With a population of 33 million, Ghana is a developing country in West Africa with a typical hot temperature and a fantastic rainy season. Ghana ranks 58th on the Global Peace Index and is a democratic and politically stable nation.
Having said that, moving to Accra, Ghana, or choosing a place to reside can be difficult when you don’t know how the housing, transportation, or social amenities are. For your benefit, this page aims to inform you of Ghana’s top nine neighborhoods.
Top 10 Best Places or Areas to Live in Accra
1. Airport Residential Area
- The most expensive area in Accra
- Home to many embassies and consulates
- Excellent security
- Close to the airport and major highways
- Wide range of amenities, including schools, restaurants, and shops
This is considered the finest place to live in Accra. Its name is obviously a result of its proximity to the Kotoka International Airport. It’s mainly for the uber-rich, as the cost of living is more expensive than in other parts of Accra.
Prominent and popular Ghanaians such as the Ex-President of Ghana, John Kuffourr, call the Airport residential area home. It is one of Accra’s most developed areas, with fantastic restaurants, hotels, schools, shopping malls, pharmacies, hospitals, banking halls, and airline offices.
2. Cantonments
- Another very safe area
- Home to many ex-pats and wealthy Ghanaians
- Good selection of amenities
- Close to Osu, the heart of Accra
The Cantonments area was established by the British colonial government as military quarters. However, it was upgraded to become a modern planned residential settlement.
The area is occupied by the wealthy, academics and government officials. Many diplomatic missions in the country are in the Cantonments area.
3. Labone
- A mix of residential and commercial areas
- Close to the beach
- Good selection of restaurants and bars
- More affordable than Airport Residential Area and Cantonments
Labone is on the south side of the Cantonment, with no distinct border between them. Its lands stretch to Labadi on both the east and the south (coast). Furthermore, it is typically inhabited by middle-class Ghanaians and foreigners, such as the Lebanese who live there with their families.
For convenience’s sake, you can employ housing agents to help you rent a house for up to two years. You’ll most likely find 3-4 bedroom homes belonging to wealthy individuals with multiple housing properties. One disadvantage of living in Labone is that there aren’t many amenities, like restaurants, pubs, bars, and markets around. So, you would have to go to Osu to get most of the things you need. Fortunately, Osu is just a 15 to 20-minute drive from Labone.
4. East Legon
- Home to many universities and schools
- Upmarket residential area
- Good selection of amenities
- Close to the airport
Also known as the “Rich Kids Hood,” East Legon is one of the hotspots for housing in Accra. It lies about 14km to the northeast of the city center, with various restaurants, pubs, cafes, banks, and a shopping mall. The residents of this area are mainly wealthy Ghanaians living above the middle-income bracket.
They mostly travel in and out of the country and, therefore, rarely stay in their luxurious East Legon homes. Real estate agents and housing agents are always available to help you select and purchase a home that’s suitable for your needs.
5. West Legon
- Another upmarket residential area
- Home to many embassies and consulates
- Good selection of amenities
- Close to the University of Ghana
West Legon is remarkably similar to its sibling, East Legon. It is located about 13km north of the city center and home to a bevy of wealthy Ghanaians and foreigners. Like East Legon, most residents constantly travel in and out of the country or returned for good after living abroad.
Even though it is not as famous as East Legon, its apartments and estate housing make it ideal for business owners and international students enrolled at the University of Ghana (Legon).
6. Roman Ridge
- A quiet and leafy suburb
- Home to many high-ranking government officials
- Good selection of amenities
- Close to the airport
Roman Ridge is located in the West of the Airport Residential Area. Unlike Cantonment and Labone, it has numerous excellent restaurants offering mouthwatering dishes.
It is also one of the best places to find serviced apartments for rent. Due to the quiet nature of the neighborhood, if you want to enjoy the nightlife and entertainment facilities, you must visit neighboring areas, like Osu.
7. Dzorwulu
- A more affordable option than the other areas on this list
- Good selection of amenities
- Close to the University of Ghana
8. Osu
- The heart of Accra
- Home to many restaurants, bars, and shops
- More affordable than the other areas on this list
- Can be noisy and crowded
9. Dansoman
- A large and diverse suburb
- Home to a mix of Ghanaians and ex-pats
- More affordable than the other areas on this list
- Can be noisy and crowded
10. Abelemkpe
- A rapidly developing area
- Home to many new businesses and residential developments
- More affordable than the other areas on this list
- Can be noisy and crowded
