After living in Lahore for over three years, I’ve seen many of the different areas. If I had to look for a new place to live, these are the areas I would focus on. I prefer quiet residential areas that are clean and generally not affected by political turmoil.
Defence Housing Authority (DHA)
Most foreigners choose to live in DHA, and for good reason. This newer suburb of Lahore has wider streets, cleaner air, and is a lot quieter and less chaotic than central areas. There are several different phases, with Phase I being the oldest and Phase VI and VII currently being developed. The newer the phase, the newer the house. Read more about living in Defence Housing Authority here. If you’re thinking about living in Defence, keep in mind that this area boasts some of the highest rental prices in Lahore.
Cantonment (Cantt.)
In Pakistani cities, the Cantonment is the army area. If you are a foreigner, you may notice on your Pakistani visa that you are not allowed access to Cantonment areas. This includes the actual army bases, but you can visit or live in the residential areas. Houses in Cantonment will be older than houses in Defence, but aside from commercial areas Cantonment is a quiet and peaceful area. It may be difficult to find houses to rent or buy in this area as most houses are occupied by locals affiliated with the army.
Model Town
Model Town is know for its lovely parks and wide avenues. There are great shopping areas here along Link Road and in C Block market, and rent prices are much lower than Defence. Houses are older, but the cost of living is lower here and Model Town is closer to central Lahore.
Canal Housing Societies
There have been many different housing societies popping up along the Canal going towards Thoker Niaz Baig (motorway). Eden Villas, Canal View and others have set up housing communities that many times include shopping areas, fitness centers and private security. Some of these societies are closer to central Lahore than others, but you must take into account the fact that traffic on canal road can be busy.
Airport Road
Similarly, housing societies have also sprung up along the road to the airport. Airport Road itself (coming from Ghazi Road through Bhatta Chowk) is a frenetic area, but a new overpass is being built to go straight from the airport into the newer areas of Defence. Since these housing areas are a bit farther from the main city, you can rent a larger house or portion for a lot less than you can in Defence.
Punjab Housing Society
For the more budget conscious, Punjab Housing Society is a good option. It is located on Ghazi Road, directly next to Defence. Houses are a bit closer together than in Defence, and roads are narrower. There isn’t much yard or garden space in houses, but you may pay half as much in rent. Other services are cheaper in Punjab Society than in neighboring Defence as well, and you’d still be close enough to Defence to enjoy its supermarkets and coffee shops.
Lahore is developing rapidly. Please leave comments on any other up and coming housing areas in Lahore. I’ve left out Bahria Town simply because it’s so far from central Lahore, but if you’re willing to commute at least one hour daily, Bahria Town is also a good option.
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Is it easy to buy safe water for a foreigner?
Yes it’s quite easy to get bottled water (called ‘mineral water’ although it’s just basic bottled water) in Lahore. I’ve written an article about the options here:
How to Get Safe Drinking Water in Pakistan
Hey.. i am from lahore but living in New zealand most of my life.. and i am also thinkin of moving back to pakistan for a short stint.. abd to be honest… ur articles are really helpful… I have been looking for something like this for a long time… I know most of lahore.. but have never worked there.. so hopefully will find nice information and tips & tricks..
Thank you
Hi Cheebz,
Glad you found the article helpful. Check out http://expatheather.com/pakistan for a full listing of my Pakistan-related articles!
Heather
I recently found your blog and thoroughly enjoying reading it. As a foreigner your analysis is unbiased about local conditions and you pick out small details about things which we Pakistani take for granted !
Thanx and keep up the good work !
Just randomly came across your website! I’m from Karachi, really interesting to see a foreigner’s take on Lahore. Seems much more peaceful and secure than Karachi. I’ve only been once.
Hey,
I am looking forward to moving to Lahore from USA. I am just concerned about turmoil.
I think you have given good piece of information which would be helpful.
Thanks for your work.
Great insight Heather! especially for me as I am planning to move back by May2012. I am moving from 10/10 school system in North Dallas. Any school suggestions? Middle school.
Hi Faisal! It really depends on where you’ll be living (shorter commute is key) and what type of school system you’re looking for, particularly once they move onto 9th grade. If you want to do the British system Beacon House has a good reputation although I’ve heard from teachers that class sizes are big. Lahore American School would be a top choice although it’s pricey. Scarsdale International offers American and British systems for high school and is in Phase IV Defence. Ask around to people in your neighborhood to see what makes the most sense for your kids!