What is the ranking of "cities to live in" in Osaka? Evaluation criteria and survey source
The "Osaka City Ranking for Places to Live" is an important indicator for many people looking for housing and those hoping to relocate. Published annually by SUUMO, LIFULL HOME'S, iiheya.net, and others, the rankings are compiled from multiple perspectives, including convenience, safety, image, and the city's potential for development.
The rankings are based on the real opinions of prospective residents, search data, the brand power of the city, and other factors, and are useful for finding out "which cities are currently attracting attention." Since the subjects and methods differ for each survey, comparing multiple rankings can give you hints on finding the city in Osaka that's right for you.
What are the main evaluation criteria that affect rankings?
There are a wide variety of evaluation criteria that influence the ranking of cities people want to live in.
Representative examples include
- "Good transport access"
- "Good public safety"
- "Convenience of daily life"
- "Image of the city"
- "Future potential through redevelopment" etc.
Additionally, many people also place importance on comfort for daily life, such as "the abundance of restaurants" and "the abundance of parks and green spaces," and desired conditions change depending on the life stage of the population, such as families, single people, seniors, etc. In each survey, these elements are scored based on questionnaire and search behavior data, reflecting the balance between actual living environments and people's ideal images.
Differences in survey sources (SUUMO, Good Room Net, LIFULL HOME'S, etc.)
It is important to note that the methods of compilation and target demographics of the rankings of cities people want to live in vary depending on the survey source.
For example, SUUMO compiles data based on surveys of people who actually want to live in major cities, such as the Tokyo and Kansai regions.
On the other hand, iiHeya.net bases its rankings on the "comfort of living" assessed based on tenant satisfaction, while LIFULL HOME'S creates rankings based on data on "searched cities."
As the opinions of "people who actually live" and "people who want to live in the area in the future" are mixed, the key to choosing a city without making a mistake is to understand and utilize the background of each survey.
Also pay attention to the difference between a city you want to live in and a city that is easy to live in
"Cities you want to live in" and "cities that are easy to live in" may seem similar at first glance, but because the evaluation criteria are different, there may be discrepancies in the rankings.
When people think of a city they want to live in, they place importance on its image and aspirations, so popular tourist destinations and commercial areas such as Umeda and Shinsaibashi tend to rank highly. On the other hand, cities that are easy to live in are chosen based on real-life factors such as average rent, public safety, educational environment, and convenience for shopping.
When looking at the rankings, it is important to select and discard information based on the criteria that suit your lifestyle and purpose. If you are looking for "practical benefits" rather than "admiration," it is a good idea to prioritize livability.
Top 10 places to live in Osaka (2025)
The ranking of "Cities Where People Want to Live" in Osaka in 2025 is determined by a comprehensive evaluation of transportation convenience, progress of redevelopment, and comfortable living environment. Based on surveys by SUUMO, LIFULL HOME'S, and iiheya.net, Umeda, Tennoji, Takatsuki, and other areas are ranked high. Areas that cater to a variety of lifestyles, from single people to families, are attracting attention.
This ranking introduces the top 10 cities people want to live in. The results reflect the latest residential needs and regional changes, making it a useful indicator for those considering a home in Osaka Prefecture. Please use it as a reference.
No. 1 | Umeda (Kita-ku, Osaka) | Convenience and trendy location
Umeda, Osaka's terminal station, is a popular area that has been ranked number one as the "city people want to live in" for four consecutive years. In addition to its excellent accessibility with JR, Hankyu and subway lines converging, the area has been highly praised for its evolution through large-scale commercial facilities and redevelopment.
It is home to many trendy spots, such as Grand Front Osaka and LUCUA, and is a great place to shop, eat, drink, and have fun. It also has excellent commuting convenience for business people who work in Osaka. It is an area that condenses the charm of the city, and is popular with single people and young people.
2nd place | Tennoji (Tennoji-ku, Osaka) | An area that combines history and redevelopment
Tennoji is a notable area where historical cultural assets and the latest facilities are fused together. Commercial facilities such as Abeno Harukas and Abeno Q's Mall are directly connected to the station, and redevelopment has made the city increasingly convenient and attractive. There are also plenty of tourist attractions such as Tennoji Zoo and Shitennoji Temple, so there are many ways to enjoy your holidays.
There are plenty of supermarkets and medical facilities around the station, making it an ideal place to live for those looking for a balance between culture, convenience, and livability in Osaka City.
No. 3 | Takatsuki City | A city where access to the city center and nature coexist
Takatsuki City is located halfway between Osaka and Kyoto, and is easily accessible to both cities, within 30 minutes by train. Two lines, JR and Hankyu, are available, making it a convenient location for commuting to work or school. The city is filled with lush parks and nature, making it a popular area for families with children. There are also many educational institutions and medical facilities, and the city is highly rated for its well-balanced livability.
The city center is also home to large shopping malls and restaurants, making it extremely convenient for daily life. It is recommended for those who want to enjoy both the city and nature.
No. 4 | Fukushima (Fukushima-ku, Osaka City) | A popular area where gourmet food and fashion come together
The Fukushima area is conveniently located just one station away from Umeda, but has a calm residential atmosphere. Lined with stylish cafes, hidden restaurants, and unique shops, it is highly popular among young people and creators.
Recently, the construction of tower apartments has progressed, and the cityscape has evolved into a modern one. With good transportation access and smooth commuting to the business district, it is an ideal place to live for the working generation. It is the perfect city for those who want gourmet food, culture, and convenience.
5th place | Minoh City | Rich in greenery and popular with families raising children
Minoh City is highly regarded as a city with a particularly good natural and educational environment in the Hokusetsu area. A major attraction is being able to live a relaxed life surrounded by nature, such as Minoh Falls and Minoh Park. The opening of the new station "Minoh Kayano" has improved transportation convenience, making commuting to the city center smoother.
It has good public safety and a strong support system for raising children, making it a popular area among families. It is a recommended city for those who value a relaxed lifestyle and a good educational environment.
6th place | Suita City | A residential city undergoing redevelopment in the Expo area
Suita City is a hot area where redevelopment is underway, including Expo Commemoration Park and EXPOCITY. In particular, the area around LaLaport EXPOCITY is home to a number of shopping and leisure facilities, making it a convenient place to live. It also has good access to Osaka City, with both JR and Hankyu lines available.
The area has a high level of public safety and education, which is one of the reasons it is popular with families. With the possibility of property values increasing through redevelopment, it is also attracting attention as a potential place to live in the future.
7th place | Namba (Chuo-ku, Osaka) | A hub of tourist destinations and urban functions
The Namba area is one of Osaka's most famous tourist and commercial areas, but also functions as a residential area. As the center of the Minami area, it is within walking distance of Shinsaibashi and Dotonbori. It is also convenient for commuting to work or school, as it is served by multiple lines including the subway, Nankai Line, and Kintetsu.
There are plenty of convenient facilities and restaurants, making it perfect for people who want to live an active life in the city. Although you need to be careful of the pedestrian traffic and noise at night, this is an attractive area for city lovers.
8th place | Abeno Ward | Educational district and large commercial facilities are attractive
Abeno-ku, Osaka City, is known as an educational district, and is an area where a relaxed atmosphere and urban functions coexist in a good balance. Redevelopment is underway centering on Abeno Harukas, and there are commercial facilities, medical institutions, and educational institutions.
In addition, there are many cultural facilities such as Tennoji Park and art museums, and it is popular with those who prefer an intellectual and refined lifestyle. The area is also relatively safe, and is highly regarded as a city that is easy to live in for a wide range of people, from families with children to the elderly.
9th place | Toyonaka City | High security and education standards, good for families
Toyonaka city is a popular area in Hokusetsu, adjacent to Osaka city, with a quiet and peaceful residential area. It is especially known for its good public safety and high level of education, with many highly rated public and private schools.
There is plenty of nature in areas such as Senri Chuo and Hattori Ryokuchi, making it an ideal environment for raising children. It is also convenient for commuting to Osaka city, and continues to be popular as a bedroom community. It is a very attractive option for families looking for a stable life in the future.
10th place | Joto Ward | A highly convenient ward undergoing redevelopment
Osaka City's Joto Ward has been attracting attention in recent years as an area undergoing redevelopment and infrastructure development. With major stations such as Kyobashi and Shigino, it offers smooth access to all parts of Osaka City. There are also supermarkets, hospitals, and childcare facilities, making it an attractive place to live.
Rent prices are relatively stable, and the area is gaining popularity as a cost-effective place to live. Public safety and the educational environment are also improving, making it a pleasant area to live in that is expected to develop further in the future.
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Why do you want to live here? Characteristics of the top-ranked areas and reasons for choosing them
Areas in Osaka that rank highly as "places to live" have one thing in common. Among these, the most important aspects are the quality of living infrastructure, such as "transportation access," "safety," and "education and child-rearing environment."
Additionally, areas that have become more convenient to live in and have an improved image due to redevelopment and the development of commercial facilities are also gaining popularity. Rather than simply looking for cheap rent or being close to the station, people tend to place more importance on long-term perspectives, such as "Can I live there with peace of mind in the future?" and "Can I be satisfied living there?" when choosing a city.
In this chapter, we will explain the characteristics of the top-ranked areas and the reasons why they are chosen.
Good transport access is a prerequisite for popularity
The first condition that comes up when choosing a city to live in is convenient transportation access. In Osaka, areas with good access to major stations such as Umeda, Tennoji, and Takatsuki are particularly popular.
Important points are whether there is a station with multiple lines or whether you can commute to the city center within 30 minutes. In addition, advantages such as a station being close to the residence or having a starting station are also likely to be evaluated, and the comfort of daily commuting to work or school determines how comfortable it is to live there. A high level of transportation convenience that can accommodate future changes in lifestyle can be said to be the top priority when choosing a city.
Improving public safety, child-rearing environment, and educational infrastructure
Another big reason why cities are chosen as places to live is that they have an environment where people can live safely. Good public safety is especially important for those raising children and women living alone, and Toyonaka, Minoh, Suita, and other cities are highly rated in this regard.
Other selection criteria include the number and quality of childcare facilities and schools, and the presence or absence of childcare support systems. Areas with a well-developed educational infrastructure provide peace of mind in terms of academic improvement and rates of progression to higher education, and are gaining popularity as places to live with an eye to the future. A safe and secure living environment is a prerequisite for a city where people can continue to live for a long time.
Be sure to check out the trendy spots and the impact of redevelopment
In addition to convenience, the ranking of cities people want to live in also has a major impact on the city's appeal and image. Fukushima, Tennoji, Abeno, and other areas are popular among young people as they are home to stylish cafes and select shops and are fun to walk around.
Additionally, in areas undergoing redevelopment, the living environment has been transformed by infrastructure improvements and the expansion of commercial facilities, improving convenience and asset value. The "potential" of these areas is also valued, and there are an increasing number of cases where people choose these areas with high expectations for their future development. It can also be said that a modern trend is to value trendiness and newness.
How to choose the best area for your lifestyle!
When choosing a home in Osaka, it is important to choose an area that suits your lifestyle. The necessary environment and priorities differ depending on the lifestyle of each person, such as living alone, working couples, families with children, students, etc.
For example, areas near terminal stations are key for working adults who prioritize transportation access, while areas with good public safety and school districts are key for families who prioritize an educational environment. Young people and students who want to keep costs down should aim for less expensive, lesser known areas.
Here we will introduce the characteristics of the areas best suited for your purpose and how to choose them.
Popular areas for people living alone and working people!
Areas that offer a good balance between commuting convenience and living environment are popular among working adults living alone in Osaka.
Representative examples include Fukushima Ward, Tennoji Ward, and Kita Ward (around Umeda). Many stations are served by multiple lines, making commuting less stressful. There are plenty of supermarkets, convenience stores, and restaurants in front of the stations, and many of them are open until late at night, making them ideal for busy business people. There are also plenty of apartments for single people and one-room rental properties.
By choosing an area with good public safety, you can start living alone with peace of mind.
What kind of local governments are supported by families raising children?
The main points that people with children choose when choosing an area are whether it has good public safety, educational environment, abundance of nature, and a good child-rearing support system.
In Osaka, the Hokusetsu area, including Suita, Toyonaka, and Minoh, is particularly popular and is equipped with parks, libraries, and childcare facilities.
In addition, the schools have good reputations and the local community is active, which is reassuring. There are also many spacious properties and condominiums for families, making it an ideal place to live if you plan to live there for a long time.
The local government also provides ample support for child-rearing, and the area is known for its high level of life satisfaction.
Introducing hidden gems that are popular among students and young people
"Hidden gem areas" with relatively low rent and good accessibility are popular among students and young people who want to live conveniently while keeping costs down.
For example, areas such as Joto Ward, Higashi Osaka City, and Yao City have good access to the center of Osaka City and the average rent for 1K and 1DK apartments is relatively cheap, making them ideal for people living alone for the first time.
Additionally, areas that have been gaining attention recently are those geared towards young people, such as Nakazakicho and Tanimachi Rokuchome, which combine the atmosphere of a downtown area with cafe culture.
It's the perfect choice for those who want to enjoy a fashionable lifestyle while keeping costs down.
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Check out Osaka's top cities to live in and past ranking trends
The ranking of Osaka's most desirable cities to live in is announced every year, and by looking at the fluctuations from year to year, you can understand trends in area popularity and the city's growth.
For example, Umeda and Tennoji have been steadily maintaining their high rankings, while areas undergoing redevelopment or where new stations have been built have seen their rankings rise sharply. As of 2025, the Expo area and residential cities in Hokusetsu are particularly attracting attention, with an increase in people who value the living environment and property value.
Observing these trends gives us clues as to whether a city will be worth living in in the future, rather than simply being popular for a short time.
What has changed compared to the 2024 rankings?
Compared to 2024, the rankings for 2025 show an increase in suburban areas such as Takatsuki City and Minoh City. The reasons for this are the spread of teleworking and changes in values such as an emphasis on child-rearing, which are increasing the need to move to towns with good environments a little further away from the city center.
On the other hand, some central areas such as Namba and Shinsaibashi, which have always been popular, are showing a tendency to drop in the rankings as people are put off by the high congestion and rents, despite their high convenience.
Comparing with the previous year makes it clear how changes in values and lifestyles of the times are reflected in people's choice of city.
What are the trends in cities whose popularity is on the rise and cities whose popularity is plummeting?
In recent years, areas undergoing redevelopment, such as Fukushima Ward and Abeno Ward, have seen a surge in popularity.
In addition to its good transportation access, the increase in stylish cafes and convenient facilities, as well as the construction of tower apartment buildings, have revamped the city's image, making it popular with many young people and families.
On the other hand, cities that have fallen in the rankings are seeing factors such as "rising rents," "long commute times," and "the emergence of issues with public safety and noise."
The rise and fall of the rankings reflect the actual conditions of the area, so when choosing a city, it is important to check not only the annual evaluation, but also the trends and background.
summary
When choosing a city to live in in Osaka Prefecture, it is important to identify an area that suits your lifestyle and values. In addition to the standard popular areas such as Umeda and Tennoji, the 2025 ranking also includes Fukushima Ward, which is undergoing redevelopment, and Minoh City and Suita City, which are popular with the child-rearing generation.
The changes in the rankings show a trend of placing importance on living environment, convenience, public safety, educational environment, etc. In particular, suburban areas are also increasingly being rated higher due to the spread of teleworking and diverse working styles.
Use this article as a reference to choose a city that suits your purpose and life stage, and find a home you won't regret. By paying attention to past trends and future developments, you will be able to choose an area that will satisfy you in the long term.
