to your ideal life. If you are considering starting a new life in Kanagawa, be sure to compare the characteristics of each city and make your selection.