Kiev Neighborhoods

As Kiev (or Kyiv) continues to develop and expand into its periphery, neighborhoods outside of the center are becoming increasingly dynamic and unique. While the center is still the location of choice for most home seekers, many are discovering that living outside the center can also be a convenient and pleasant experience, which can even offer better value for your money compared to living in the center.

Podol (or the Ukrainian pronunciation, Podil), part of the Podol’skiy district close to the city center, is Kyiv's oldest neighborhood. It has beautiful pre-Soviet architecture, quiet streets, and a nice selection of restaurants. It is also located on the Dnipro's banks, close to several of Kyiv's premier tourist attractions, such as Andriyivskiy uzviz's souvenir street market, numerous art galleries, as well as its one and only funicular, which leads directly to Mykhaylivskiyi and St. Sophiyiskiy Cathedrals. The National University of Kyiv Mohylanskaya Academy, one of Kyiv's oldest and most prestigious universities, also resides in this area. Podil is a less expensive option compared to other central neighborhoods.

Defined by its location in the very center, the Pechersk neighborhood is one of the most prestigious districts of Kyiv. Close to the Rada and other parliamentary buildings as well as the beautiful Mariyinkyiy Park, Pechersk is situated in between Khreshchatyk Street, Lesi Ukrainiki, and Druzhby Narodiv boulevards. It is also bordered by the Dnipro in the east. Beyond the major streets, you will find many quiet residential neighborhoods. The old cave monasteries of the Pecherska Lavra and the Great Patriot War Museum with the giant steel Maty Batkivshchyna statue are only a quick bus ride or walk away, as well as numerous restaurants, clubs, and upscale shops. Furthermore, the main Botanical Garden is located here. It's an extensive green area teeming with diverse trees, flowers, and other plant life. The Botanical Garden is definitely a prominent locale for weekend excursions.

A new residential neighborhood, Novopecherskie Lipki, also resides in the Pechersk district. It's a contemporary "city in the city" that has newly developed modern buildings with reliable security and maintenance services. Also, the British International School is situated here, amongst tennis courts, restaurants, beauty salons, and a gym with a swimming pool. Within the past 3-5 years, this section of Kiev has grown in popularity, so much so that prices here (both for rent and sale) are on the same level as the central area of Kiev. 

The outer lying areas of Kyiv are developing rapidly. As a result, many recently constructed modern apartment buildings with stylish décor and modern appliances occupy these areas. Apartments that would cost $1200 in the center may only cost $800 or less in the Kyiv “suburbs.” Anyone with a tight budget or those who would like to get more value for their money should consider these neighborhoods for their future residence.

Obolonski Lypky, north of the city center and along the Dnipro River, is roughly situated between the Minska and Obolon metro stops. The stretch along Obolonska Naberezhna and Heroyiv Salingrada Avenue near the Minska metro station is an up-and-coming area. Running along the Dnipro River’s bank, many new high-rise complexes along with a wide selection of restaurants have been developed with gorgeous views of the river. The area also holds one of Kyiv's largest shopping malls, Dreamtown, where you can find high-end retail stores, a super market, a cinema, and a wide range of other sources of entertainment. If that is not enough shopping for you, just one metro stop away is the giant Petrivka book and electronic market.

This neighborhood is a little pricier than other suburban areas. Even so, the prices are still a better bargain compared to the center. Nevertheless, if you are in search of a spacious 2-3 bedroom apartment, the price will be comparable to those in the city center, since this is the only district on the right (west) bank of the Dnipro River with such appealing window views and safe walking areas. Families with children definitely adore this area.

The Svyatoshyn-Nyvkiy district is located west of the center, running for miles along Peremohy Avenue (Svyatoshinskiy district). This area is primarily residential with the highest concentration of residences in all of Kyiv. The farther from the center you are, the more removed you are from the action of the city. Even so, if you are looking for cheaper accommodations, you may find them here, where it is possible to rent for as low as $300-$400 per month (or potentially even lower if you perform a comprehensive search). Moreover, this area has become quite popular recently due to the close presence of Kiev International School. For many foreign families, it is extremely convenient to live here, since their children do not have to commute back and forth every day to school. A large 2-3 bedroom apartment in a new modern building near KIS will cost around $1000-$1200 a month.

The Goloseevskiy district has recently become more popular ever since 6 new metro stations were built in this region. The areas here closest to the central districts are quite convenient to live. The popular shopping mall,   Ocean Plaza, is located in the Lybidska area along with many prominent restaurants. Additionally, the massive Golosiivskiy Park is in this area. Here you can take a walk, ride a bike, take a boat ride, or even spend a day picnicking with your family and friends.  The Goloseevskiy district is also attractive, since  Pechersk School International  is located within this area on Zabily Street. 

The most popular residential complexes here are Goloseevo and Park Avenue. Park Avenue is one of the top 5 complexes in Kiev in terms of level of development and maintenance. Here you can find nice and modern apartments, a convenient parking lot with elevator access, a secure children’s playground, a sports ground, as well as reliable 24/7 security and maintenance. 

If you go farther down the blue metro line, you will find the Teremki district. This is the newest rapidly growing area on the south side of Kiev toward Odessa. Affordable prices, convenient transportation to the central areas, and well developed infrastructure make this district popular for both Ukrainian and foreign home seekers. There are many schools here, gyms with swimming pools (such as Sport Life), and  the  Nemo Dolphinarium, all of which are attractive for a family with kids. 

Transportation is definitely less convenient on the Dnipro River's east side (‘left bank’ or Darnitskiy and Dneprovskiy district), since you must cross the river to go to most destinations. Nevertheless, comfortable and affordable apartments are easier to find here. Some neighborhoods even have a suburban feel in that they have their own convenient centers with a wide variety of shopping centers, restaurants, gyms, grocery stores, entertainment centers, etc. Many large markets are also located here, such as Darnitsa (kids' items) and Darynok (clothes and furniture). The Morskaya Skazka Oceanarium

These two districts are located on the left (Troeshchina) and the right (Borshchagovka) banks of the river. They are considered to be the outermost and poorest areas of Kiev.