What is Kanagawa Prefecture's "City Ranking for Places to Live"?
Kanagawa Prefecture's "City Ranking for Where People Want to Live" is a ranking of popular areas compiled based on the satisfaction of people who actually live there and search trends for homes.
Based on survey results published by LIFULL HOME'S, SUUMO, and ii-heya.net, areas are evaluated from multiple angles, including transportation access, convenience for daily life, public safety, and city image. Areas such as Yokohama, Kawasaki, and Shonan are particularly popular, and the data is useful for a wide range of people, from those commuting to those raising children and those living in retirement.
This ranking is full of tips for choosing a city for those who are considering moving or looking for a home within Kanagawa Prefecture.
Ranking research source and evaluation criteria
Surveys on rankings of desirable cities to live in are mainly conducted independently by real estate portals such as LIFULL HOME'S, SUUMO, and ii-heya.net. The rankings are compiled based on actual data such as user search behavior, number of requests for information, and survey results, and popular cities and areas of interest are visualized numerically.
The evaluation criteria include transportation convenience, public safety, shopping environment, average rent, and availability of educational and medical facilities, and tendencies differ depending on age and lifestyle. As a highly reliable indicator, it is a useful first step when choosing a home.
The difference between a city where you want to rent and live vs. a city where you want to buy and live
There is a clear difference between "a city where you want to rent and live" and "a city where you want to buy and live."
- When it comes to rental needs, there is a strong tendency for low rent, the convenience of being close to a station, and ease of relocation to be important, with cities popular with single people and young people ranking highly.
- When it comes to purchasing needs, the evaluation criteria are long-term perspectives such as future asset value, the environment for raising children, and the development potential of the city, so residential areas that are popular with families and seniors are often chosen.
The ideal city varies depending on your purpose and life plan, so it's important to interpret the rankings from a perspective that suits you.
How to use ranking results and points to note
While city rankings can be helpful when choosing a city to live in, there are some things to keep in mind when using them. The cities that rank highly aren't necessarily the best for you. It's important to consider factors that suit your lifestyle, such as commute time, living expenses, rent budget, and child-rearing environment.
Additionally, rents and property prices tend to rise in popular areas, so it's essential to consider the cost of actually living there. The rankings are for reference only, and by using them in conjunction with viewings and local surveys, you can make a more satisfying housing choice.
2025 Edition: Top 10 Places to Live in Kanagawa Prefecture [Overall]
Kanagawa Prefecture, adjacent to Tokyo, is an attractive area that balances urban convenience with a natural environment. It is dotted with towns that suit a variety of lifestyles, including stations convenient for commuting to work or school, residential areas that are easy to raise children in, and towns like the Shonan area where you can live near the sea.
In this chapter, we will announce the rankings of the 2025 "Top 10 Most Desirable Cities to Live in Kanagawa Prefecture [Overall]" based on the latest search data and resident satisfaction. We have carefully selected popular cities from various perspectives, including transportation access, safety, and living environment, and will provide detailed explanations of each city's characteristics and livability.
No. 1 Hon-Atsugi Station (Atsugi City) | Highly rated for its balance of access to the city center and convenience for daily life
Hon-Atsugi Station, which is conveniently located just 50 minutes from Shinjuku on the Odakyu Odawara Line, and boasts both a rich natural environment and a well-maintained urban area, ranked first. The area around the station is home to a variety of large commercial facilities and restaurants, making it convenient for shopping and eating out.
Additionally, rent and prices are relatively low, making it a popular choice for its cost-effectiveness. It is popular with a wide range of people, from singles to families, and future development is expected.
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No. 2: Musashi-Kosugi Station (Nakahara Ward, Kawasaki City) | A town rapidly gaining popularity due to redevelopment
Musashi-Kosugi Station is accessible via multiple lines, including the Tokyu Toyoko Line, JR Nambu Line, and Yokosuka Line, offering excellent access to Tokyo and Yokohama. Large-scale redevelopment in recent years has seen the construction of high-rise apartments and commercial facilities, transforming the area into a place where people can enjoy a comfortable urban lifestyle.
With a wide range of educational and medical facilities, the area is gaining attention, especially among families, and is highly rated as a new base near the city center that combines convenience with a great living environment.
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No. 3: Yokohama Station (Nishi Ward, Yokohama) | A popular area with convenient transportation and shopping
Yokohama Station, Kanagawa Prefecture's leading terminal station, is served by many lines, making it a highly convenient area for commuting, going to school, and shopping. Department stores and commercial facilities line the area, covering everything from everyday life to weekend fun.
Although there are concerns about safety and heavy traffic, it is an ideal city for those seeking an active lifestyle. It is especially popular among young people and DINKs.
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No. 4: Ebina Station (Ebina City) | A city with large commercial facilities and residential development
Ebina Station, where the Sotetsu Line, Odakyu Line, and JR Sagami Line intersect, has seen a rapid rise in livability due to a recent boom in development. With large shopping malls "LaLaport Ebina" and "Vina Walk" directly connected to the station, you'll have no trouble with everyday shopping or going out.
The area has also been developed as a residential area, with many newly built apartments and detached houses. With rent and prices lower than in central Tokyo, it is becoming a popular destination for young families to move to.
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No. 5: Totsuka Station (Totsuka Ward, Yokohama City) | The charm of the balance between nature and the city
Totsuka Station, which is accessible via the Tokaido Line, Yokosuka Line, and Yokohama Municipal Subway, offers good access to central Yokohama, while also being a comfortable place to live with its quiet residential area. There are commercial facilities around the station, and the infrastructure necessary for daily life is well-equipped.
With plenty of greenery and many daycare centers and schools nearby, this area is extremely popular with families raising children. It offers a good balance between the convenience of the city and the tranquility of the suburbs.
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No. 6: Fujisawa Station (Fujisawa City) | A station where you can fully enjoy Shonan life
Fujisawa Station, a popular gateway to the Shonan area, is accessible via three lines: JR, Odakyu, and Enoshima Electric Railway, making it an ideal place for commuting to Tokyo and accessing the beaches of Shonan. There are plenty of shopping facilities, cafes, and restaurants in front of the station, making it a very convenient place to live.
It's an attractive location for those who aspire to a lifestyle that allows them to enjoy surfing and the outdoors, and is popular with a wide range of people, from those raising children and young people to seniors.
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No. 7 Hiyoshi Station (Kohoku Ward, Yokohama City) | Popular with students and families
Hiyoshi Station, known for being the location of Keio University's Hiyoshi Campus, is accessible via the Tokyu Toyoko Line, Meguro Line, and Yokohama Municipal Subway Green Line. Despite its vibrant student atmosphere, the area is also safe and has many quiet residential areas.
There are cafes, bookstores, and restaurants in front of the station, making it a convenient place to live. With an excellent balance of transportation access, educational environment, and livability, it is a popular town for families with children.
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No. 8 Tama Plaza Station (Aoba Ward, Yokohama City) | Sophisticated suburban residential area
Tama Plaza Station, which is particularly popular along the Denentoshi Line, is easily accessible from the city center and boasts an elegant, well-organized streetscape.
There are many commercial facilities, such as Tama Plaza Terrace, which is directly connected to the station, and the area is known for its high quality of life. It also has a good public safety and educational environment, making it popular with families and seniors who prefer a calm atmosphere. It is a sophisticated residential area where nature and urban functions are fused together.
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No. 9: Kamiooka Station (Konan Ward, Yokohama City) | Convenient transportation and shopping
Kamiooka Station, which is accessible via the Keikyu Main Line and Yokohama Municipal Subway, has good access to Yokohama Station and Shinagawa, making it a convenient area for commuting to work or school. There are commercial facilities such as "mioka" and "Keikyu Department Store" around the station, making it a great place to shop.
The area has a stable public safety and living environment, making it a popular choice for a wide range of people, from single people to families. Its charm lies in its exquisite balance of being neither too urban nor too suburban.
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No. 10: Chigasaki Station (Chigasaki City) | Enjoy a slow life near the sea
Chigasaki Station, which is accessible via the JR Tokaido Line and Sagami Line, is close to the Shonan Sea and is a popular area offering a resort-like lifestyle. It is suitable for people who enjoy active lifestyles such as surfing and running, and its appeal lies in its environment, which is both close to nature and equipped with urban functions.
There are large supermarkets and cafes in front of the station, making it very convenient for daily life.It is also within commuting distance of the city center, making it popular with a wide range of people, from young people to seniors.
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"Cities you'd want to live in" by type
The ideal conditions for a "city you want to live in" will differ depending on whether you are renting or buying.
When choosing a city to rent and live in, people place importance on distance from the station, the balance of average rent prices, and ease of commuting, while when choosing a city to buy and live in, they focus on long-term factors such as asset value, the city's future prospects, and the educational environment.In addition, when evaluating stations, people place importance on satisfaction and convenience after actually living there, so it is effective to look at the rankings by purpose.
Here, based on the latest data from the 2025 edition, we will introduce the ratings of each city and station where you want to rent or buy, categorized by type.
Ranking of cities where people want to rent and live (2025)
In the 2025 "Ranking of Cities Where People Want to Rent and Live," areas with good transport access and convenient train station locations, such as Hon-Atsugi, Musashi-Kosugi, and Yokohama, ranked highly.
For those looking to rent, the ease of commuting to work or school, the abundance of shopping facilities, and good public safety are major deciding factors. Stations that are within an hour's travel to the city center are particularly popular, chosen by single people and young families. Additionally, areas with a large number of properties close to stations and recently built rental properties tend to see an increase in the number of searches and inquiries.
Ranking of cities where people want to buy and live (2025)
The "Desirable City to Buy and Live In" ranking places emphasis on the living environment, support for raising children, and future asset value. For 2025, areas with good educational environments, such as Tama Plaza, Fujisawa, and Hiyoshi, as well as areas that are attracting renewed attention due to ongoing development, will be ranked.
Whether they are looking for an apartment or a house, they are choosing a town with the assumption that they will live there permanently, and criteria for selection include disaster risk, the maturity of the town, and convenience for daily life. These are important indicators for families seeking a stable life from a long-term perspective.
Top 5 stations ranked for livability
In the station-by-station livability rankings, the evaluation focuses on everyday comfort and the availability of surrounding facilities.
In the 2025 edition,
- Yokohama Station
- Tama Plaza Station
- Fujisawa Station
- Hiyoshi Station
- Musashi-Kosugi Station ranked in the top five.
These stations are highly rated for being convenient for commuting as they are accessible via multiple train lines, and for having supermarkets, hospitals, parks, and other facilities essential to daily life within walking distance of the station.In particular, for those looking for "a city that is easy to live in near a station," station-by-station information is a practical and reliable basis for making decisions.
Check out the rankings for livability! [Great cities to live in]
In addition to "desirable cities to live in," the "livability ranking," which evaluates satisfaction with the city after actually living there, is also an important indicator when choosing a home. This is a multifaceted evaluation based on the real opinions of residents, covering safety, convenience, comfort of the living environment, ease of raising children, and other factors.
The 2025 edition highlights areas that continue to receive high ratings, such as Tsuzuki Ward in Yokohama City, which has been ranked first for the fifth consecutive year. For those looking for a city in Kanagawa Prefecture where they can live comfortably for the long term, "livability" data is reliable.
By knowing which cities are truly "good to live in" from the perspective of residents, you will be able to choose a city you won't regret.
Why has Tsuzuki Ward in Yokohama City been ranked first for five consecutive years?
Tsuzuki Ward in Yokohama City is a popular area that will rank first in the "Livability Ranking" for the fifth consecutive year in 2025.
The reason for this is the well-planned townscape and the balance of transportation, education, and shopping. Developed as part of Kohoku New Town, Tsuzuki Ward has many green spaces and parks, making it an ideal environment for raising children. Furthermore, the Yokohama Municipal Subway runs through the area, providing good access to central Yokohama and the city center.
The large shopping mall "LaLaport Yokohama" and numerous medical facilities make the area highly convenient for daily life, which is a major attraction. The area is also highly rated for its good public safety and cleanliness, making it an area that is particularly popular with families and seniors.
The charm of Hayama Town in Miura County and its natural living environment
Hayama Town is known within Kanagawa Prefecture as an area that excels in coexistence with nature. With a beautiful coastline and lush green hills, you can live a peaceful daily life in a resort-like environment.
While it is a popular tourist destination, it is also known for its good public safety and strong community ties. It is a place where families raising children and those working remotely can enjoy a peaceful life away from the hustle and bustle.
It also has easy access to the Shonan area, making it possible to enjoy marine sports and hiking on weekends, making it an ideal environment for nature-loving and slow-life-oriented people.
The convenience behind Yokohama City's Nishi Ward's high ratings
Nishi Ward in Yokohama City is an area that is home to some of Kanagawa Prefecture's most important urban functions, centered around Yokohama Station, and is also highly rated as a great place to live. It has excellent transportation access, with access to multiple lines including the JR, Tokyu, Keikyu, and Minatomirai lines.
The area around the station is home to many commercial facilities, restaurants, hospitals, and other amenities, making it extremely convenient for daily life. The open landscape of the Minato Mirai area and the beautiful night view of the bay area also add to the enjoyment of daily life.
Although located close to the city center, there are many residential areas that avoid the hustle and bustle of the city, making them especially popular with DINKs and single-person households. The combination of convenience and comfort is gaining support.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
When choosing a home in Kanagawa Prefecture, many people are concerned about the living environment, such as "safety," "living alone," and "raising children."
Here we have compiled a Q&A format of some common questions that will help you choose the city you want to live in. Please use this as a reference to find a city where you can live safely and comfortably, depending on your lifestyle and family composition.
Which city in Kanagawa Prefecture has the best security?
The cities in Kanagawa Prefecture that are highly regarded for their safety are:
- Tsuzuki Ward, Yokohama City
- Aoba Ward
- Zushi City
- Examples include Hayama Town.
Tsuzuki Ward and Aoba Ward in particular have been developed as a result of planned urban development, and the residential areas have a quiet and calm atmosphere. Many areas are also well patrolled by police, making them safe for children and women living alone. The crime rate is relatively low, making this an area recommended for those who prioritize public safety. It's a good idea to check not only the rankings but also the actual number of crimes and reviews of the area to feel safe.
Which city is best for living alone?
When choosing a city that is suitable for living alone, it is important to balance good accessibility with low cost of living.
In Kanagawa Prefecture,
- Yokohama City's Naka, Nishi, and Kohoku wards (especially the area around Hiyoshi Station)
- Popular areas include Nakahara Ward, Kawasaki City (Musashi-Kosugi Station).
These areas have good access to the city center and are characterized by extremely convenient living, with supermarkets, restaurants, and hospitals located in front of the stations.
Also, rent prices vary depending on the area, so if you're looking for value for money, we recommend the areas around Hon-Atsugi Station and Ebina City. Check the crime prevention and surrounding environment, and choose a city that suits your lifestyle.
What are the best areas for raising children?
When choosing a city suitable for raising children, important points to consider are the safety, educational environment, medical facilities, and availability of parks.
In Kanagawa Prefecture,
- Tsuzuki Ward, Yokohama City
- Aoba Ward
- Asao Ward, Kawasaki City
- Fujisawa City and other cities are highly rated by families with children.
Tsuzuki Ward in particular has many nurseries and parks, and plenty of housing for families. Aoba Ward and Asao Ward have a high level of education, and there are many options for cram schools and extracurricular activities.
Fujisawa City is also popular with people who want to raise their children in a relaxed environment thanks to its abundant nature. Checking the local government's child-rearing support system will help you find a place where you can live with peace of mind.
summary
Kanagawa Prefecture has many cities that offer a good balance between convenient transportation and a beautiful natural environment, making it an area where you can choose a home that suits your lifestyle. In the 2025 ranking of cities people want to live in, cities with convenient commuting and a good living environment, such as Hon-Atsugi, Musashi-Kosugi, and Yokohama, received high marks.
You can also choose a city that satisfies your needs by considering the perspectives of renting, buying, and station, as well as actual rankings of "livability." The best area to live in will vary depending on your goals, such as public safety, educational environment, and ease of living alone.
We hope that this article will help you determine which city is truly comfortable for you and help you take a step closer to your ideal lifestyle. If you are considering starting a new life in Kanagawa, be sure to compare the characteristics of each city and make your choice.
