Top 10 Livable Cities in the Kanto Region
The Kanto region's ranking of livable cities is based on a comprehensive assessment of various factors, including transportation convenience, living environment, public safety, child-rearing support, and housing prices. A variety of areas in Chiba, Saitama, Kanagawa, and Tokyo are ranked, including Yokohama and Musashino, two popular cities in the greater Tokyo area. Cities that offer both good commuting access and a comfortable lifestyle occupy the top positions. This is the latest ranking of the popular Kanto areas, which can also be used as a reference for future home selection and relocation.
In this chapter, we will introduce the overall top 10.
1st place: Yokohama City (Kanagawa Prefecture)
Yokohama City boasts the most balanced living environment in the Kanto region, and has consistently ranked first in the "City Ranking for Places to Live" for eight consecutive years. It is home to many tourist spots such as Minato Mirai and Chinatown, and is also well-equipped with commercial facilities and medical facilities. Multiple JR and private railway lines intersect here, providing good access to Tokyo.
With excellent public safety and educational environment, it is popular with a wide range of people, from families to single people. It is a city where you can achieve the ideal urban lifestyle, with convenience and nature in harmony.
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2nd place: Musashino City (Tokyo)
Musashino City in western Tokyo, centered around the Kichijoji area, is highly rated as a livable city. It has excellent transportation access, easy access to Shinjuku and Shibuya, and is also home to the charming Inokashira Park and shopping districts.
The area is safe, has a wide range of government services, and has childcare support in place. It is especially popular with people looking for a quiet living environment while still being close to the city center, and is gaining support as a place where people want to continue living.
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3. Nagareyama City (Chiba Prefecture)
Nagareyama City in Chiba Prefecture is extremely popular among families raising children. It has good access to Tokyo via the Tsukuba Express, and redevelopment has led to a rapid increase in the number of shopping malls and childcare facilities.
With a rich natural environment and generous government support, the area is seeing an increase in young families moving in. It's a promising area with a promising future, with population growth expected to continue.
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4. Kawagoe City (Saitama Prefecture)
Kawagoe City is known for its charming historic streets, nicknamed "Little Edo," and combines atmospheric scenery with urban functions. Multiple rail lines, including the Tobu Tojo Line, JR Kawagoe Line, and Seibu Shinjuku Line, allow for easy commuting to the city center. Large commercial facilities and public infrastructure are also in place, making it a highly convenient place to live.
With a wide range of educational institutions and medical facilities, the city is also highly regarded as a place where it is easy to raise children. It is becoming increasingly popular within Saitama Prefecture as a balanced living environment.
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5. Tsujido (Kanagawa Prefecture)
Tsujido in the Shonan area is gaining attention as a town where nature and urban functions are integrated. It is close to the sea, and there is a large commercial facility called Terrace Mall Shonan in front of the station, making it convenient for shopping. Another attractive feature is the direct access to Tokyo via the JR Tokaido Line.
The relaxed atmosphere and well-organized streetscapes coexist in this area, making it popular with families raising children and remote workers. It's a well-balanced town for those seeking the Shonan lifestyle.
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6. Kashiwa City (Chiba Prefecture)
Kashiwa City, located in northwestern Chiba Prefecture, is a livable city with a good balance of transportation access and urban functions. Connected to the JR Joban Line and Tobu Urban Park Line, it offers good access to both Tokyo and Chiba City. Department stores, medical institutions, and restaurants are concentrated around the station, providing all the essentials for daily life.
The city is also making progress in developing child-rearing support and educational environments, making it a town that meets a wide range of residential needs, from families to single people.
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7. Shinkoiwa (Tokyo)
Shin-Koiwa is located in Katsushika Ward, Tokyo, and is attractive for its convenient transportation, with direct access to Tokyo Station and Shinjuku Station on the JR Sobu Line. There are large supermarkets and restaurants around the station, and the area combines the warm atmosphere of a downtown area with convenience. Average rent is also relatively reasonable within the 23 wards, making it popular with young people and single households.
Redevelopment has been progressing in recent years, and the living environment in this area is expected to improve even further in the future.
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8. Hoya (Tokyo)
Hoya is located in Nishitokyo City, Tokyo, and is a commuter town along the Seibu Ikebukuro Line with good access to Ikebukuro Station. It is a quiet residential area with good public safety and a peaceful living environment. There are plenty of supermarkets and drugstores around the station, making life convenient.
There is also plenty of greenery, making it a popular place for families to move to. Rent is lower than in Tokyo's 23 wards, so it is also recommended for those who are cost-conscious.
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9. Higashimurayama City (Tokyo)
Higashimurayama City is located in Tokyo's Tama region and is attracting attention as a city that strikes a balance between nature and urban functions. It offers convenient transportation with direct access to Shinjuku on the Seibu Shinjuku Line, while also offering the charm of a quiet residential area and abundant greenery. There are also many shopping streets and parks rooted in the local community, allowing you to enjoy a community-based lifestyle.
The average rent is relatively low, and it caters to a wide range of needs, from young people to families. The quality of the living environment is gaining more and more recognition every year.
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10. Tsurugamine (Kanagawa Prefecture)
Tsurugamine, located in Asahi Ward, Yokohama City, Kanagawa Prefecture, is a hidden gem where quiet residential areas and convenient locations coexist. It's about 15 minutes to Yokohama Station on the Sotetsu Line, making it convenient for commuting, and there are supermarkets and medical facilities around the station. The area is safe and has a reputation as a safe place for families with children and the elderly to live.
Redevelopment is underway, and the area is expected to grow in the future. Recommended for those who want to live a calm life near the city.
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What are the criteria for livability? Selection criteria and evaluation points
To be rated as a "livable city," a comprehensive balance is required from multiple perspectives. Transportation access, convenience of shopping, good public safety, and the level of education and childcare support tend to be particularly important. In addition, housing prices, average rents, word-of-mouth reviews and satisfaction of residents are also important factors that determine a city's appeal. "Livability" is not just about convenience, but also about whether a city can be lived in safely and for a long time.
Here we will explain the criteria for livability.
Convenience of living (transportation, shopping, medical care, etc.)
The most important prerequisite for a livable city is that it has all the facilities necessary for daily life. Good transportation access, such as trains and buses, makes commuting to work, school, and going out comfortable.
There are also supermarkets, convenience stores, and drugstores around the station, making shopping convenient. Furthermore, having a hospital, clinic, and other medical facilities nearby means you can rest assured even if you suddenly become unwell. Having the infrastructure in place to lead a comfortable daily life is a key point in the evaluation of the area.
Public order/safety
The quality of a city's public safety greatly influences the quality of its living environment. It is important to check the safety of a city by referring to crime data from the Metropolitan Police Department and local governments, as well as the public safety perceptions of local residents. Other factors that contribute to a sense of security include the state of street lighting, good visibility on roads, and local crime prevention patrols.
Especially for women living alone or families raising small children, security is often the top priority when choosing a home, and the safety rating is directly linked to the ease of living in the area.
Child-rearing and educational environment
For those raising children, the number of nurseries, primary and secondary schools, the level of education, and the availability of extracurricular activities are all important factors in determining the livability of a city. Some municipalities offer childcare support grants, medical subsidies, and family-friendly events, and cities with these government services in place are highly rated.
Other criteria for a city to be chosen include parks where children can play safely and an atmosphere that supports child-rearing throughout the community.
Housing price range and average rent
Housing costs are directly linked to overall life satisfaction. Affordable average rents and housing prices are an important factor in livability. Even in cities with similar convenience and good public safety, large price differences can result in differences in the comfort of life.
Additionally, the wide variety of housing types, ages, and layouts available also makes it easier to choose. Cities that are highly rated for their cost-effectiveness tend to attract people naturally.
Local reviews and satisfaction
The opinions of people who actually live in a city are extremely helpful in determining whether it is easy to live in. By checking the real opinions of residents on social media, word-of-mouth sites, real estate reviews, etc., you can get a sense of the real atmosphere of the city that statistical data cannot convey.
For example, evaluations such as "quiet and calm," "suitable for raising children," and "concerns about public safety" are factors directly linked to quality of life. Cities with high user satisfaction are likely to be places where people can live safely for a long time.
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Recommended areas by type
The definition of "livability" varies depending on the lifestyle and values of each resident, so it's important to choose a city that suits you.
Here we introduce some of the most popular areas in the Kanto region, divided into three categories: single living, families, and those prioritizing cost-effectiveness. We've carefully selected cities based on factors such as ease of commuting to work or school, public safety, convenience for daily life, and rent levels, so please use this as a reference for your move or relocation.
Top 3 cities recommended for living alone
The top three recommended cities for living alone are Higashi-Koganei Station (Tokyo), Minami-Urawa Station (Saitama Prefecture), and Kanazawa-Bunko Station (Kanagawa Prefecture).
Higashi-Koganei Station (Tokyo)
Higashi-Koganei Station, located on the Chuo Line, is undergoing redevelopment in front of the station, making it more convenient. With many universities and vocational schools nearby, the area is popular with students and young professionals. The area is also safe and has plenty of 24-hour supermarkets and cafes.
Minami-Urawa Station (Saitama Prefecture)
The Keihin-Tohoku Line and Musashino Line are both accessible, providing excellent access to Tokyo and Yokohama. There are supermarkets, restaurants, and medical facilities around the station, and rent is reasonable. Another attractive feature is the abundance of 1K apartments for single people.
Kanazawa-bunko Station (Kanagawa Prefecture)
Kanazawa-bunko Station, which has direct access to Yokohama and Shinagawa on the Keikyu Main Line, is a quiet residential area with nature. It's recommended for those who want to live in a calm environment near the sea and parks. It's garnering attention for its good public safety and low rent.
Top 3 cities popular with families
The top three most popular cities for families are Bunkyo Ward (Tokyo), Nagareyama Otakanomori (Chiba Prefecture), and Kawagoe City (Saitama Prefecture).
Bunkyo Ward (Tokyo)
Bunkyo Ward is an attractive city center with a calm residential environment. It is known as an "educational district" with educational institutions such as Gakushuin University and Ochanomizu Women's University. It also has extensive childcare support, making it popular with dual-income households.
Nagareyama Otakanomori (Chiba Prefecture)
The area is easily accessible to central Tokyo, taking just 30 minutes by Tsukuba Express. Large commercial facilities, daycare centers, and pediatric clinics are all located nearby, making it a great place to raise children. Nagareyama is known for its generous support from the local government, known for its slogan "If you're going to be a mother, Nagareyama is the place to be," and the number of people moving there is on the rise.
Kawagoe City (Saitama Prefecture)
Kawagoe City, which combines historic streets with modern urban functions, is a well-balanced city with a well-equipped education, medical care, and shopping environment. It also has a comprehensive childcare support system and family housing, making it an increasingly popular suburban relocation destination.
Top 3 cities recommended for those who prioritize value for money
The top three cities recommended for those who prioritize value for money are Machida City (Tokyo), Wako City (Saitama Prefecture), and Kashiwa City (Chiba Prefecture).
Machida City (Tokyo)
Although it's in Tokyo, rent is relatively cheap and it's easily accessible to both Yokohama and Shinjuku. There are many large commercial facilities, so you can live conveniently while keeping living costs down. This is a popular area for both students and working adults.
Wako City (Saitama Prefecture)
The Yurakucho Line, Fukutoshin Line, and Tobu Tojo Line all run through here, making commuting to Tokyo extremely convenient. Average rent is cheaper than in Tokyo, and while it's a compact town, it's also home to plenty of shopping and medical facilities, making it an excellent value for money option.
Kashiwa City (Chiba Prefecture)
With access to two lines, the Joban Line and the Tobu Urban Park Line, commuting to Chiba and Tokyo is smooth. There are many department stores and restaurants around the station, and the average rent is low despite the high level of convenience. This is a city chosen by people of all ages.
A deep dive into the characteristics and charms of the top-ranked cities
Each city that ranks highly in the Kanto region's livable city rankings has a clear appeal and reason for being so. Not only transportation convenience and living environment, but also local government initiatives and regional characteristics have a major impact on livability.
Here, we will focus on three particularly popular cities: Musashino, Nagareyama, and Yokohama, and introduce in detail the key points that make each city easy to live in. These examples will serve as hints for those looking to choose a city to live in.
Musashino City | A perfect balance of convenience and greenery
Musashino City, Tokyo, is centered around Kichijoji and is highly popular as a city that strikes a balance between convenience and a natural environment. Shinjuku and Shibuya are easily accessible, about 20 minutes by train, and there are plenty of shopping facilities, restaurants, and parks around the station. Inokashira Park, in particular, is one of Tokyo's most popular natural spots, perfect for refreshing yourself on the weekends.
The area also has good public safety and government support for raising children, making it popular with a wide range of generations, from single people to families.
Nagareyama City | Creating a city with comprehensive child-rearing support
Nagareyama City in Chiba Prefecture boasts excellent access to Akihabara in Tokyo in about 25 minutes on the Tsukuba Express line, and combines rich nature with well-developed urban functions.
The local government's child-rearing policies are very generous, and under the catchphrase "If you're going to be a mother, choose Nagareyama," the area has a wide range of childcare facilities and unique systems such as drop-off and childcare stations. With an increasing number of families moving into the area, the entire town is experiencing rapid growth due to redevelopment, making it a notable area.
Yokohama City | Accommodating diverse lifestyles
Yokohama City in Kanagawa Prefecture is one of the areas in the Kanto region that combines the best urban functions and living environment. It is home to tourist and commercial areas such as Minato Mirai, Chinatown, and Yamashita Park, while also boasting many residential areas that serve as commuter towns. The city's well-developed rail and road infrastructure makes commuting to central Tokyo easy.
In addition, there is a wide range of housing types available, from studio apartments for single people to detached houses for families, making it possible to create urban homes that fit a variety of lifestyles.
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Innovations and support systems to improve livability
The livability of a city is largely determined not only by its location and facilities, but also by the support systems and infrastructure provided by the local government. In particular, welfare services such as childcare support and elderly support, the redevelopment of transportation infrastructure, and support systems for relocation and relocation are directly linked to creating a city where people can live safely and for a long time.
Cities with well-established systems and initiatives like these tend to attract more residents and are likely to attract more attention in the future.
Childcare support and elderly support provided by local governments
In recent years, many local governments have been enhancing support systems for child-rearing generations and the elderly. For example, in areas where childcare fee subsidies, medical expense subsidies, and temporary childcare systems have been introduced, these have helped to reduce the burden on dual-income households.
Additionally, there are systems in place for the elderly, such as monitoring services, shopping assistance, and welfare taxis, and progress is being made in creating an environment where people can live with peace of mind. A city with such support in place is a major factor in people of all ages feeling that it is "easy to live in."
Progress in transport infrastructure development and redevelopment
The development of transportation infrastructure is essential for a comfortable life. Areas with expanded rail and bus networks, barrier-free stations, and bicycle paths make commuting to work or school easier and improve the quality of life.
Furthermore, the area is currently undergoing urban planning, with redevelopment of the area around the station, the construction of a large commercial facility, and the development of parks and public facilities, and it is expected that the area will become even more convenient in the future. The area also has great potential in terms of asset value, making it an increasingly popular place to relocate.
How to use relocation and relocation support
Local governments, real estate companies, and financial institutions offer a variety of systems and services to help with relocation and relocation. Measures tailored to local needs, such as home acquisition subsidies, partial subsidies for moving expenses, and vacant house banks, are being developed to help alleviate concerns about costs and information.
In addition, by utilizing private relocation services and life plan consultations, you can smoothly relocate to a city that meets your desired conditions. Utilizing these systems when moving will directly improve the livability of your home.
Summary | Choosing the perfect city for you
There are many attractive cities in the Kanto region, and which city you find "easy to live in" will depend on your lifestyle and values. It's important to compare points such as transportation convenience, public safety, child-rearing support, and housing costs to determine the area that best suits your and your family's needs.
Additionally, local government support systems and future redevelopment plans are also important factors to consider. Use the rankings and evaluation criteria introduced in this article as a reference to find the perfect home for you.
