What is the ranking of "cities to live in" in Saitama Prefecture?
The Saitama Prefecture "Desirable City Ranking" is a ranking of currently popular areas based on surveys and search data conducted by housing information sites and real estate companies. It comprehensively evaluates factors such as transportation accessibility, public safety, infrastructure, and average rent, and visualizes which cities in Saitama Prefecture are most desirable to live in.
In particular, commuter towns close to Tokyo and cities undergoing redevelopment tend to rank highly, making this an important source of information for people considering commuting or raising children.
This ranking is widely used as a reference for choosing a city when considering buying a home or moving.
Survey method and subjects for ranking of desirable cities to live in
The rankings of cities people want to live in are conducted by major real estate services such as SUUMO, LIFULL, and ieheya.net, and are compiled based on data such as web surveys, number of searches, and number of requests for information.
The target audience is a wide range, including residents of Saitama Prefecture and those considering relocating from outside the prefecture, and there are differences in evaluation criteria depending on gender, age, and family structure. For example, young people tend to place importance on good transportation access and convenience around stations, while families with children tend to evaluate the balance between public safety, educational environment, and housing prices.
The rankings are compiled by highly reliable research organizations, making them useful as a basis for making decisions when moving or looking for a property.
What kind of people are choosing this area? Trends among those looking to live here
Voting for the Saitama Prefecture City Rankings for Most Desirable Places to Live comes from a wide range of prospective residents, both from within and outside the prefecture. Cities are evaluated from perspectives suited to each life stage, including "Saitama residents" who work in Tokyo but live in Saitama, those raising children, and seniors considering relocating after retirement. Single people tend to prioritize access to the city center and ease of shopping, while families tend to prioritize the educational environment, good public safety, and balance with nature.
Additionally, with the spread of telework in recent years, attention has been drawn to towns with abundant nature a little further from the city center, and changes have been seen in the top rankings.
Comparison of rankings for SUUMO, LIFULL, and Eeheya Net
The rankings of Saitama Prefecture's most desirable cities to live in vary in outcome because the evaluation criteria and target populations differ depending on the surveyor.
For example, SUUMO is strong in image surveys of "cities people actually want to live in," while LIFULL HOME'S compiles real needs based on "searched cities." On the other hand, iiheya.net evaluates livability and desirable cities separately, and is unique in that it also takes into account the opinions of actual residents.
By comparing these multiple rankings, you can more accurately choose the city that's right for you. Cities that consistently rank highly are particularly good areas that are popular with many people.
2025 Edition: Top 10 Places to Live (Station Edition)
When choosing a home in Saitama Prefecture, the ranking of desirable areas to live in by station is a very important indicator. The 2025 edition announces the top 10 stations currently attracting attention, based on factors such as transportation convenience, living environment, and redevelopment.
The ranking is based on highly reliable survey data from SUUMO, LIFULL HOME'S, iiheya.net, etc. Saitama's most representative stations, such as Omiya, Urawa, and Tokorozawa, rank particularly highly, and are highly rated for their ease of commuting and raising children.
In this chapter, we will introduce the top 10 cities where people want to live.
No. 1: Omiya Station | Convenient transportation and abundant commercial facilities
Omiya Station is overwhelmingly popular in Saitama Prefecture. It is a major terminal with JR, Tobu Railway, and New Shuttle lines, offering excellent access to central Tokyo, including Shinjuku, Ikebukuro, and Tokyo Station. There are many large commercial facilities around the station, so you'll have no trouble finding great shopping or great food.
It is also convenient for travel and business trips as it is accessible by Shinkansen. In recent years, redevelopment has improved the townscape, and both convenience and the living environment have improved. It is popular with a wide range of people, from single people to families, and is always ranked high in the "Saitama Prefecture City Ranking (Station) for Places to Live."
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No. 2: Urawa Station | Popular educational area
Urawa Station is an educational area highly rated for its educational environment and safe environment. There are several famous high schools around the station, including Prefectural Urawa High School, making the area extremely popular with families raising children.
In addition, the area is easily accessible via the JR Keihin-Tohoku Line, Takasaki Line, and Utsunomiya Line, providing convenient access to the city center. Its calm atmosphere and sophisticated streetscape make it a popular choice for those who prioritize quality of life.
With many shopping malls and parks, and a good balance of convenience and livability, the city maintains a high ranking in Saitama Prefecture's rankings of cities people want to live in.
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3rd place: Tokorozawa Station | Redevelopment is gaining attention
Tokorozawa Station is an area that has been praised for its urban evolution through redevelopment. Two lines, the Seibu Ikebukuro Line and the Seibu Shinjuku Line, are available, allowing direct access to Ikebukuro and Shinjuku. Commercial facilities such as Gran Emio Tokorozawa have opened in front of the station, making shopping and dining convenient. The entire town is well-maintained and is popular as a comfortable place to live for everyone from families to seniors.
It is also close to nature, such as the Aerospace Park and Sayama Hills, and is noteworthy for its coexistence of convenience and relaxation. It is one of the stations that has risen sharply in the Saitama Prefecture ranking of places people want to live in for 2025.
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No. 4: Kawagoe Station | A perfect balance between sightseeing and living environment
Kawagoe Station is a tourist destination known as "Little Edo," but it is also attractive for its high level of convenience for daily life. The JR Kawagoe Line and Tobu Tojo Line are accessible, and it also has good access to Ikebukuro and Omiya. There are plenty of shopping malls and restaurants around the station, so you won't have any trouble with daily life.
Furthermore, the city is being developed to blend old-fashioned streetscapes with modern facilities, and is popular not only with tourists but also with local residents. The balance of convenience and the special feeling of living in a tourist area is one of the reasons why it is chosen as a city where people want to live.
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No. 5: Kawaguchi Station | Easy access to the city center
Kawaguchi Station's greatest strength is its easy access to central Tokyo via the JR Keihin-Tohoku Line. Being able to reach Ikebukuro and Tokyo in under 30 minutes makes it an ideal location for those working in Tokyo. There are many commercial facilities and restaurants in front of the station, and with redevelopment underway, the area is expected to grow further in the future.
Furthermore, while rent is lower than in Tokyo, it is highly convenient and offers a cost-effective living environment. It is particularly popular among young people and dual-income couples, and is a highly popular station within Saitama Prefecture.
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No. 6: Koshigaya Laketown Station | Nature and large-scale shopping coexist
Koshigaya Laketown Station is known for being directly connected to AEON Laketown, one of Japan's largest shopping malls. The area around the station is surrounded by lakes and green spaces, creating an appealing environment where nature and urban functions are balanced together. On weekends, leisure activities and shopping can be completed close to the station, making it a popular spot with families and couples.
Additionally, the JR Musashino Line provides good access to Tokyo. In recent years, the area has been developed as a residential area, making it an increasingly comfortable living environment, and it is ranked highly in the 2025 Saitama Prefecture ranking of cities people want to live in (station category).
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No. 7: Minami-Urawa Station | Popular with families
Minami-Urawa Station is a highly convenient station where two lines, the JR Keihin-Tohoku Line and the Musashino Line, intersect. Rent is relatively reasonable in the Urawa area, making it popular with families raising children and dual-income households. There are supermarkets, parks, and educational institutions around the station, making it an ideal environment for daily life and raising children.
The area is also conveniently located for commuting to the city center, and has a calm residential atmosphere, making it a safe and secure living environment, making it a popular choice.
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No. 8: Wakoshi Station | Easy commute to Tokyo
Wakoshi Station is served by three lines: the Tokyo Metro Yurakucho Line, the Fukutoshin Line, and the Tobu Tojo Line, making it a highly convenient station for commuting, with direct access to Ikebukuro, Shibuya, and Shinjuku. The area around the station is undergoing redevelopment, with an increasing number of tower apartments and commercial facilities.
Despite its location close to Tokyo, the area offers affordable rents within Saitama Prefecture, making it a cost-effective area for single people and dual-income households working in Tokyo. With abundant nature and a well-balanced living environment, the area is also rising in popularity in the 2025 rankings of desirable cities to live in.
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No. 9: Shiki Station | A great value commuter town
Shiki Station is popular among the Tobu Tojo Line stations for its good balance of accessibility and living environment. In addition to being only about 20 minutes by express train to Ikebukuro, the area is also highly convenient for daily life, with commercial facilities, restaurants, and medical facilities located around the station. Average rents are also relatively low, making this an area particularly recommended for young people and those living alone for the first time.
The area is also attractive for its calm environment, with nature along the river and well-maintained residential areas. Shiki has a strong following as a desirable place to live for people who want both cost and comfort.
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No. 10: Ageo Station | A quiet and convenient place to live
Ageo Station is located on the JR Takasaki Line, offering convenient access to Omiya and Tokyo. In front of the station, there are shopping malls, restaurants, medical facilities, and other amenities, providing everything you need for daily life.
Additionally, a short distance from the station is a quiet residential area, perfect for those looking for a peaceful environment. Rent is also relatively reasonable, making this area popular with families and seniors looking for a spacious apartment on a budget. Redevelopment and urban development are also progressing, making this station a hot topic as one with great potential for the future.
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2025 Edition: Top 10 Places to Live (Municipalities)
When choosing a city to live in Saitama Prefecture, the rankings for each municipality are an important reference. The 2025 edition introduces the prefecture's most popular areas in a ranking format based on factors such as transportation access, public safety, educational environment, and progress of redevelopment. In particular, several wards within Saitama City rank highly, garnering praise for their balance of convenience and livability.
In addition, bedroom communities with easy commutes to Tokyo and municipalities with generous child-rearing support also received high marks. This ranking is based on real opinions and data for people looking for a home or moving in Saitama Prefecture.
No. 1: Omiya Ward, Saitama City
Omiya Ward in Saitama City is home to Omiya Station, one of the largest terminals in Saitama Prefecture, and is an attractive location for commuting to Tokyo. Commercial facilities and government offices are concentrated around the station, making it a highly developed urban area.
On the other hand, the residential area maintains a calm atmosphere and is a well-balanced living environment. It is popular with people of all ages as an area that combines convenience and comfort, and has consistently been chosen as the number one place in the "Ranking of Cities Where People Want to Live - Saitama Prefecture Municipalities Edition."
No. 2: Kawaguchi City
Kawaguchi City is a highly convenient area adjacent to Tokyo, with a well-developed railway network centered on the Keihin-Tohoku Line. In addition to being easy to commute to work or school, redevelopment around the station is progressing, and shopping malls and tower apartments are on the rise.
With improvements in public safety and the educational environment, it is popular with families. In particular, rent is lower than in Tokyo, making it a cost-effective living environment. In the 2025 ranking of cities people want to live in, it was ranked highly due to its balance of urban functions and housing prices.
3rd place: Urawa Ward, Saitama City
Urawa Ward in Saitama City is an educational area that also serves as the prefectural capital, and is known for its excellent public safety and educational environment. Educational institutions, both public and private, are highly rated, and the area is often chosen by families who are keen to continue their education.
Urawa Station has good access to the city center, making it extremely convenient for commuting to work or school. Characterized by a calm streetscape and sophisticated atmosphere, it is also a popular residential area and is always ranked highly in the "Municipality Edition" rankings.
No.4: Tokorozawa City
Tokorozawa City is located in the center of the Seibu Line, offering excellent access to central Tokyo while also being an attractive area with a lush, green living environment. Redevelopment is underway around the station, with plans to expand commercial and public facilities. The city is also rich in natural surroundings, including Aerospace Park and Lake Sayama, and combines the convenience of the city with the tranquility of the suburbs.
It is also a popular destination for families to move to, and many people are looking forward to its future development.
No.5: Kawagoe City
Kawagoe City is known as "Little Edo" and is a city rich in history and culture, but it is also attractive for its high level of convenience for daily life. In addition to its glamorous tourist destination, it is also highly rated for its accessibility, with multiple lines available, including the Tobu Tojo Line and JR Kawagoe Line.
The city has a good balance of large commercial facilities and residential areas, making it a comfortable place to live. It is popular with people who want both access to the city center and a peaceful living environment.
6th place: Chuo Ward, Saitama City
Saitama City's Chuo Ward is a hot area undergoing redevelopment centered around Saitama-Shintoshin Station. While it is home to administrative, commercial, and medical facilities, the residential area has a quiet and peaceful atmosphere. It also has a good child-rearing support and educational environment, making it a popular choice for dual-income households and families.
With easy access to Tokyo Station and Shinjuku Station, the city offers a good balance between convenient commuting and a comfortable living environment. It is predicted to gain even more attention in the future, and is steadily climbing the rankings.
No.7: Koshigaya City
Koshigaya City is an attractive municipality that combines the convenience of shopping and leisure activities centered around Lake Town with an environment surrounded by nature. The JR Musashino Line is accessible, providing smooth access to Tokyo. Large shopping malls and new residential areas are being developed, making the city particularly popular with families.
Housing prices are also relatively low, making it a popular location for first-time home buyers. The city is gaining attention as it offers the perfect combination of convenience, nature, and cost.
No.8: Ageo City
Ageo City is located along the JR Takasaki Line, offering convenient direct access to Tokyo and a peaceful living environment. Commercial facilities and public institutions are concentrated in front of the station, making it an area highly rated for its ease of living.
It is especially popular with families and seniors, and is known for its good public safety and comprehensive child-rearing support measures. Its stability as a residential area and high cost performance make it a popular choice for people looking to live there for the long term.
9. Shiki City
Shiki City is a commuter town with good access to central Tokyo, with Ikebukuro only about 20 minutes away on the Tobu Tojo Line. Redevelopment is underway around the station, making it more convenient. There are also many educational and medical facilities, making it a safe environment for families. There is also plenty of nature, making it a place where you can enjoy the best of both the city and the suburbs.
The average rent is relatively stable, and it is popular among young people living alone. The well-balanced living environment has earned it a reputation, and it is ranked in the "station section" of the city rankings for places to live, but it is also a notable area that ranks highly in the municipality section.
10th place: Wako City
Wako City is an area with excellent transportation access, with the Tokyo Metro Yurakucho Line, Fukutoshin Line, and Tobu Tojo Line. Despite being directly connected to the city center, rent and prices are relatively low, making it excellent value for money. There are plenty of supermarkets and public facilities around the station, and redevelopment is also underway.
It also has quiet residential areas and green parks, making it a safe environment for families with children. As a municipality that is likely to become increasingly popular in the future, it has also attracted attention in the 2025 rankings of places people want to live.
A thorough analysis of the reasons for its popularity: What are the characteristics of a city that makes it a popular choice?
Areas that rank highly in Saitama Prefecture's city rankings for places to live share common appealing features. Particular attention is paid to factors that influence quality of life, such as "good public safety," "educational environment," "access to transportation," and "progress of redevelopment."
Additionally, the balance between market rent and the environment is also important, and towns that offer excellent value for money are gaining popularity. These factors are evaluated in combination to create towns that people want to live in.
Here we will explain in detail the reasons why you should choose us from four perspectives.
Good public safety and a rich educational environment
Good public safety is a top priority when choosing a city to live in. A safe environment is especially reassuring for those raising children and single women.
Within Saitama Prefecture, areas such as Urawa Ward in Saitama City and Shiki City are highly regarded for their safety. A good educational environment is also an important factor. Areas with a high concentration of highly rated public and private schools naturally encourage a high level of education among residents, creating a more relaxed atmosphere throughout the city.
Cities with good public safety and education tend to be popular as places where people want to live for a long time.
Proximity to the station and convenient transportation access
When it comes to commuting to work or school, "proximity to the station" and "good transportation access" are important points to consider when choosing a city.
In popular areas of Saitama Prefecture, municipalities around stations with access to multiple train lines, such as Omiya Station, Urawa Station, and Wakoshi Station, receive particularly high ratings. Direct routes to the city center and ease of transfers are indicators of convenience that directly impact daily life, and are also conditions for regularly appearing at the top of the rankings.
Easy access saves time and stress, and increases overall life satisfaction.
Redevelopment and urban function development potential
In recent rankings of cities people want to live in, areas undergoing redevelopment have been attracting attention.
For example, Tokorozawa City and Saitama City Chuo Ward (Saitama New Urban Center) have large commercial and public facilities around the stations, improving the convenience and comfort of the entire city. With improved urban functions, it is expected that living infrastructure, employment, and local value will increase, making it an ideal place to choose a home with an eye to the future.
Redeveloped areas are a big attraction for people looking for new streetscapes and functionality.
Cost-effective balance between rent market price and living environment
A city with reasonable rent prices and a comfortable living environment is ideal for many people. In Saitama Prefecture, Shiki City, Ageo City, Koshigaya City, and other areas are highly rated as areas that combine affordable rents with a convenient living environment. Their strengths are that they have lower housing costs than Tokyo, while also being close to commercial facilities, parks, schools, and more.
It is also attractive to those considering purchasing a home, and cost-effectiveness is directly linked to its ranking. A city with good value for money provides a sense of security in the long term.
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Changes and trends in Saitama Prefecture's ranking of desirable cities to live in
In recent years, in addition to the classic popular areas of Omiya and Urawa, the rankings of Saitama Prefecture's most desirable places to live have seen the rise of emerging areas such as Tokorozawa and Chuo Ward (Saitama New City), which have seen improvements in transportation access and progress in redevelopment.
Furthermore, interest in towns with abundant nature and amenities, such as Koshigaya Lake Town and Minami-Urawa, is also growing. The recent changes in rankings reflect the diversification of living environments, with people returning to urban centers and those seeking suburban living.
It is expected that the trend of cities that prioritize a balance between transportation, safety, cost, and nature will continue to attract attention in the future.
Ranking changes over the past five years
In the ranking of Saitama Prefecture's most desirable cities to live in over the past five years, while standard areas such as Omiya Station, Urawa Ward, and Kawaguchi City have solidified their positions at the top, emerging areas such as Tokorozawa City, Saitama City Chuo Ward (Saitama New Urban Center), and Koshigaya Laketown are gradually rising in popularity.
Redevelopment areas in particular began to attract attention from around 2019 to 2021, and from 2022 onwards, their rankings rose as commercial facilities and transportation developments progressed. The change in rankings is evidence of a shift in evaluations to one that places more importance on future prospects, in addition to access to the city center and convenience for daily life.
Cities that will increase in popularity from 2024 to 2025
Areas that saw significant increases in the rankings between 2024 and 2025 include Tokorozawa City, Saitama City Chuo Ward (New Urban Center), and Koshigaya Lake Town. Tokorozawa's strengths lie in its enhanced commercial environment through redevelopment, Chuo Ward's increased convenience in the New Urban Center area, and Koshigaya's balance between livability and the natural environment. Furthermore, the spread of teleworking is accelerating the trend toward prioritizing nature and the living environment.
Against this backdrop, Saitama Prefecture's ranking of cities people want to live in has clearly shown a shift from the traditional city-center-oriented model to suburban and regional city-type popularity.
Increase in Saitama residents and its impact on rankings
In recent years, the increase in Saitama residents who commute to work or school in central Tokyo, known as "Saitama citizens," has had a major impact on the rankings.
Cities with good access to central Tokyo, such as Wako City, Kawaguchi City, and Minami-Urawa, are becoming increasingly popular, especially along the JR Keihin-Tohoku Line, Saikyo Line, and Musashino Line. These areas are popular as a choice that combines shorter commute times with improved living environments, and are often seen at the top of the rankings.
It has particularly strong support from young people and dual-income generations, and the increase in the number of "Saitama residents" is reflected in the rankings of cities people want to live in.
Summary: What are the key points to consider when choosing a city that suits you?
When choosing a city to live in in Saitama Prefecture, it's important to have clear criteria that fit your lifestyle, such as convenience, safety, cost, and educational environment. Rather than focusing only on the top rankings, you need to consider whether the city truly matches your lifestyle.
The best area to live in will vary depending on your family structure, commuting style, and future life plans. By choosing a city that suits your purpose, you can increase your satisfaction after moving in and achieve a comfortable life.
Below we will introduce recommendations based on your purpose and how to choose specifically.
How to choose a city for families, singles, and students
Families, single people, and students have very different criteria for choosing a city.
Popular areas for families include Urawa Ward and Tokorozawa City, which are safe and have a wide range of educational institutions. For single people, Kawaguchi City and Wako City are ideal, with good access to the city center and great convenience. Students also choose Shiki City and Ageo City, which offer convenient access to universities and vocational schools and relatively cheap rent.
Choosing a city that takes into account your life stage, purpose, and priorities is a major factor in supporting a comfortable life.
The importance of site visits and security checks
You can't get a true sense of a city's atmosphere just from information on the internet or rankings. Once you've decided on a potential location, it's important to actually visit the area and see for yourself the surrounding environment, distance from the station, and the atmosphere of the city. It's especially important to check the safety aspects, such as the atmosphere at night and whether women and children can live there safely.
It is also effective to ask a real estate agent for detailed information about the area. By conducting a field survey, you can choose a town you won't regret and find an environment where you can live safely for a long time.
