Best Neighborhoods for Families in Lima
Summary: If you're moving to Lima with kids, here are some of the best neighborhoods in Lima for families.
Lima, is a vibrant city with a rich history and diverse neighborhoods that cater to different lifestyles. For expat and digital nomad families, selecting the right neighborhood is crucial. Here are eight of the best neighborhoods in Lima for families, considering factors such as safety, amenities, schools, and recreational activities.
Miraflores
Miraflores is one of the most popular and safest districts for families in Lima. It offers beautiful parks, modern playgrounds, and a variety of cultural activities. Families enjoy visiting the Ricardo Palma Cultural Center and exploring the colorful markets. The district is also known for its excellent schools and sports facilities.
Location: Central Lima, bordering the Pacific Ocean.
Real Estate: Average rental price of a 2-bedroom apartment is around $800, and a 3-bedroom is around $1,200. Average purchase price of a 2-bedroom apartment is around $250,000, and a 3-bedroom is around $350,000.
International Schools: Colegio Franklin Delano Roosevelt (American curriculum, K-12), Colegio Altair (IB curriculum, pre-K to 12).
Where to Eat: La Mar for seafood, Maido for Nikkei cuisine, and El Pan de la Chola for artisanal bread and pastries.
Interesting History: The Huaca Pucllana, an ancient adobe pyramid, is a must-visit historical site in Miraflores.
Parks: Parque Kennedy, the most popular park, features play areas, gardens, and cat sanctuaries. Parque del Amor offers stunning ocean views.
San Isidro
San Isidro is an upscale residential and business district, perfect for families seeking a high-quality lifestyle. It boasts exclusive social clubs, golf courses, and some of the best schools in Lima. Families enjoy leisure time at the Lima Golf Club or exploring the district's green spaces.
Location: Central Lima, adjacent to Miraflores and Surco.
Real Estate: Average rental price of a 2-bedroom apartment is around $1,000, and a 3-bedroom is around $1,500. Average purchase price of a 2-bedroom apartment is around $300,000, and a 3-bedroom is around $450,000.
International Schools: Markham College (British curriculum, pre-K to 12), Colegio Pestalozzi (Swiss curriculum, pre-K to 12).
Where to Eat: Astrid y Gaston for fine dining, La Granja Azul for traditional Peruvian cuisine, and La Bodega Verde for healthy options.
Interesting History: The Huaca Huallamarca, an ancient adobe pyramid, is a significant historical site in San Isidro.
Parks: Bosque El Olivar is a beautiful olive grove park, popular for picnics and relaxation.
Surco
Surco, also known as Santiago de Surco, is a family-friendly district with a mix of residential and commercial areas. It offers parks, shopping centers, and a variety of dining options. Families enjoy visiting the Magic Water Circuit and the many recreational parks.
Location: Southeastern Lima, bordering San Isidro and Miraflores.
Real Estate: Average rental price of a 2-bedroom apartment is around $700, and a 3-bedroom is around $1,000. Average purchase price of a 2-bedroom apartment is around $200,000, and a 3-bedroom is around $300,000.
International Schools: Colegio San Silvestre (British curriculum, pre-K to 12), Hiram Bingham School (American curriculum, K-12).
Where to Eat: Osaka for Nikkei cuisine, La Gloria for traditional Peruvian dishes, and La Bodega de la Trattoria for Italian food.
Interesting History: The district is home to the ancient archaeological site of Huaca Juliana.
Parks: Parque de la Amistad is a popular park with play areas, picnic spots, and a small zoo.
La Molina
La Molina is a residential district known for its green spaces and tranquil environment. It offers a variety of recreational activities, including golf courses and equestrian clubs. Families enjoy visiting the Country Club La Planicie and the many parks.
Location: Eastern Lima, bordering Ate and Surco.
Real Estate: Average rental price of a 2-bedroom apartment is around $600, and a 3-bedroom is around $900. Average purchase price of a 2-bedroom apartment is around $180,000, and a 3-bedroom is around $270,000.
International Schools: Colegio Newton (American curriculum, pre-K to 12), Colegio Roosevelt (American curriculum, K-12).
Where to Eat: Mangos for seafood, La Vaca Loca for steaks, and El Hornero for traditional Peruvian pastries.
Interesting History: The district is home to the ancient archaeological site of Huaca La Florida.
Parks: Parque Zonal La Molina is a large park with play areas, sports facilities, and picnic spots.
Barranco
Barranco is a bohemian and artistic district, perfect for families seeking a vibrant cultural scene. It offers beautiful street art, museums, and a variety of dining options. Families enjoy visiting the MAC Museum of Contemporary Art and exploring the many plazas.
Location: Southern Lima, bordering the Pacific Ocean and Miraflores.
Real Estate: Average rental price of a 2-bedroom apartment is around $700, and a 3-bedroom is around $1,000. Average purchase price of a 2-bedroom apartment is around $200,000, and a 3-bedroom is around $300,000.
International Schools: Colegio Alfonso Ugarte (IB curriculum, pre-K to 12), Colegio San Jorge (British curriculum, pre-K to 12).
Where to Eat: Isolina for traditional Peruvian cuisine, Canta Rana for seafood, and El Muelle for ceviche.
Interesting History: The district is home to the historic Bridge of Sighs (Puente de los Suspiros).
Parks: Parque Municipal de Barranco is a popular park with play areas and gardens.
Chorrillos
Chorrillos is a coastal district known for its beautiful beaches and seafood restaurants. It offers a variety of recreational activities, including surfing and beach sports. Families enjoy visiting the Planetarium and the many beaches.
Location: Southern Lima, bordering the Pacific Ocean and Barranco.
Real Estate: Average rental price of a 2-bedroom apartment is around $500, and a 3-bedroom is around $800. Average purchase price of a 2-bedroom apartment is around $150,000, and a 3-bedroom is around $220,000.
International Schools: Colegio San Agustin (IB curriculum, pre-K to 12), Colegio Santa Rosa de Chorrillos (British curriculum, pre-K to 12).
Where to Eat: La Picanteria for seafood, La Rosa Nautica for fine dining with ocean views, and La Playa for ceviche.
Interesting History: The district is home to the historic Morro Solar, a significant site during the War of the Pacific.
Parks: Parque de la Amistad is a popular park with play areas, picnic spots, and a small zoo.
Pueblo Libre
Pueblo Libre is a historic district known for its colonial architecture and museums. It offers a variety of cultural activities and green spaces. Families enjoy visiting the National Museum of Archaeology, Anthropology, and History and exploring the many plazas.
Location: Central Lima, bordering San Isidro and Magdalena del Mar.
Real Estate: Average rental price of a 2-bedroom apartment is around $600, and a 3-bedroom is around $900. Average purchase price of a 2-bedroom apartment is around $180,000, and a 3-bedroom is around $270,000.
International Schools: Colegio Leonardo da Vinci (IB curriculum, pre-K to 12), Colegio Saco Oliveros (British curriculum, pre-K to 12).
Where to Eat: El Bolivariano for traditional Peruvian cuisine, La Red for seafood, and La Tiendecita Blanca for sandwiches.
Interesting History: The district is home to the historic Bolivar Plaza and the Quinta de Presa, a significant site during the Battle of Lima.
Parks: Parque de la Exposicion is a popular park with play areas, gardens, and a small lake.
San Borja
San Borja is a modern and well-planned district known for its green spaces and recreational facilities. It offers a variety of sports facilities, parks, and shopping centers. Families enjoy visiting the Pentagonito Park and the many sports facilities.
Location: Central Lima, bordering Surco and San Isidro.
Real Estate: Average rental price of a 2-bedroom apartment is around $700, and a 3-bedroom is around $1,000. Average purchase price of a 2-bedroom apartment is around $200,000, and a 3-bedroom is around $300,000.
International Schools: Colegio San Jorge (British curriculum, pre-K to 12), Colegio Virgen de Fatima (IB curriculum, pre-K to 12).
Where to Eat: La Nacional for traditional Peruvian cuisine, La Huaca Pucllana for fine dining, and La Bistecca for steaks.
Interesting History: The district is home to the historic Huaca San Borja, an ancient adobe pyramid.
Parks: Pentagonito Park is a popular park with play areas, sports facilities, and picnic spots.
Each of these neighborhoods offers a unique blend of amenities, schools, and recreational activities, making them excellent choices for families living in Lima.
About the Author
Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International
and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University
with a BA in International Business and German.
Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.
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