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Insights into Kanagawa's 2025 Most Desirable Neighborhoods

The real estate and housing information service LIFULL HOME'S, based in Tokyo and led by CEO Yuji Ito, has published its first ranking of the most sought-after neighborhoods in Kanagawa for 2025. This ranking is based on actual inquiry numbers of listed properties rather than survey responses, making it a reflection of real-time housing preferences in the region.

Most Desired Rental Neighborhoods

In the ranking for neighborhoods ideal for renting, Hon-Atsugi leads the way. With a convenient travel time of about 50 minutes to Shinjuku and enhanced living amenities due to recent redevelopment, its allure is further heightened by relatively affordable rent prices. Continued high demand is evident, as Hon-Atsugi has maintained position in the top rankings for four consecutive years in the broader Tokyo metropolitan area.

The top ten list includes Kawasaki at second place, followed by Musashi-Kosugi and Tsurumi at third and sixth, respectively. These neighborhoods are favored for their excellent access to central areas like Tokyo and Yokohama, coupled with the convenience of local amenities. Sagamihara Omoide ranks tenth, owing to its similar advantages in commuting and reasonable rent costs.

Additionally, Hashimoto and Fuchu-no-mori scored well, given their favorable access to Yokohama via the JR Yokohama Line, and affordable average rent around 80,000 yen per 30 square meters.

The presence of several universities nearby has boosted Fuchu-no-mori's rank due to high student demand as well.

Most Desired Residential Neighborhoods

Turning to properties for purchase, Hon-Atsugi again occupies the first position, maintaining its reputation in the metropolitan rankings, where it stands fifth overall. Along with Hiratsuka, Ofuna, and Tujido, this list features neighborhoods slightly distanced from the central Tokyo area but still offering excellent accessibility and local conveniences. Rising prices in Tokyo's central areas are likely spurring interest in these residential options.

Recent evaluations show that the average listing price for family-oriented used condominiums in the Tokyo 23 wards is a staggering 82.7 million yen, marking a considerable increase from the previous year. In Kanagawa, prices stand at 38.81 million yen for Yokohama and Kawasaki, while other Kanagawa areas are sitting at 27.84 million yen, reflecting a significant disparity in property prices between urban and suburban areas.

This trend highlights that more individuals are opting for a living arrangement that separates work in Tokyo while enjoying suburban life.

Expert Commentary by Toshiro Nakayama, Deputy Director and Chief Analyst at LIFULL HOME'S Research Institute

This year’s ranking reflects the housing demand spectrum that spans from central Tokyo to Yokohama. With Hon-Atsugi grabbing the top spot in both rental and purchase categories, it signals the neighborhood's strategic advantages of commuting time—40 minutes to Shinjuku and around an hour to Otemachi. Its appealing pricing structure for family homes also garners significant user approval.

The urban center of the metropolitan area has been spreading mainly westward from Tokyo, enabling numerous professionals and students to commute daily to Yokohama. This geographical trend is depicted vividly in our ranking results, showing a shift towards suburban areas that still offer easy access to work and education.

Notable entries in the rental category include Kawasaki, Musashi-Kosugi, Tsurumi, and Totsuka, showcasing neighborhoods that benefit from robust transport links and vibrant town center dynamics. The balance between work accessibility and local amenity interests seems to be highly prioritized in decision-making processes.

Conversely, in the purchase category, we see rising interest in suburbs, driven by the soaring property prices in central Yokohama as new condos often surpass 100 million yen, suggesting a growing demand for housing options that are a little further afield.

New developments like those in Yugawara, known as a hot spring town, and Misakiguchi on the Miura Peninsula, have also become appealing options. They not only offer the tranquility of suburban living but also maintain reasonable access to both Yokohama and Tokyo.

Survey Overview

• - Data Collection Period: January 1, 2024 - November 30, 2024
• - Data Method: Inquiry counts from listed rental and buying properties on LIFULL HOME'S, analyzed by train station.
• - Geographic Area: Kanagawa Prefecture

For more details on the latest housing trends and rankings across various regions, check the comprehensive reports published by LIFULL HOME’S.