Is Nagoya a good place to live? Check out the city's characteristics and living environment

Nagoya City, the central city of Aichi Prefecture, is a city with many attractions, including convenient transportation, stable rent prices, and a living environment that is conducive to raising children. Subway and JR lines in particular are widely connected to areas both within and outside the city, making transportation easy for commuting to work, school, shopping, and more. Rent prices are also relatively stable compared to Tokyo and Osaka, and there is a wide selection of cost-effective properties. Nagoya City also has a good balance of essential facilities for daily life, such as hospitals, schools, supermarkets, and commercial facilities, spread across each area, providing a safe and secure living environment for everyone, from families with children to students and those living alone.

Each area has its own unique atmosphere and characteristics, making it easy to choose an area that suits your lifestyle, which is one of the major reasons why living in Nagoya is comfortable.

Here, we will introduce the characteristics of Nagoya City from the perspectives of transportation, average rent, ease of living, etc.

Extensive transportation network | Easy travel within and outside the city

Nagoya City has a well-developed transportation network with multiple lines, including the subway, JR, Meitetsu, and Kintetsu, making it a city with very convenient access both within and outside the city. The Higashiyama and Sakuradori subway lines are particularly popular, making them highly convenient for commuting to work or school. Bus and taxi stands are also available at major stations, centered around Nagoya Station, making it easy to combine these with trains for smooth travel. Furthermore, the Tokaido Shinkansen provides easy access to major cities such as Tokyo and Osaka, making it extremely convenient for business and travel. Many areas within the city are dotted with stations within walking distance, creating an environment where even those without cars can live comfortably.

Nagoya is a city that is highly regarded by people of all ages and genders as an area that is easy to get around in on a daily basis.

Stable rent prices | Affordable even in the city center

Average rent in Nagoya is relatively stable compared to Tokyo and Osaka, and one of its attractions is that rents are lower for properties with the same size and facilities. In particular, along the Higashiyama Line and Sakuradori Line, you can find properties near stations outside the city center that have relatively low rents, allowing you to combine convenience for commuting to work or school with economical living. Studio and 1K properties for single people can be found for around 50,000 yen per month, and there are many 2LDK and 3DK properties for families that cost less than 100,000 yen.

Nagoya City has many areas where the average rent is not too high, yet is convenient and has a good environment, making it easy to choose a property that suits the needs of the resident. For those who prioritize rent and are looking for a city that is easy to live in, Nagoya is a very attractive option.

Educational, medical and shopping facilities available

Nagoya City has a well-developed infrastructure, with educational, medical, and shopping facilities well-balanced within the city, making it a very livable city. There are also many universities and vocational schools within the city, and many areas are convenient for students. In addition, most areas within the city have general hospitals and clinics, giving you peace of mind that you can be treated immediately in case of sudden illness or if your child becomes unwell. The shopping environment is also excellent, with everything from local supermarkets to large shopping malls, so you can find a wide range of options, from daily necessities to entertainment.

In particular, areas with many commercial facilities, such as around Nagoya Station and Sakae, are also home to a wide variety of restaurants and specialty shops, making daily life convenient. The abundance of such amenities is a major benefit for both families and single people.

Each region has its own unique character, so you can choose based on your lifestyle

Nagoya City has a unique atmosphere and living environment in each ward, allowing you to choose an area that suits your lifestyle and priorities.

For example, Chikusa Ward and Meito Ward are safe and popular with families raising children as educational areas. On the other hand, Naka Ward and Nakamura Ward have many commercial facilities and restaurants, making them suitable for active single living. Furthermore, Midori Ward and Tenpaku Ward are areas with abundant nature and quiet residential areas that are popular with families.

One of Nagoya's unique charms is that it is easy to choose a city based on the convenience of work, school, and commuting, while also taking into consideration access to major subway lines and JR lines. Each area has its own merits, and the ease of finding a city that suits your lifestyle is a major strength of Nagoya.

Top 10 recommended areas to live in Nagoya by purpose

Nagoya City is dotted with a variety of areas to suit different lifestyles, including safe educational areas, residential areas with abundant nature, and convenient areas with a concentration of commercial facilities around stations. The best city to live in varies depending on your reasons for living there, such as for families, women living alone, those prioritizing cost-effectiveness, or those prioritizing accessibility.

In this chapter, we will introduce 10 recommended areas around Nagoya City that are particularly popular and that many people actually live in and find "easy to live in." Each area has its own characteristics, such as average rent, transportation access, surrounding environment, availability of childcare support, public safety, and convenience of restaurants and supermarkets. We hope you will use this ranking as a reference when searching for an area in Nagoya City that suits you.

Hoshigaoka Station (Chikusa Ward) | Popular for its safe and educational area

Hoshigaoka Station in Nagoya's Chikusa Ward is a popular area known for its safe neighborhood and educational environment. The area is home to educational institutions such as Nagoya University and Sugiyama Jogakuen University, creating a calm atmosphere ideal for students and families. Hoshigaoka Terrace, lined with stylish shops and restaurants, is also located in front of the station, making it convenient for shopping and cafes. The Higashiyama Subway Line provides direct access to Sakae and Nagoya Station, making the area ideal for commuting to work or school. The surrounding area is also home to lush parks and well-maintained sidewalks, making it an excellent environment for raising children.

The average rent here is on the higher side of the city, but considering the safety, education, and living environment, it can be said to be an area with very good cost performance.

Fujigaoka Station (Meito Ward) | A residential area where nature and convenience coexist

Fujigaoka Station, located in Nagoya's Meito Ward, is the terminus of the Higashiyama Subway Line and is a highly convenient station that also connects to the Linimo. There are shopping facilities and restaurants in front of the station, making it easy to find your daily needs. If you walk a little further, you'll also find many spots where you can experience nature, such as Itaka Ryokuchi, making it a great place for people who prefer a quiet and peaceful lifestyle. For families with children, there are plenty of facilities such as daycare centers, schools, and parks, providing an environment in which to raise children with peace of mind. Average rents are average for Nagoya City as a whole, and there are many properties with spacious floor plans, making it a particularly livable town for families.

It boasts enduring popularity as one of Nagoya's leading residential areas, with good public safety, a good balance of transportation access, convenience for daily life, and a natural environment.

Tokushige Station (Midori Ward) | A town friendly to families with children

Tokushige Station, located in Nagoya's Midori Ward, is a residential area highly popular among families raising children. As the last stop on the Sakuradori Subway Line, this station offers direct access to the city center, making it convenient for commuting to work or school. The area around the station is home to the large shopping center "Hills Walk Tokushige Gardens," supermarkets, parks, and medical facilities, making it an excellent living environment. The area is also safe, with peaceful streets full of greenery providing many reassuring elements for families raising small children. Average rents are also relatively stable within Nagoya City, and it's easy to find larger properties, making it a popular destination for families looking to relocate.

This area has a good balance between nature and urban functions, and is well-known as a safe place to live.

Kanayama Station (Naka Ward) | A convenient area where major lines intersect

Kanayama Station, located in Nagoya's Naka Ward, is a major terminal station where major lines such as JR, Meitetsu, and the subway intersect, making it an area with extremely convenient transportation access. It's popular with businesspeople and students because it offers quick access to central Nagoya Station and Sakae. The area is home to a number of commercial facilities, restaurants, supermarkets, and clinics, making it extremely convenient for everyday life. While the area is home to many offices and stores, it's also a well-developed residential area, making it easy to find comfortable properties near the station. Average rents are a little on the high side, but the comfort of life and ease of transportation make it a major draw.

This is a city that is recommended for both single people and dual-income families. It is an ideal area for those seeking urban living with easy access to work and school.

Kakuozan Station (Chikusa Ward) | A stylish and relaxing neighborhood

Kakuozan Station is a station on the Higashiyama Subway Line in Chikusa Ward, Nagoya City, an area known as an educational district. Lined with stylish cafes, general stores, and independently owned bakeries, the area is popular with those who appreciate a relaxed atmosphere. With good public safety and a quiet residential area, it's a safe and recommended area for single women and families with children. With easy access to Nagoya Station and Sakae, the area offers a good balance of convenience and a comfortable living environment. With many educational institutions and a favorable school district reputation, it's also highly rated by families looking to choose a home with an eye to the future.

Although rent is a little on the high side, the attractive surroundings and comfortable living environment make this a city where you will be more than satisfied with the price.

Motoyama Station (Chikusa Ward) | Popular with families in the educational district

Motoyama Station is a junction station between the Higashiyama and Meijo subway lines in Chikusa Ward, Nagoya City, and is a quiet residential area known as an educational district. The area is dotted with famous universities such as Nagoya University and Nanzan University, and is particularly popular with families raising children due to its abundant educational facilities. Supermarkets, restaurants, and medical facilities are located in front of the station, making it highly convenient for daily life. This area, with its good public safety and quiet streets, offers a safe and secure living environment, making it ideal for women living alone. While average rent is somewhat high, this is a highly recommended area for those who value a good school district and a good living environment.

As one of Nagoya's leading educational and residential areas, the area has enjoyed stable popularity for many years.

Yagoto Station (Showa Ward) | A residential area with educational facilities and nature

Yagoto Station is a transfer station between the Tsurumai and Meijo subway lines in Showa Ward, Nagoya City, and is a well-balanced town with excellent access and a natural environment. The area is known as an educational area with many educational institutions, including Nanzan University and Chukyo University. It is also dotted with naturally-blessed spots such as Yagotoyama Koshoji Temple and lush parks, making it an attractive environment for raising children in a relaxed environment. There are supermarkets, restaurants, medical facilities, and other amenities around the station, so you won't feel inconvenienced in your daily life. The area is also safe and popular with families and seniors.

Although rent is average, the area is highly regarded as a residential area that combines a comfortable living environment with convenience.

Shiogamaguchi to Hara (Tenpaku Ward) | Good value for money and easy to live in

The area from Shiogamaguchi Station to Hara Station in Tenpaku Ward is known for its relatively low rent and ease of living, even within Nagoya City. Accessible via the Tsurumai Subway Line and with good access to the city center, the area is a tranquil residential area, making it suitable for first-time solo dwellers. With Chukyo University nearby, the area is characterized by a lively and vibrant streetscape, with plenty of student-friendly properties and restaurants. Supermarkets, drugstores, clinics, and other amenities are readily available, making daily life a breeze. The area is also relatively safe, making it a recommended area for women living alone.

There is a wide selection of properties to choose from, and the rent is reasonable for the layout and facilities, making it a very attractive living environment for those who prioritize cost-effectiveness.

Kurokawa Station (Kita Ward) | A town where convenient transportation and nature coexist

Kurokawa Station is a station on the Meijo Subway Line in Kita Ward, Nagoya City. It is a well-balanced town that combines good transportation access with a natural living environment. With easy access to Nagoya Station and Sakae, it is highly convenient for commuting to work or school, making it popular with people of all ages. The area is also home to the Shonai River and many parks, making it an ideal environment for children to play outside, making it a great choice for families. Supermarkets, restaurants, and medical facilities are all within walking distance, making it a very convenient place to live. The area is also relatively safe, with a quiet residential area surrounding the station.

The average rent is slightly lower than in the city center, and it is easy to find spacious properties, making this an ideal area for those who are concerned about value for money.

Shinsakaemachi Station (Higashi Ward) | Excellent living convenience near the city center

Shinsakaemachi Station is a station on the Higashiyama Subway Line in Higashi Ward, Nagoya City. With excellent access to Nagoya Station and Sakae, it's an ideal area for those seeking urban living. While the surrounding area has many office buildings and restaurants, giving it a bustling feel, the residential area just off the main street is surprisingly calm, providing a well-balanced living environment. There are numerous supermarkets, convenience stores, hospitals, and cafes within walking distance, making daily life a breeze. While average rent is a little on the high side, it's within a reasonable range given the convenience and abundance of amenities. However, areas close to downtown areas can be noisy at night, so we recommend checking out the surrounding area before choosing a property.

This is a highly recommended city for those who prioritize access and want to live a convenient life close to the city center.

Recommendations by Needs | Areas for Singles, Women, and Families

Nagoya City has a wide range of livable neighborhoods to suit a variety of lifestyles, with areas ideal for everyone, from students and working adults looking to start living alone, to single women, to families raising children. Since each area has different safety, convenience, average property rents, and the availability of surrounding facilities, finding the neighborhood that's right for you requires a perspective tailored to your needs. Finding the perfect area for your lifestyle, whether that be a convenient location near the station with plenty of restaurants and shops, a residential area with ample childcare support, or a safe and secure place to live, will make your life in Nagoya even more comfortable.

Here we will introduce a carefully selected list of cities that are recommended for single people, women, and families with children.

Recommended areas for living alone and reasons

If you're looking to live alone in Nagoya City, choosing a neighborhood with convenient transportation and all the amenities you need is key. Naka Ward's Sakae and Yabacho areas, and Chikusa Ward's Imaike and Motoyama areas, are accessible via multiple subway lines, including the Higashiyama, Meijo, and Tsurumai lines, and offer excellent access to Nagoya Station and universities. There are plenty of convenience stores, supermarkets, and restaurants around the stations, so you'll have no trouble finding something to eat or shop for even if you get home late. Another attractive feature is the abundance of single-person apartments, with a wide selection of studio and one-room apartments in the ¥50,000 to ¥60,000 rent range. The neighborhoods are also safe, with plenty of street light and foot traffic at night, providing a sense of security even for first-time solo residents. However, while downtown areas like Sakae and Yabacho are bustling and convenient, they can also be noisy at night and attract potential customers, so we recommend checking your commute route and the surrounding area in advance.

These towns offer convenient access to work, school, shopping, and entertainment, making them well-balanced and easy-to-live-in areas.

A safe and secure town for women living alone

For women living alone, good public safety and the safety of the surrounding environment are particularly important. Areas in Nagoya City that are popular with women include Hoshigaoka and Kakuozan in Chikusa Ward, and Issha and Fujigaoka in Meito Ward. These areas are also known as educational areas, and the residential areas have a quiet and peaceful atmosphere. Streetlights are in place, and the local community has a high level of crime prevention awareness, making it safe for women living alone. There are also plenty of commercial facilities such as supermarkets, drugstores, and cafes near the stations, making daily life easy.

Although the average rent is a little high, there are plenty of apartments with high security features and properties with security, making it highly recommended for those who prioritize peace of mind. It can be said to be an ideal town that combines a good living environment with safety.

Popular areas for families with children and government support

Popular areas for families raising children in Nagoya include Tokushige in Midori Ward, Fujigaoka and Issha in Meito Ward, Ueda in Tenpaku Ward, and Yagoto in Showa Ward. These areas are attractive because of their excellent educational environment, with many nurseries, kindergartens, elementary and junior high schools nearby. Furthermore, lush parks and plazas are scattered throughout, providing a safe and enjoyable environment for children to play. Nagoya City offers many government support programs, such as medical expense subsidies and child-rearing support apps, and is making progress in efforts to reduce the burden of child-rearing. There are also many spacious rental properties for families, with rents of around 100,000 yen for 2LDK and 3LDK apartments, which is relatively affordable for an urban area.

It has gained a lot of support as a safe and secure town where families can live as they grow.

Important points to consider when choosing a city in Nagoya

When searching for a home in Nagoya City, it's important to consider not only the distance from the station and the property's layout, but also the area's safety, convenience, transportation access, and average rent. The availability of subway lines, nearby facilities, and the atmosphere of the city all play a part, but the ease of living and the environment for raising children also vary greatly depending on the area. Since priorities differ depending on lifestyle, such as living alone or with a family, choosing a city that suits your goals is key to achieving a comfortable life.

In this chapter, we will explain three particularly important criteria for choosing a city: how to interpret public safety information, the characteristics of each major train line in Nagoya, and the balance between average rent and living costs.

Methods and indicators for checking public safety

When choosing a city in Nagoya where you can live safely, it is essential to check the area's public safety beforehand. Websites such as those publishing crime information published by police stations are a useful way to check public safety. Checking the number of crimes and trends in each area allows you to visually identify safe areas. Choosing a city with low rates of snatch thefts and burglaries is especially important for single women and families with children. Areas such as Chikusa Ward, Meito Ward, and parts of Showa Ward are considered relatively safe within Nagoya City and are popular with families. It's also a good idea to check the area for information on pedestrian traffic at night, the presence or absence of streetlights, and the frequency of security patrols.

A city with stable public safety is the foundation for living a comfortable and safe life.

Learn about the characteristics of each line: Higashiyama Line, Sakuradori Line, Tsurumai Line, etc.

When choosing a city in Nagoya, understanding the characteristics of major lines such as the subway is a major factor that will determine the convenience of commuting to work or school and daily life.

For example, the Higashiyama Subway Line connects popular areas such as Nagoya Station, Sakae, Imaike, Hoshigaoka, and Fujigaoka from east to west, and is popular with a wide range of people, from families to single people, thanks to the abundance of educational and commercial facilities along the line. The Sakuradori Line connects the city center from north to south, and has many highly convenient stations such as Tokushige Station and Hisaya-Odori Station, making it a line that has been attracting attention in recent years. The Tsurumai Line connects suburban residential areas with the city center, and passes through areas with relatively stable rents such as Tenpaku Ward and Showa Ward, making it recommended for those who value value for money.

The character of the town differs depending on the line, so it is important to choose a line that suits your purpose.

Check the balance between rent and living expenses

When choosing a home in Nagoya City, it's important to consider not only the cheapest rent but also the overall cost of living when deciding on an area. Average rent in the city is roughly 50,000 to 60,000 yen for a 1K or studio apartment for a single person, and 90,000 to 120,000 yen for a 2LDK or 3DK apartment for a family. While rents tend to be higher in central areas such as Sakae and Nagoya Station, rents tend to be relatively low in Tenpaku Ward, Kita Ward, and Nishi Ward, where it's easier to find a larger apartment. However, even in areas with cheap rent, if there are few supermarkets and stores, or if transportation access is inconvenient, food and transportation costs may increase, resulting in higher living expenses.

The key to living comfortably and comfortably is to choose a city while taking into consideration the facilities and transportation accessibility around the property and looking at your overall monthly expenses.

Summary | Nagoya is a city with a wide range of options and a comfortable lifestyle

When choosing a livable city in Nagoya, it's important to pay attention to the points that suit your lifestyle.

If you prioritize convenient transportation, Kanayama Station or Motoyama Station are good candidates; if you're looking for peace of mind and safety, areas like Kakuozan and Hoshigaoka are good candidates; and if you're looking for ease of raising children, areas like Tokushige and Fujigaoka are good candidates. Choose the city that's best for you, taking into consideration the average rent and the characteristics of each train line. Nagoya City has a variety of neighborhoods that meet a wide range of needs, making it an easy city to live in for a wide range of people, from single people to families.