Best Neighborhoods for Families in Kuala Lumpur
Summary: If you're moving to Kuala Lumpur with kids, here are some of the best neighborhoods in Kuala Lumpur for families.
Kuala Lumpur, the vibrant capital of Malaysia, offers a rich tapestry of cultures, history, and modern conveniences. For expats and digital nomads with families, choosing the right neighborhood is crucial. Here are eight of the best neighborhoods for families to live in Kuala Lumpur.
Bangsar
Bangsar is a popular choice for families due to its safe, green, and community-oriented environment. Families enjoy spending time at the numerous parks, playgrounds, and recreational facilities. The Bangsar Shopping Centre and Village offer ample dining and entertainment options. There are several prestigious schools in the vicinity, making it an ideal location for families with school-going children.
Location: Southwest of the city centre, about 10 minutes from KL Sentral.
Real Estate: Average rental price of a 2-bedroom apartment is around RM 2,500, and a 3-bedroom is around RM 3,500. Average purchase price of a 2-bedroom apartment is around RM 600,000, and a 3-bedroom is around RM 800,000.
International Schools: Garden International School (ages 3-18, British curriculum), Sri Dasmesh International School (ages 5-17, British curriculum).
Where to Eat: Try Alexis Bistro for Mediterranean cuisine, or Antipodean Cafe for a relaxed brunch.
Interesting History: Bangsar was once a rubber estate and has since transformed into a bustling residential and commercial hub.
Parks: Bangsar Park and Bukit Bandaraya Park are popular for their jogging tracks and playgrounds.
Mont Kiara
Mont Kiara is an affluent neighborhood known for its high-end condominiums and excellent international schools. Families enjoy the clean, safe streets and numerous amenities. The neighborhood is home to several and offers a variety of dining options.
Location: Northwest of the city centre, about 15 minutes from KLCC.
Real Estate: Average rental price of a 2-bedroom apartment is around RM 3,500, and a 3-bedroom is around RM 5,000. Average purchase price of a 2-bedroom apartment is around RM 900,000, and a 3-bedroom is around RM 1,200,000.
International Schools: Mont'Kiara International School (ages 3-18, IB curriculum), Garden International School (ages 3-18, British curriculum).
Where to Eat: Dine at Solaris Mont Kiara for a variety of cuisines, or try Strato for Italian fare.
Interesting History: Mont Kiara was formerly an estate for rubber and palm oil plantations.
Parks: KL Gateway Mall Rooftop Park offers a green space with a view.
Damansara Heights
Damansara Heights is an upscale neighborhood with a mix of residential and commercial properties. It's known for its quiet, tree-lined streets and close-knit community. Families enjoy the numerous parks, schools, and dining options in the area.
Location: West of the city centre, about 10 minutes from KL Sentral.
Real Estate: Average rental price of a 2-bedroom apartment is around RM 3,000, and a 3-bedroom is around RM 4,500. Average purchase price of a 2-bedroom apartment is around RM 700,000, and a 3-bedroom is around RM 1,000,000.
International Schools: Cempaka International School (ages 5-18, British curriculum), Stella Maris International School (ages 3-17, British curriculum).
Where to Eat: Visit DC Mall for various dining options, or try Aliyaa Island Restaurant & Bar for Sri Lankan cuisine.
Interesting History: Damansara Heights was one of the first residential areas developed in the Damansara region.
Parks: Bukit Damansara Park is a popular spot for outdoor activities.
Ampang
Ampang is a diverse neighborhood with a mix of local and international residents. It's known for its excellent international schools and a wide range of amenities. Families enjoy visiting the various parks, museums, and shopping centres in the area.
Location: East of the city centre, about 15 minutes from KLCC.
Real Estate: Average rental price of a 2-bedroom apartment is around RM 2,000, and a 3-bedroom is around RM 3,000. Average purchase price of a 2-bedroom apartment is around RM 500,000, and a 3-bedroom is around RM 700,000.
International Schools: International School of Kuala Lumpur (ages 3-18, American curriculum), Sayfol International School (ages 1-18, British curriculum).
Where to Eat: Explore the restaurants at Ampang Point Shopping Centre, or try Bijan Bar & Restaurant for Malay cuisine.
Interesting History: Ampang is known for being the site of the first tin mine in Kuala Lumpur.
Parks: Taman Tasik Ampang Hilir and Taman Rimba Ampang are popular for their green spaces and recreational facilities.
Bukit Tunku
Bukit Tunku, also known as Kenny Hills, is an exclusive residential neighborhood with lush greenery and a serene environment. It's popular among expats for its proximity to international schools, embassies, and the city centre.
Location: Northwest of the city centre, about 10 minutes from KLCC.
Real Estate: Average rental price of a 2-bedroom apartment is around RM 3,500, and a 3-bedroom is around RM 5,000. Average purchase price of a 2-bedroom apartment is around RM 1,000,000, and a 3-bedroom is around RM 1,500,000.
International Schools: French School of Kuala Lumpur (ages 3-18, French curriculum), Lycée Français de Kuala Lumpur (ages 3-18, French curriculum).
Where to Eat: Dine at the restaurants in Plaza Damas, or try Bijan Bar & Restaurant for Malay cuisine.
Interesting History: Bukit Tunku is named after Malaysia's first Prime Minister, Tunku Abdul Rahman.
Parks: Bukit Tunku Recreational Park offers a green space for outdoor activities.
Sri Hartamas
Sri Hartamas is a modern and vibrant neighborhood with a mix of residential and commercial properties. It's popular among expats for its wide range of amenities, including international schools, shopping centres, and dining options.
Location: Northwest of the city centre, about 15 minutes from KLCC.
Real Estate: Average rental price of a 2-bedroom apartment is around RM 2,500, and a 3-bedroom is around RM 3,500. Average purchase price of a 2-bedroom apartment is around RM 600,000, and a 3-bedroom is around RM 800,000.
International Schools: Mont'Kiara International School (ages 3-18, IB curriculum), Garden International School (ages 3-18, British curriculum).
Where to Eat: Explore the restaurants at Hartamas Shopping Centre, or try The Bee for a variety of cuisines.
Interesting History: Sri Hartamas was formerly a rubber plantation and has since been developed into a bustling residential and commercial hub.
Parks: Bukit Kiara Park is a popular spot for outdoor activities.
Desa ParkCity
Desa ParkCity is a self-contained township with a strong sense of community. It's known for its beautiful parks, excellent schools, and a wide range of amenities. Families enjoy the safe, clean, and green environment that the neighborhood offers.
Location: Northwest of the city centre, about 20 minutes from KLCC.
Real Estate: Average rental price of a 2-bedroom apartment is around RM 2,500, and a 3-bedroom is around RM 3,500. Average purchase price of a 2-bedroom apartment is around RM 600,000, and a 3-bedroom is around RM 800,000.
International Schools: The International School @ ParkCity (ages 3-18, British curriculum).
Where to Eat: Dine at the restaurants in The Waterfront, or try The Social for a variety of cuisines.
Interesting History: Desa ParkCity was developed on the site of a former quarry and has since been transformed into a thriving community.
Parks: Desa ParkCity Central Park is a popular spot for outdoor activities and is the largest park in the neighborhood.
KL Eco City
KL Eco City is a modern and eco-friendly neighborhood with a mix of residential and commercial properties. It's known for its sustainable living concepts and excellent connectivity to the rest of the city. Families enjoy the numerous parks, schools, and dining options in the area.
Location: Southwest of the city centre, about 10 minutes from KL Sentral.
Real Estate: Average rental price of a 2-bedroom apartment is around RM 3,000, and a 3-bedroom is around RM 4,500. Average purchase price of a 2-bedroom apartment is around RM 800,000, and a 3-bedroom is around RM 1,200,000.
International Schools: International School of Kuala Lumpur (ages 3-18, American curriculum), Alice Smith School (ages 3-18, British curriculum).
Where to Eat: Explore the restaurants at The Gardens Mall, or try The Majapahit for Indonesian cuisine.
Interesting History: KL Eco City was developed on the site of the former Pudu Jail and has since been transformed into an eco-friendly and sustainable community.
Parks: KL Eco City Park is a popular spot for outdoor activities and is the largest park in the neighborhood.
Each of these neighborhoods offers a unique blend of amenities, schools, and recreational facilities, making them excellent choices for families living in Kuala Lumpur.
About the Author
Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC
Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.
Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.
Additional Information:
- Expat Guide to Kuala Lumpur
- Best Neighborhoods for Families in Kuala Lumpur
- Best Neighborhoods for Single People in Kuala Lumpur
- Best International Schools and Bilingual Schools in Kuala Lumpur
- 7 Weekend Getaways for Digital Nomads Living in Kuala Lumpur
- Best Bookstores and Libraries in Kuala Lumpur
- Fun Classes for Expats Living in Kuala Lumpur
- Public Transportation in Kuala Lumpur
- Best Markets in Kuala Lumpur
- Retire in Kuala Lumpur Guide
- 7 Tips for Living in Kuala Lumpur
- Pros & Cons of Living in Kuala Lumpur
- Tips for Expats Driving in Kuala Lumpur
- Cost of Living in Kuala Lumpur
- Health Care in Kuala Lumpur
- The Essential Guide to Kuala Lumpur
- Healthcare & Health Insurance in Malaysia
- Best Places to Live in Malaysia
- Real Estate in Malaysia
- Pros & Cons of Living in Malaysia
- How to Enroll Your Children in School in Malaysia
- Pros and Cons of Living in Malaysia 2026
- 2026 Guide to Moving to Malaysia


