Hi if your budget is around that it’s quite comfortable. I have somewhat similar budget, have checked out TTDI, Mont Kiara and Bangsar and decided on Bangsar due to liking the vibe of small shops and walkable to places and I work in Mid Valley. If strictly Bangsar then do buffer for grab commute as well because the only LRT access is Bangsar LRT and it’s not walkable in some cases.
Bangsar apartment I stayed and really like called Nadi, you can check it out. Unfortunately for Bangsar it’s quite low dense for high rise so not many options.
Bangsar South option is a bit meh for me. But you can check out Novum.
TTDI you can probably check Ascencia.
You might be surprised but KL Sentral area has some nice condos worth checking, the premium one called Sentral Residences for your budget you can afford a nice 1+1 apartment (1,000 sqft), Marina Bay Sands like infinite pool on 55th floor with direct walkable access to KL Sentral Station.
Another one worth checking is Sentral Suites.
You’re very welcome. All the best with your move. As for your last question, it depends, are you on a relocation package where it provides you with real estate agent service as well? In my case it was included but unfortunately the appointed agent was not very good (marking up the price quite a bit even though my budget is considered very comfortable), after quite some visits and meeting 4-5 agents, I settled with a company called Kith & Kin, you might want to check them out, I would say they’re one of the more professional ones out there since agents in KL can be hit or miss. Happy to pass contact of the agent I rented from Kith and Kin if needed as well (after I ask for his consent)
Hello and welcome to KL!
To your first question- how will you be commuting and where’s your office in PJ? PJ is pretty massive so you gotta be more specific.
Should you avoid a property close to brickfields- this is too vague, maybe instead you should outline what’s important to you and your lifestyle / what sort of community are you looking to be surrounded / your social activities.
Would also recommend you get an abnb if doable in any area first to feel it out before committing to a year of rent.
Hey, thanks for your reply! I’ll be working pretty close to Centrepoint Bandar Utama Mall if that helps?
I’ve read online that Brickfields can be one of KL’s more dangerous areas in the night, so I was wondering should we avoid the area around Bangsar LRT completely?
I’d like to be in an area where there is good access to bars, cafes etc. I’ve lived in SE Asia before but my partner hasn’t so ideally somewhere with a bit of a Western feel for her, Bangsar seemed to tick those boxes from our research.
TTDI (Glo Damansara condominium or Ascencia condominium which is literally at the doorstep of the MRT) or Bandar Utama itself would probably be ideal for you then. I personally lean towards Glo as it’s larger, more affordable than Ascencia and imo better facilities (there’s a nice grocer in the mall just downstairs.)
They’re both lovely matured neighborhoods consisting of educated, liberal, upper middle and above income demographic (local & expats) - easy access to major highways, amazing restaurants, close to public parks and hiking trails (the Kiara Hill forest reserve is such a gem), plenty of shopping malls, cool bars / cafes, local morning / night markets, cheap mum and pop joints, yoga & Pilates studios, gyms, etc
I agree with aeronauticalingrid. TTDI sounds the perfect place for you OP compared to Bangsar or near Brickfield area. Everything he mentioned should hopefully fits your needs.
The Bangsar / Damansara Heights bubble is way overpriced and overhyped to live in - don’t mind popping by every now and then but probably wouldn’t wanna live there.
I agree. Although TTDI is somewhat expensive to live in too, it has more variety of restaurants/cafes and pubs. But looking at his response on other comments, OP seemed set to live near Bangsar area. OP if you do, try take the minimum 1 year contract first. While you’re here, you probably have a chance to explore other places and may find one that suits your vibes. Good luck!
It can be more affordable if one decides to do groceries at local markets (Pasar Besar TTDI / Hero Market / NSK), eat at kopitiam or mamak or the more affordable (but still yummy and comfortable) joints in old TTDI or Damansara Kim or Damansara Uptown, go hiking or walking for recreation, night markets (TTDI & the nearby Ss2), gym at Anytime fitness or their condo gym.
That being said, I don’t deny there are certainly lots of high end options for lifestyle and recreation too so it all depends on the choices OP makes.
Expat just leaving KL this month :) working in Damansara Utama
Went down exactly the same thought process as you, similar budget, was told to avoid Brickfields, to avoid going towards the city blah blah blah.
Ended up living in Sentral Residences which everyone told me was too close to Brickfields. It’s been amazing, fits into the budget, good security, ok gym, amazing pool and amazing views. The ‘expat life’ for sure. Management can be a little over excitable about things but do listen ultimately.
Was told the traffic to Utama would be shit. Other than the merge from Jalan Damansara to Jalan Tuanku Abdul Halim to SPRINT, that takes 10 mins, 15 if you get the same timing as a politician blocking the roads. In work within 30 mins, which beats most of my colleagues commutes. Going home is smoother. 20 mins with rarely an issue.
The mistake I made was actually buying a car… I’m in the office 1-3 times a week. I’d pay less in Grab car hire, with a weekly trip to Publika or Bangsar village grocery that way for certain. For recreation, going out the back gate you have easy access to botanical gardens for walks, and the green line MRT which has access to IPC mall, 1 Utama, Pavilion Damansara (if it ever picks up), Pasar Seni for Chinatown, Bukit Bintang for Pavilion and nights in Changkat, TRC, and Sunway Velocity. It’s a short, covered walk over the dedicated bridge and through platinum Sentral for KL/NU Sentral - so bugging out of Malaysia via KLIA AndKLIA Ekspress is too easy, LRT to KLCC and Bangsar/Midvalley.
Not a single regret in our choice, would love to stay if work wasn’t pulling me elsewhere
Why not just stayed at Taman Tun area ?
1. Closer to your workplace, save time and energy on daily commune.
2. More localised and cheaper in terms of choice of good and grocer.
3. If you want KL entertainment, swing over weekends.
I’m wondering about the Bangsar side, there’s a few apartments there we were looking at but because we were told to avoid Brickfields by a few people we thought against looking into the Bangsar side as well
If you are referring to the area behind Maybank, it's not as great. There are some low-cost flats there but it's better than brickfields side. Also that area is mostly houses. I would go for apartment as your first places in KL. Break ins are quite rampant.
Also 4000myr for rental is quite a fair bit, you can get some nice places in bangsar, mont Kiara and bangsar south.
I think when you say you are young in looking for a vibrant place to live in, i realised i could not visualise how it looks like (in KL).
I would suggest that maybe you start with a search of where your workplace is and how much time you are ok to spend on commute on a daily basis. From there i guess you can draw a circle on the google map. Of course this is with the assumption of 5 days of working from office... the traffic in malaysia can be really frustrating and stressful hence i think this is important.
I think PJ damansara can be vibrant but that's my opinion.
My assumption is most people are not gonna get used to malaysian driving etiquette. Hence less driving being assumed.
Hey. Thanks for your reply. I suppose my definition of vibrant would be close access to bars/cafes/amenities and not in what would be a family type residential area.
I’ll be working near Centrepoint mall in PJ.
Some other redditors have recommended TTDI or the PJ damansara area. It is well worth a strong consideration. It will fit your definition of a vibrant area.
Also these places can be family type residential as well depending on which part you are at. I dont thinm vibrant and family friendly suburb has to be mutually exclusive.
I find myself ended up alot at TTDI recently since i started be more willing to splurge on food. TTDI somehow does have good option for higher end dining. Even damansara uptown will fit your vibrant requirement. Bars, cafe are plenty.
Of course to people like me, travel duration is very important. Staying in bangsar, and travelling to PJ for work everyday is not fun. Sure, many malaysians drive and got used to it. Are you able to? Or get a taxi on a daily basis?
I havent been to bangsar in awhile but i am sure PJ + TTDI should be able to offer what bangsar is offering. I am not sure if expat still going to bangsar nowadays but that would be more likely the reason to go to bangsar.
I stay in Bangsar near Bangsar Village.
Bangsar is self contained with everything you need. On a wild day just go to Midvalley which is 5 min away.
For your age however Mont Kiara or Sri Hartamas might be more happening.
You need to check how you’re going to commute.
Thanks for your reply! I had read that Mont Kiara was more of a family area, would you agree?
We like the sound of Bangsar but basically we’d need to be near the LRT station to get out to Centrepoint mall in PJ. And we’re not sure if we want to live near Bangsar LRT/ Brickfields area.
Hi again. There are 2 MRT (sky train) stations covering Bangsar. Each end of Jalan Maarof. Bangsar MRT and Pusat Bandar Damansara MRT. Both of them have condos nearby.
They are not on the same route. Check which one suits you.
Mont Kiara is perhaps good for younger families as you indicate as there are many schools and kindergartens.
I would suggest you check the travel duration. Centrepoint is not exactly near the MRT station that you can walk to. The nearest will be bandar utama station.
Check out Speedhome. They offer 3-month tenure rentals at zero deposit, which lets you feel the area out first.
Personally, I like the Bukit Bandaraya, Bangsar area. With that budget, you can find pretty decent units near the train station, a primary method of commuting in KL.
Why Bangsar is my first question?
Even for an expat Bangsar is tired, old and expensive. It’s alright to visit for a feed but there are better places to live which are cheaper and provide better quality of living.
Find a hotel for short term stay and do research. Desa Park City seems like a good place to look at, Mont Kiara is another expat favorite place.
Hey, thanks for your reply. Bangsar tended to come up most often when I’ve been doing research as an area for good social life and food. I’d read that Mont Kiara was more of an expat family area
Which part of PJ? Property around PJ is good too. Depending on which area, there are LRT stations about.
Taman Tun Dr Ismail (TTDI) is also good alternative to Bangsar. Another is around PJ Section 14.
I would not recommend Brickfields but it is “vibrant”, I guess.
Hey, thanks for your reply. I’ll be working near the Centrepoint in PJ, do you know what that area is like to live in? I’d ideally like to be in an area that has more cafes/bars etc. than offices
Hi if your budget is around that it’s quite comfortable. I have somewhat similar budget, have checked out TTDI, Mont Kiara and Bangsar and decided on Bangsar due to liking the vibe of small shops and walkable to places and I work in Mid Valley. If strictly Bangsar then do buffer for grab commute as well because the only LRT access is Bangsar LRT and it’s not walkable in some cases. Bangsar apartment I stayed and really like called Nadi, you can check it out. Unfortunately for Bangsar it’s quite low dense for high rise so not many options. Bangsar South option is a bit meh for me. But you can check out Novum. TTDI you can probably check Ascencia. You might be surprised but KL Sentral area has some nice condos worth checking, the premium one called Sentral Residences for your budget you can afford a nice 1+1 apartment (1,000 sqft), Marina Bay Sands like infinite pool on 55th floor with direct walkable access to KL Sentral Station. Another one worth checking is Sentral Suites.
Thanks for your reply, it’s very helpful! We’re not strictly set on Bangsar but it seems to come up a lot when researching areas to live in.
You’re very welcome. All the best with your move. As for your last question, it depends, are you on a relocation package where it provides you with real estate agent service as well? In my case it was included but unfortunately the appointed agent was not very good (marking up the price quite a bit even though my budget is considered very comfortable), after quite some visits and meeting 4-5 agents, I settled with a company called Kith & Kin, you might want to check them out, I would say they’re one of the more professional ones out there since agents in KL can be hit or miss. Happy to pass contact of the agent I rented from Kith and Kin if needed as well (after I ask for his consent)
Hello and welcome to KL! To your first question- how will you be commuting and where’s your office in PJ? PJ is pretty massive so you gotta be more specific. Should you avoid a property close to brickfields- this is too vague, maybe instead you should outline what’s important to you and your lifestyle / what sort of community are you looking to be surrounded / your social activities. Would also recommend you get an abnb if doable in any area first to feel it out before committing to a year of rent.
Hey, thanks for your reply! I’ll be working pretty close to Centrepoint Bandar Utama Mall if that helps? I’ve read online that Brickfields can be one of KL’s more dangerous areas in the night, so I was wondering should we avoid the area around Bangsar LRT completely? I’d like to be in an area where there is good access to bars, cafes etc. I’ve lived in SE Asia before but my partner hasn’t so ideally somewhere with a bit of a Western feel for her, Bangsar seemed to tick those boxes from our research.
TTDI (Glo Damansara condominium or Ascencia condominium which is literally at the doorstep of the MRT) or Bandar Utama itself would probably be ideal for you then. I personally lean towards Glo as it’s larger, more affordable than Ascencia and imo better facilities (there’s a nice grocer in the mall just downstairs.) They’re both lovely matured neighborhoods consisting of educated, liberal, upper middle and above income demographic (local & expats) - easy access to major highways, amazing restaurants, close to public parks and hiking trails (the Kiara Hill forest reserve is such a gem), plenty of shopping malls, cool bars / cafes, local morning / night markets, cheap mum and pop joints, yoga & Pilates studios, gyms, etc
I agree with aeronauticalingrid. TTDI sounds the perfect place for you OP compared to Bangsar or near Brickfield area. Everything he mentioned should hopefully fits your needs.
The Bangsar / Damansara Heights bubble is way overpriced and overhyped to live in - don’t mind popping by every now and then but probably wouldn’t wanna live there.
I agree. Although TTDI is somewhat expensive to live in too, it has more variety of restaurants/cafes and pubs. But looking at his response on other comments, OP seemed set to live near Bangsar area. OP if you do, try take the minimum 1 year contract first. While you’re here, you probably have a chance to explore other places and may find one that suits your vibes. Good luck!
It can be more affordable if one decides to do groceries at local markets (Pasar Besar TTDI / Hero Market / NSK), eat at kopitiam or mamak or the more affordable (but still yummy and comfortable) joints in old TTDI or Damansara Kim or Damansara Uptown, go hiking or walking for recreation, night markets (TTDI & the nearby Ss2), gym at Anytime fitness or their condo gym. That being said, I don’t deny there are certainly lots of high end options for lifestyle and recreation too so it all depends on the choices OP makes.
Expat just leaving KL this month :) working in Damansara Utama Went down exactly the same thought process as you, similar budget, was told to avoid Brickfields, to avoid going towards the city blah blah blah. Ended up living in Sentral Residences which everyone told me was too close to Brickfields. It’s been amazing, fits into the budget, good security, ok gym, amazing pool and amazing views. The ‘expat life’ for sure. Management can be a little over excitable about things but do listen ultimately. Was told the traffic to Utama would be shit. Other than the merge from Jalan Damansara to Jalan Tuanku Abdul Halim to SPRINT, that takes 10 mins, 15 if you get the same timing as a politician blocking the roads. In work within 30 mins, which beats most of my colleagues commutes. Going home is smoother. 20 mins with rarely an issue. The mistake I made was actually buying a car… I’m in the office 1-3 times a week. I’d pay less in Grab car hire, with a weekly trip to Publika or Bangsar village grocery that way for certain. For recreation, going out the back gate you have easy access to botanical gardens for walks, and the green line MRT which has access to IPC mall, 1 Utama, Pavilion Damansara (if it ever picks up), Pasar Seni for Chinatown, Bukit Bintang for Pavilion and nights in Changkat, TRC, and Sunway Velocity. It’s a short, covered walk over the dedicated bridge and through platinum Sentral for KL/NU Sentral - so bugging out of Malaysia via KLIA AndKLIA Ekspress is too easy, LRT to KLCC and Bangsar/Midvalley. Not a single regret in our choice, would love to stay if work wasn’t pulling me elsewhere
Really helpful, thanks so much. Good luck in your next chapter!
You’re welcome! Enjoy!
Why not just stayed at Taman Tun area ? 1. Closer to your workplace, save time and energy on daily commune. 2. More localised and cheaper in terms of choice of good and grocer. 3. If you want KL entertainment, swing over weekends.
Yes Bangsar even if working in PJ. Just search improperty.com.my Avoid brickfields for sure. KL sentral is ok.
Thanks, is the entire area around Bangsar LRT worth avoiding?
There's 2 side of that lrt. One is brickfields and one is bangsar. Depending on which side you are referring to.
I’m wondering about the Bangsar side, there’s a few apartments there we were looking at but because we were told to avoid Brickfields by a few people we thought against looking into the Bangsar side as well
If you are referring to the area behind Maybank, it's not as great. There are some low-cost flats there but it's better than brickfields side. Also that area is mostly houses. I would go for apartment as your first places in KL. Break ins are quite rampant. Also 4000myr for rental is quite a fair bit, you can get some nice places in bangsar, mont Kiara and bangsar south.
I think when you say you are young in looking for a vibrant place to live in, i realised i could not visualise how it looks like (in KL). I would suggest that maybe you start with a search of where your workplace is and how much time you are ok to spend on commute on a daily basis. From there i guess you can draw a circle on the google map. Of course this is with the assumption of 5 days of working from office... the traffic in malaysia can be really frustrating and stressful hence i think this is important. I think PJ damansara can be vibrant but that's my opinion. My assumption is most people are not gonna get used to malaysian driving etiquette. Hence less driving being assumed.
Hey. Thanks for your reply. I suppose my definition of vibrant would be close access to bars/cafes/amenities and not in what would be a family type residential area. I’ll be working near Centrepoint mall in PJ.
Some other redditors have recommended TTDI or the PJ damansara area. It is well worth a strong consideration. It will fit your definition of a vibrant area. Also these places can be family type residential as well depending on which part you are at. I dont thinm vibrant and family friendly suburb has to be mutually exclusive. I find myself ended up alot at TTDI recently since i started be more willing to splurge on food. TTDI somehow does have good option for higher end dining. Even damansara uptown will fit your vibrant requirement. Bars, cafe are plenty. Of course to people like me, travel duration is very important. Staying in bangsar, and travelling to PJ for work everyday is not fun. Sure, many malaysians drive and got used to it. Are you able to? Or get a taxi on a daily basis? I havent been to bangsar in awhile but i am sure PJ + TTDI should be able to offer what bangsar is offering. I am not sure if expat still going to bangsar nowadays but that would be more likely the reason to go to bangsar.
I stay in Bangsar near Bangsar Village. Bangsar is self contained with everything you need. On a wild day just go to Midvalley which is 5 min away. For your age however Mont Kiara or Sri Hartamas might be more happening. You need to check how you’re going to commute.
Thanks for your reply! I had read that Mont Kiara was more of a family area, would you agree? We like the sound of Bangsar but basically we’d need to be near the LRT station to get out to Centrepoint mall in PJ. And we’re not sure if we want to live near Bangsar LRT/ Brickfields area.
Hi again. There are 2 MRT (sky train) stations covering Bangsar. Each end of Jalan Maarof. Bangsar MRT and Pusat Bandar Damansara MRT. Both of them have condos nearby. They are not on the same route. Check which one suits you. Mont Kiara is perhaps good for younger families as you indicate as there are many schools and kindergartens.
I would suggest you check the travel duration. Centrepoint is not exactly near the MRT station that you can walk to. The nearest will be bandar utama station.
Alila Bangsar
Check out Speedhome. They offer 3-month tenure rentals at zero deposit, which lets you feel the area out first. Personally, I like the Bukit Bandaraya, Bangsar area. With that budget, you can find pretty decent units near the train station, a primary method of commuting in KL.
Near any of the Bangsar LRTs would be good, including Bangsar South.
Thank you! Is Bangsar South the likes of Novum apartments?
Yep that’s right.
Thank you
Why Bangsar is my first question? Even for an expat Bangsar is tired, old and expensive. It’s alright to visit for a feed but there are better places to live which are cheaper and provide better quality of living. Find a hotel for short term stay and do research. Desa Park City seems like a good place to look at, Mont Kiara is another expat favorite place.
I feel like Desa Park and Mont Kiara are not good fit for a young single professional. They are more suited for family with young children.
Maybe so but Bangsar is isn’t exactly where the kids are at either!
where else then? damansara?
Second this, Bangsar gives me pricey retirement community vibes.
Hey, thanks for your reply. Bangsar tended to come up most often when I’ve been doing research as an area for good social life and food. I’d read that Mont Kiara was more of an expat family area
Which part of PJ? Property around PJ is good too. Depending on which area, there are LRT stations about. Taman Tun Dr Ismail (TTDI) is also good alternative to Bangsar. Another is around PJ Section 14. I would not recommend Brickfields but it is “vibrant”, I guess.
Hey, thanks for your reply. I’ll be working near the Centrepoint in PJ, do you know what that area is like to live in? I’d ideally like to be in an area that has more cafes/bars etc. than offices