What is the "Most Desirable Places to Live" ranking for Kanagawa Prefecture?
- According to SUUMO's 2026 survey, Yokohama was ranked first and Musashi-Kosugi second among train stations in Kanagawa Prefecture.
- According to LIFULL HOME'S's ranking of desirable places to rent and live, Hon-Atsugi is ranked 4th in the Tokyo metropolitan area.
- According to Iiheya Net's ranking of the most livable municipalities, Tsuzuki Ward in Yokohama City has been ranked number one for eight consecutive years.
- Since the tabulation method differs for each survey, please view the rankings together with the survey name.
There isn't one single official ranking for "most desirable places to live" in Kanagawa Prefecture. Recruit (SUUMO), LIFULL (LIFULL HOME'S), Daito Kentaku (Iiheya Net), and others each compile and publish their own rankings using different methods every year.
Even among "most desirable places to live," the top-ranking cities vary depending on whether the survey focused on cities that people said they wanted to live in, cities that received many inquiries when people were actually looking for apartments, or cities where current residents are highly satisfied. This article introduces three surveys published in 2026, separated by survey type.
Ranking source and evaluation criteria
This article will cover the following three surveys. We will not mix the rankings to create our own ranking; instead, we will present the rankings from each survey as they are.
| Survey Name | Source and date of announcement | How to find out | The number one city in Kanagawa Prefecture |
|---|---|---|---|
| SUUMO's Most Desirable Places to Live Ranking 2026: Tokyo Metropolitan Area Edition | Recruit / February 2026 | A web-based survey was conducted among 20-49 year olds living in the Tokyo metropolitan area (9,000 valid responses). Respondents were asked to name up to three train stations they would like to live near. | Yokohama Station (station within the prefecture) |
| LIFULL HOME'S Everyone's Favorite Places to Live! 2026 Ranking of Desirable Cities to Live In (Tokyo Metropolitan Area Edition) | LIFULL/February 2026 | The number of inquiries received for properties listed on LIFULL HOME'S from January to December 2025 was compiled by station. | The city where people want to rent and live: Hon-Atsugi (4th in the Tokyo metropolitan area) The town where people want to buy a house and live: Yugawara (No. 1 in the Tokyo metropolitan area) |
| Iiheya Net's 2026 Ranking of Livability and Desirable Places to Live: Kanagawa Prefecture Edition | Daito Kentaku / May 2026 | A web-based survey was conducted among residents of Kanagawa Prefecture aged 20 and over. Livability data was compiled by accumulating responses from 2022 to 2026. | Livability: Bashamichi Station, Tsuzuki Ward, Yokohama City Desirable place to live: Yokohama Station |
Sources: SUUMO Most Desirable Places to Live Ranking 2026 Tokyo Metropolitan Area Edition (Recruit Co., Ltd.) / LIFULL HOME'S Everyone's Search! Most Desirable Places to Live Ranking Tokyo Metropolitan Area Edition 2026 (LIFULL Co., Ltd.) / City Livability & Most Desirable Places to Live Ranking 2026 <Kanagawa Prefecture Edition> (Daito Kentaku Co., Ltd.) (As of May 2026)
The difference between a city you want to rent and a city you want to buy.
The reasons for choosing a city to rent and the reasons for choosing a city to buy are different.
- When renting, factors such as rent, proximity to the station, ease of commuting, and ease of moving tend to be important, and neighborhoods that are popular with single people and young generations tend to rank highly.
- When purchasing a property, the key factors to consider are the child-rearing environment, the future prospects of the neighborhood, and the balance between these factors and the property price, assuming you intend to live there for a long time.
A 2026 survey by LIFULL HOME'S also showed that Hon-Atsugi was the top choice for renting a home in Kanagawa Prefecture, while Yugawara was the top choice for buying a home, indicating a difference in preferences. It's important to look at rankings that match your purpose.
How to use the ranking results and points to note
Just because a city ranks highly doesn't mean it's the best place to live for you. It's best to read the rankings while considering your own conditions, such as commute time, rent budget, distance from the station, and the surrounding shopping environment.
Furthermore, survey-based "most desirable places to live" rankings are easily influenced by name recognition and image, while "livability" rankings reflect the actual opinions of residents. If there's a town that interests you, try walking around the area in conjunction with the rankings to check out the atmosphere on both weekdays and weekends.
Top 10 Most Desirable Places to Live in Kanagawa Prefecture, 2026 Edition [SUUMO - Stations within the Prefecture]
Here, we present the rankings of train stations in Kanagawa Prefecture from Recruit's "SUUMO Most Desirable Places to Live Ranking 2026 Tokyo Metropolitan Area Edition." Based on the results of people living in the Tokyo metropolitan area (Tokyo, Kanagawa, Saitama, Chiba, and Ibaraki prefectures) answering which train station they would like to live near, Yokohama Station in Kanagawa Prefecture ranked first in the entire metropolitan area for the ninth consecutive year.
| Ranking within the prefecture | Station name | Overall ranking of the Tokyo metropolitan area (2026) | Overall ranking of the Tokyo metropolitan area (2025) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st place | Yokohama | 1st place | 1st place |
| 2nd place | Musashi-Kosugi | 13th place | 12th place |
| 3rd place | Kamakura | 14th place | 13th place |
| 4th place | Sakuragicho | 22nd place | 18th place |
| 5th place | Kawasaki | 27th place | 32nd place |
| 6th place | Minato Mirai | 29th place | 31st place |
| 7th place | Fujisawa | 32nd place | 23rd place |
| 8th place | Ebina | 33rd place | 36th place |
| 9th place | Ofuna | 43rd place | 47th place |
| 10th place | Shin-Yokohama | 56th place | 74th place |
Source: SUUMO Most Desirable Places to Live Ranking 2026, Tokyo Metropolitan Area Edition (Recruit Co., Ltd.) (as of February 2026)
1st Place: Yokohama Station (Nishi Ward, Yokohama City) | Ranked 1st in the entire Tokyo metropolitan area for the 9th consecutive year
Yokohama Station is Kanagawa Prefecture's largest terminal station, served by various JR lines, the Tokyu Toyoko Line, the Keikyu Main Line, the Sotetsu Line, the Minatomirai Line, and the Yokohama Municipal Subway Blue Line. According to SUUMO's 2026 survey, it ranked first in the entire Tokyo metropolitan area for the ninth consecutive year since 2018.
The area around the station is home to department stores, station buildings, and underground shopping malls, making it convenient for everything from daily shopping to weekend outings. The numerous direct train lines to various parts of Tokyo and the prefecture offer a wide range of commuting and schooling options, which is another reason why it's a popular choice.
Properties around Yokohama Station can be found here.
2nd Place: Musashi-Kosugi Station (Nakahara Ward, Kawasaki City) | A town whose popularity has been solidified through redevelopment.
Musashi-Kosugi Station is served by the Tokyu Toyoko Line and Meguro Line, as well as the JR Nambu Line, Yokosuka Line, and Shonan-Shinjuku Line, making it easy to access both Shibuya/Meguro and Yokohama. Large-scale redevelopment has led to an increase in high-rise condominiums and commercial facilities, and according to a SUUMO survey, it ranked 2nd in Kanagawa Prefecture and 13th in the entire Tokyo metropolitan area.
The area around the station has a concentration of commercial facilities, making it a convenient place for daily shopping. It has also been ranked 4th for two consecutive years in the Kanagawa Prefecture version of Iiheya Net's "Most Desirable Places to Live (Station)" ranking.
Properties around Musashi-Kosugi Station can be found here.
3rd Place: Kamakura Station (Kamakura City) | A town with a historic streetscape and close proximity to the sea
Kamakura Station is served by the JR Yokosuka Line and the Enoshima Electric Railway Line, and is located in the heart of a town rich in history and tourism, with Wakamiya-oji Street leading to Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine and Komachi-dori Street nearby. According to a SUUMO survey, it ranked 3rd in Kanagawa Prefecture and 14th in the entire Tokyo metropolitan area.
Located near the sea and mountains, it's popular with people who want to live in nature. Because you can reach Yokohama and Tokyo directly via the JR Yokosuka Line without changing trains, it's also a popular choice for those who want to balance commuting with a peaceful lifestyle.
4th Place: Sakuragicho Station (Naka Ward, Yokohama City) | Close to both Minato Mirai and Nogeyama
Sakuragicho Station is served by the JR Negishi Line and the Yokohama Municipal Subway Blue Line, and is the gateway to the Minato Mirai district. On the seaside of the station are commercial facilities and offices, while on the opposite side lies the Noge district, home to many restaurants.
This town is characterized by the fact that you can enjoy both harbor views and traditional restaurants on a daily basis. It was ranked 4th in the prefecture in a SUUMO survey.
5th Place: Kawasaki Station (Kawasaki Ward, Kawasaki City) | A transportation hub close to both Tokyo and Yokohama.
Kawasaki Station is served by the JR Tokaido Line, Keihin-Tohoku Line, and Nambu Line, and Keikyu Kawasaki Station is also nearby. It is conveniently located for quick access to both Shinagawa/Tokyo and Yokohama.
With a large commercial complex directly connected to the train station, it's a town where you won't have any trouble finding places to shop or eat out. According to a SUUMO survey, it ranked 5th within the prefecture, and its overall ranking in the Tokyo metropolitan area rose from 32nd last year to 27th. It also ranked 6th in the Tokyo metropolitan area in LIFULL HOME'S's "Most Desirable Places to Rent and Live" survey.
6th Place: Minatomirai Station (Nishi Ward, Yokohama City) | A town where seaside scenery is an everyday occurrence.
Minatomirai Station is a station on the Minatomirai Line and is located in an area with many skyscrapers such as Yokohama Landmark Tower, commercial facilities, and parks. According to a SUUMO survey, it ranked 6th in Kanagawa Prefecture.
According to the Kanagawa Prefecture version of Iiheya Net, this station has been ranked second for seven consecutive years in the category of "Most Desirable Place to Live (Station)" and also second in the category of "Most Livable (Station)," indicating that it is a station that is highly regarded not only by its image but also by the people who live there.
7th Place: Fujisawa Station (Fujisawa City) | Gateway to the Shonan Area
Fujisawa Station is a central station in the Shonan area, served by the JR Tokaido Line, Shonan Shinjuku Line, Odakyu Enoshima Line, and Enoshima Electric Railway Line. Its location makes it easy to balance commuting to Tokyo with access to Enoshima and the Shonan coast.
The area around the station is home to numerous commercial facilities and restaurants, making it very convenient for daily life. According to a SUUMO survey, Fujisawa City ranked 7th in the prefecture, and according to Iiheya Net's livability ranking (by municipality), it ranked 6th.
Properties in Kanagawa Prefecture are listed here.
8th Place: Ebina Station (Ebina City) | A town with large commercial facilities and ongoing residential development.
Ebina Station is served by the Sotetsu Main Line, Odakyu Odawara Line, and JR Sagami Line. "LaLaport Ebina" and "VinaWalk" are located right next to the station, making it convenient for daily shopping and outings.
Residential development is progressing around the station, and the number of condominiums and detached houses has increased. According to a SUUMO survey, it ranks 8th in the prefecture, and 3rd when limited to votes from Kanagawa residents. It has also been ranked 5th for three consecutive years in Iiheya Net's "Most Desirable Places to Live (Station)."
Properties in Kanagawa Prefecture are listed here.
9th Place: Ofuna Station (Kamakura City/Sakae Ward, Yokohama City) | A hub in Shonan where multiple train lines converge
Ofuna Station is served by the JR Tokaido Line, Yokosuka Line, Negishi Line, Shonan Shinjuku Line, and Shonan Monorail, making it easy to travel to both Tokyo/Yokohama and the Shonan area. The area around the station has many shopping streets and supermarkets, making it a convenient place to do your daily shopping.
According to a survey by SUUMO, the prefecture ranked 9th, and its overall ranking in the Tokyo metropolitan area rose from 47th last year to 43rd.
10th Place: Shin-Yokohama Station (Kohoku Ward, Yokohama City) | A station where you can use the Shinkansen and new lines.
Shin-Yokohama Station is served by the Tokaido Shinkansen, the JR Yokohama Line, the Yokohama Municipal Subway Blue Line, and the Sotetsu-Tokyu Shin-Yokohama Line, which opened in March 2023. It is a convenient location for people who frequently use the Shinkansen for business trips or to visit family.
According to a SUUMO survey, the prefecture ranked 10th, and its overall ranking in the Tokyo metropolitan area rose significantly from 74th the previous year to 56th.
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Cities that ranked highly in the Kanagawa Prefecture residents' vote and cities that increased their scores.
SUUMO's survey also publishes the "Kanagawa Prefecture Resident Ranking," which compiles votes only from people living in Kanagawa Prefecture. The top stations are Yokohama, Musashi-Kosugi, Ebina, Sakuragicho, and Fujisawa, in that order, and the lineup differs slightly from the ranking within the prefecture, which includes votes from people outside the prefecture. In addition, half of the top 10 stations that saw a significant increase in scores compared to the previous year were stations in Kanagawa Prefecture.
Here, we introduce cities that have stood out in terms of prefectural rankings and score increases.
Source: SUUMO Most Desirable Places to Live Ranking 2026, Tokyo Metropolitan Area Edition (Recruit Co., Ltd.) (as of February 2026)
Totsuka Station (Totsuka Ward, Yokohama City) | Attractive balance of nature and urban life
Totsuka Station is served by the JR Tokaido Line, Yokosuka Line, and Shonan-Shinjuku Line, as well as the Yokohama Municipal Subway Blue Line, making it a convenient station for commuting to Yokohama and Tokyo. The area around the station is well-equipped with commercial facilities, while a quiet residential area spreads out a short distance away.
In SUUMO's ranking of Kanagawa Prefecture residents, it came in 11th place, and in the ranking of desirable municipalities to live in, Totsuka Ward in Yokohama City achieved its highest ranking ever. In LIFULL HOME'S ranking of desirable places to buy and live, it rose to 39th place in the Tokyo metropolitan area (up from 70th the previous year).
Properties in Kanagawa Prefecture are listed here.
Chigasaki Station (Chigasaki City) | A town where you can live a relaxed life near the sea.
Chigasaki Station is served by both the JR Tokaido Line and the Sagami Line, and is within walking distance of the Shonan coast. It's a popular town for people who want to incorporate seaside activities like surfing and running into their daily lives.
According to a SUUMO survey, the station ranked 9th in terms of score improvement compared to the previous year (its overall ranking in the Tokyo metropolitan area rose from 81st to 59th), and it ranked 12th in the Kanagawa Prefecture resident ranking.
Properties in Kanagawa Prefecture are listed here.
Hiyoshi Station (Kohoku Ward, Yokohama City) | Popular with students and families
Hiyoshi Station is served by the Tokyu Toyoko Line, Tokyu Meguro Line, and the Yokohama Municipal Subway Green Line, and is known as the area where Keio University's Hiyoshi Campus is located. The area around the station has a lively atmosphere with many shops and restaurants, and is a mix of vibrant student life and quiet residential areas.
According to a SUUMO survey, the station ranked 5th in terms of score improvement compared to the previous year (its overall ranking in the Tokyo metropolitan area rose from 97th to 70th), and it ranked 13th in the Kanagawa Prefecture resident ranking.
Properties around Hiyoshi Station can be found here.
Kamiooka Station (Konan Ward, Yokohama City) | Attractive for its convenient transportation and shopping options.
Kamiooka Station is served by the Keikyu Main Line and the Yokohama Municipal Subway Blue Line, providing convenient access to Yokohama Station and Shinagawa. The area around the station is home to numerous commercial facilities, including the Keikyu Department Store and the Mioka shopping complex.
It's characterized by a good balance: it's not as bustling as the city center, and everything you need for daily life is available near the station. It ranked 17th in SUUMO's ranking of Kanagawa Prefecture residents.
Properties in Kanagawa Prefecture are listed here.
"Cities people want to live in" by type
The "most desirable place to live" varies depending on whether you're renting or buying. LIFULL HOME'S's "Everyone's Searched! Most Desirable Places to Live Ranking" is unique in that it doesn't rely on surveys, but rather compiles the number of inquiries received for listed properties, broken down by station.
Here, we introduce train stations in Kanagawa Prefecture from the 2026 Tokyo metropolitan area edition, divided into areas where people would like to rent a place to live and areas where people would like to buy a place to live.
Ranking of desirable cities to rent and live in (LIFULL HOME'S 2026)
In the Tokyo metropolitan area ranking of desirable places to rent a home, Kasai (Tokyo) came in first, Hachioji (Tokyo) second, and Omiya (Saitama) third. The highest-ranking station in Kanagawa Prefecture was Hon-Atsugi at fourth place. The following stations in Kanagawa Prefecture made it into the top 100 in the Tokyo metropolitan area:
| Station name (line) | Ranking of the Tokyo metropolitan area (2026) | Previous year's ranking |
|---|---|---|
| Hon-Atsugi (Odakyu Odawara Line) | 4th place | 2nd place |
| Kawasaki (JR Keihin-Tohoku Line, Negishi Line, etc.) | 6th place | 8th place |
| Musashi-Kosugi (Tokyu Toyoko Line, etc.) | 25th place | 14th place |
| Hashimoto (JR Yokohama Line, etc.) | 29th place | 22nd place |
| Motosumiyoshi (Tokyu Toyoko Line, etc.) | 33rd place | 74th place |
| Tsurumi (JR Keihin-Tohoku Line, Negishi Line, etc.) | 54th place | 54th place |
| Hiratsuka (JR Tokaido Line, etc.) | 60th place | 44th place |
| Sagami-Ono (Odakyu Odawara Line, etc.) | 75th place | 83rd place |
| Fuchinobe (JR Yokohama Line) | 86th place | 66th place |
| Mukogaoka-Yuen (Odakyu Odawara Line) | 93rd place | 104th place |
| Yokohama (JR Tokaido Line, etc.) | 99th place | 139th place |
Source: LIFULL HOME'S 2026 "Everyone's Favorite Place to Live!" Ranking, Tokyo Metropolitan Area Edition (LIFULL Co., Ltd.) (as of February 2026)
The top-ranking stations were those that, while slightly further from the city center, offer direct access to the city center and boast bustling surrounding areas. The difference between Yokohama, which ranked first in the survey-based SUUMO survey, and 99th in terms of the number of inquiries, clearly illustrates the difference in survey methods.
Hon-Atsugi Station (Atsugi City) | A regular on lists of desirable places to live.
Hon-Atsugi Station is on the Odakyu Odawara Line, and you can reach Shinjuku without changing trains by taking the Rapid Express or other trains. The area around the station is home to many commercial facilities and restaurants, making it a convenient place for shopping and dining out.
In LIFULL HOME'S's ranking of desirable places to rent, it was ranked 4th in the Tokyo metropolitan area in 2026 (2nd the previous year). The announcement states that it has been ranked 1st for four consecutive years despite the COVID-19 pandemic, and has remained in the top 10 since the 2019 ranking, and is introduced as one of the "Big Three Suburban Stations" along with Hachioji and Omiya. Furthermore, the reason why these suburban stations ranked highly is analyzed as being convenient for daily life with easy access to the city center, while rents are lower than those around the city center.
Properties in Kanagawa Prefecture are listed here.
Ranking of desirable cities to buy a home and live in (LIFULL HOME'S 2026)
In the Tokyo metropolitan area version of the "Most Desirable Places to Buy a House and Live" ranking, Yugawara on the JR Tokaido Main Line took first place for the first time (up from sixth place last year). According to the announcement, this is the first time that a station located approximately 100km from Tokyo and about 90 minutes away has taken first place, and it is said to be a result of increased attention being paid to livable suburban towns amid rising housing prices in the Tokyo metropolitan area.
Other stations in Kanagawa Prefecture that ranked highly included Hon-Atsugi at 8th place (up from 5th last year), Hiratsuka at 11th place (up from 17th last year), Hashimoto at 13th place (up from 11th last year), Yokohama at 26th place (up from 23rd last year), and Totsuka at 39th place (up from 70th last year). Higashi-Totsuka saw a significant jump in rankings, from 274th last year to 46th this year.
Source: LIFULL HOME'S 2026 "Everyone's Favorite Place to Live!" Ranking, Tokyo Metropolitan Area Edition (LIFULL Co., Ltd.) (as of February 2026)
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Also check out the livability rankings! [Cities that people are glad to live in]
While "desirable towns to live in" reflect aspirations and images, Daito Kentaku's "Good Room Net Town Livability Ranking" is based on evaluations of livability by people currently living in those towns. When searching for livable towns in Kanagawa Prefecture, it's a good idea to check this out as well.
In the 2026 Kanagawa Prefecture edition, Yokohama City's Tsuzuki Ward ranked first among municipalities for the eighth consecutive year, while Bashamichi Station ranked first among train stations.
| Rank | local government | Previous year's ranking | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st place | Tsuzuki Ward, Yokohama City | 1st place | 73.7 |
| 2nd place | Nishi Ward, Yokohama City | 2nd place | 73.0 |
| 3rd place | Nakahara Ward, Kawasaki City | 3rd place | 71.1 |
| 4th place | Kamakura City | 4th place | 70.0 |
| 5th place | Aoba Ward, Yokohama City | 5th place | 70.0 |
| 6th place | Fujisawa City | 8th place | 68.9 |
| 7th place | Nakagun Oiso Town | 12th place | 68.7 |
| 8th place | Hayama Town, Miura District | 7th place | 68.7 |
| 9th place | Naka Ward, Yokohama City | 9th place | 68.7 |
| 10th place | Kanazawa Ward, Yokohama City | 10th place | 68.5 |
Source: Iiheya Net City Livability & Desirable City Ranking 2026 <Kanagawa Prefecture Edition> (Daito Kentaku Co., Ltd.) (as of May 2026)
What is the reason why Tsuzuki Ward in Yokohama City has been ranked number one for eight consecutive years?
Yokohama's Tsuzuki Ward has been ranked number one for the eighth consecutive year in Iiheya Net's livability (municipalities) ranking. In the station rankings, Center Kita came in 3rd (also 3rd last year), Center Minami in 4th place, and Kitayamada in 7th place.
This area was systematically developed as Kohoku New Town, with well-maintained roads, parks, and green spaces, creating a lush, green residential area. The Yokohama Municipal Subway's Blue Line and Green Line run through the area, and commercial facilities are concentrated around Center Kita and Center Minami stations, making it convenient for daily shopping.
The charm of Hayama Town, Miura District, and its rich natural living environment.
Hayama Town ranked 8th (up from 7th last year) in the livability (municipality) ranking. Located at the base of the Miura Peninsula, it is a town where nature is always close at hand, with a coastline and rolling green hills.
There are no train stations within the town, so it's common to travel by bus from JR Zushi Station or Keikyu Zushi-Hayama Station. It's a popular choice for people who value a peaceful seaside lifestyle over the hustle and bustle, or for those who primarily work from home.
Convenience is the reason behind Yokohama City's Nishi Ward's high rating
Nishi Ward in Yokohama City ranked second for the fourth consecutive year in the "Most Livable Municipality" ranking. It also came in second in the "Most Desirable Municipality to Live In" ranking, based on votes from Kanagawa Prefecture residents, according to Iiheya Net.
Located near Yokohama Station and the Minato Mirai district, this area boasts excellent transportation links, with access to JR, Tokyu, Keikyu, Sotetsu, Minato Mirai Line, and Yokohama Municipal Subway lines. Commercial facilities, restaurants, and hospitals are all within easy reach, and the bay area scenery and parks become an integral part of daily life.
Top 10 Stations in the Livability Ranking
The station-by-station livability ranking includes stations where 30 or more respondents live within a 15-minute walk from the station. The top 10 stations for Kanagawa Prefecture in 2026 were as follows:
| Rank | Station name (line) | Previous year's ranking |
|---|---|---|
| 1st place | Bashamichi (Minatomirai Line) | 2nd place |
| 2nd place | Minatomirai (Minatomirai Line) | 1st place |
| 3rd place | Center Kita (Blue Line) | 3rd place |
| 4th place | Center Minami (Blue Line) | 4th place |
| 5th place | Haruhino (Odakyu Tama Line) | 12th place |
| 6th place | Wakabadai (Keio Sagamihara Line) | Not included in the count |
| 7th place | Kitayamada (Green Line) | 9th place |
| 8th place | Motomachi-Chinatown (Minatomirai Line) | 5th place |
| 9th place | Tama Plaza (Tokyu Den-en-toshi Line) | 10th place |
| 10th place | Kugenuma-kaigan (Odakyu Enoshima Line) | 7th place |
Source: Iiheya Net's 2026 Ranking of Livability and Desirability of Towns to Live In <Kanagawa Prefecture Edition> (Daito Kentaku Co., Ltd.) (as of May 2026)
A distinctive feature of this map is that it includes many stations on the Minatomirai Line (Bashamichi, Minatomirai, Motomachi, and Chinatown) as well as stations along the Yokohama Municipal Subway's Blue Line and Green Line.
Tamaplaza Station (Aoba Ward, Yokohama City) | A sophisticated suburban residential area
Tamaplaza Station is on the Tokyu Den-en-toshi Line, and you can travel to Shibuya without changing trains. It features "Tamaplaza Terrace," a commercial complex integrated with the station, making it a convenient place to do all your shopping and dining in one location.
In the livability (station) ranking, it came in 9th place (down from 10th the previous year), and Aoba Ward also ranked 5th in the livability (municipality) ranking. The well-maintained streets and green residential areas are highly rated by long-term residents.
Properties around Tamaplaza Station can be found here.
Yokohama also ranked first in Iiheya Net's "Most Desirable Places to Live (Station)".
The "Most Desirable Places to Live (Station) Ranking" from the same survey is based on the results of asking residents of Kanagawa Prefecture to freely choose the place they would like to live. Yokohama came in first for the seventh consecutive year, followed by Minato Mirai in second place and Kamakura in third place, all maintaining the same rankings for the seventh year in a row. Musashi-Kosugi came in fourth, and Ebina in fifth place.
Although the research methods differ from those used by SUUMO, Yokohama, Kamakura, Musashi-Kosugi, and Ebina consistently rank highly in both surveys, indicating their enduring popularity in Kanagawa Prefecture.
Choosing a City in Kanagawa Prefecture Based on Your Purpose (From the Perspective of the Cross House Editorial Team)
From here on, the Crosshouse editorial team has organized potential neighborhoods based on the three survey results above, categorized by purpose. Please view this not as a ranking of the survey results, but as a starting point for choosing a neighborhood.
| things to emphasize | Candidate cities | Research results referenced |
|---|---|---|
| I want to commute to the city center while also finding a balance with the rent. | Hon-Atsugi, Hashimoto, Sagami-Ono | According to LIFULL HOME'S's ranking of desirable places to rent a home, it ranks highly among stations in Kanagawa Prefecture (Hon-Atsugi: 4th, Hashimoto: 29th, Sagami-Ono: 75th). |
| I want to have a wide range of options for where I work. | Yokohama, Kawasaki, Musashi-Kosugi | SUUMO's rankings within the prefecture show stations ranked 1st, 5th, and 2nd. All of these stations are served by multiple train lines. |
| I want to live near the sea and nature. | Kamakura, Fujisawa, Chigasaki, and Hayama Town | According to SUUMO's rankings within Kanagawa Prefecture, Kamakura is 3rd, Fujisawa is 7th, and Chigasaki is 9th in terms of score improvement. Hayama Town is 8th in livability (municipality). |
| I want to live in a quiet residential area for a long time. | Center Kita and Center Minami (Tsuzuki Ward), Tama Plaza (Aoba Ward) | According to Iiheya Net's "Comfortable Living (by Station)" rankings, Tsuzuki Ward is ranked 3rd, 4th, and 9th. Tsuzuki Ward is ranked 1st among municipalities, and Aoba Ward is ranked 5th. |
| I want both the harbor scenery and the convenience of a city. | Minato Mirai, Bashamichi, Sakuragicho | In terms of livability (by station), Minato Mirai is ranked 2nd and Bashamichi is ranked 1st. In SUUMO's rankings within Kanagawa Prefecture, Minato Mirai is ranked 6th and Sakuragicho is ranked 4th. |
Once you've narrowed down your choices, try writing down the commute time to your workplace and your monthly budget for rent and living expenses and compare them. If you choose a furnished room or a shared house, you can start living there without buying furniture, making it easier to choose a place to live by "trying out a neighborhood you're interested in first, and then deciding to live there long-term if it suits you."
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Which city in Kanagawa Prefecture is ranked number one in the "Most Desirable Places to Live" rankings?
In the 2026 survey, Yokohama Station ranked first in both the SUUMO Most Desirable Places to Live Ranking (Tokyo Metropolitan Area Edition) and the Iiheya Net Most Desirable Places (Station) Ranking (Kanagawa Prefecture Edition). In LIFULL HOME'S Most Desirable Places to Rent, Hon-Atsugi (4th in the Tokyo Metropolitan Area) is the highest-ranked station in Kanagawa Prefecture. The answer will vary depending on which survey's ranking you are referring to, so please check the name of the survey as well.
Why do the rankings differ depending on the survey?
This is because the data collection methods differ. SUUMO uses a survey of residents in the Tokyo metropolitan area asking them which station they would like to live near, LIFULL HOME'S compiles data based on the number of inquiries about listed properties, and Iiheya Net's livability ranking is based on evaluations from current residents. The towns people aspire to live in, the towns they are actually looking for, and the towns they are satisfied with after moving in do not necessarily coincide.
Which cities in Kanagawa Prefecture are the most livable?
According to the 2026 Kanagawa Prefecture Livability Ranking by Iiheya Net, which compiles evaluations from residents, the top-ranked municipality was Tsuzuki Ward in Yokohama City, followed by Nishi Ward in Yokohama City in second place, and Nakahara Ward in Kawasaki City in third place. Among train stations, Bashamichi, Minato Mirai, and Center Kita ranked highly.
Which cities in Kanagawa Prefecture have good public safety?
The perception of safety varies depending on the location, time of day, and the distance from the station. Once you've decided on a neighborhood you're interested in, it's recommended to check official information such as crime statistics published by the Kanagawa Prefectural Police, and actually walk the route from the station to your home both during the day and at night. Planned residential areas, such as Tsuzuki Ward and Aoba Ward in Yokohama City, which consistently rank high in livability rankings, are chosen by people seeking a peaceful environment.
Which cities are suitable for living alone?
For those living alone, finding a balance between ease of commuting to work or school and rent is crucial. Hon-Atsugi, Kawasaki, Musashi-Kosugi, and Hashimoto, which ranked highly in Kanagawa Prefecture in LIFULL HOME'S' survey of desirable places to rent, are stations where many people actually look for rental properties.
If convenient transportation is a priority, you could also consider areas around Yokohama Station (Nishi Ward, Yokohama City), Hiyoshi Station (Kohoku Ward, Yokohama City), or Musashi-Kosugi Station (Nakahara Ward, Kawasaki City). First, decide on your rent budget and your commute location, then compare the stations in your choice.
What areas are recommended for raising children?
When choosing a place to live with children, factors such as the abundance of parks and green spaces, and the proximity of daycare centers, schools, and medical facilities are important considerations. Yokohama's Tsuzuki Ward and Aoba Ward, which rank highly in livability rankings, are planned residential areas with well-maintained parks and green spaces.
Fujisawa City also ranked 6th in livability (by municipality), and is chosen by people who want to raise their children in an environment close to the sea and greenery. It is also a good idea to check the childcare support systems of each municipality on their respective official websites.
Can I find a shared house or a furnished apartment in Kanagawa Prefecture?
Cross House also handles shared houses and furnished apartments in Kanagawa Prefecture. You can search for properties in a specific area by entering the area or station name on our property search page. Rooms that come furnished with appliances make it easier to start your new life in your desired neighborhood by minimizing initial moving preparations.
Can I rent a property from Cross House without a guarantor?
A co-signer is not required. Instead, individual contracts generally require membership in a guarantee company, and an initial guarantee fee and monthly guarantee fees will be charged separately. However, if you pay the full amount, from initial costs to move-out costs, in a lump sum upon moving in, membership in a guarantee company is not required.
summary
In a survey published in 2026, SUUMO's ranking of desirable places to live in Kanagawa Prefecture showed Yokohama as number one, Musashi-Kosugi as number two, and Kamakura as number three. In LIFULL HOME'S ranking of desirable places to rent, Hon-Atsugi was number one, and in the ranking of desirable places to buy, Yugawara was number one in Kanagawa Prefecture. In Iiheya Net's ranking of livability, Tsuzuki Ward in Yokohama City has been ranked number one for eight consecutive years.
Even among "most desirable places to live," different surveys, such as questionnaires, inquiry counts, and resident evaluations, look at different things. Consider whether you're renting or buying, your commute location, your rent budget, and the atmosphere you're looking for in a neighborhood, and refer to rankings that suit your purpose.
Once you find a neighborhood that interests you, actually visiting it to check out the atmosphere around the station and in the residential areas will make it easier to choose a home that suits you.
