Dhaka has diversified neighborhoods, each offering unique advantages for residents. Whether you’re looking for affordability, convenience, or a luxurious lifestyle, there’s a place for everyone.
Here’s a detailed look at some of the best residential areas in Dhaka to help you choose the right location for your home.
Mirpur: A Growing Hub for Affordable Living
Mirpur is one of Dhaka’s most affordable and densely populated residential areas, offering a variety of housing options for middle-class families. This area has developed significantly over the years, with better roads, modern shopping centers, and recreational spaces.
Why Choose Mirpur?
- Affordable Housing: Mirpur offers budget-friendly apartments, making it a preferred choice for middle-class families.
- Excellent Transport Connectivity: Buses from Mirpur travel throughout Dhaka, with connections to areas like New Market, Dhanmondi, Panthapath, Farmgate, Mohakhali, and Gulshan.
- Educational Institutions: Notable schools and universities, including Monipur High School & College, Mirpur Cantonment School, Bangladesh University of Professionals, and MIST, are located here.
- Healthcare Facilities: Delta Hospital, Heart Foundation Hospital, EXIM Bank Hospital, and Lazz Pharma branches ensure quality medical services.
- Recreation & Shopping: Sher-e-Bangla Cricket Stadium, the National Botanical Garden, the National Zoo, the Capital Tower Shopping Complex, and BCS Computer City offer entertainment and shopping opportunities.
Pros of Living in Mirpur
- Affordable apartments
- Renowned schools and colleges
- Quality healthcare facilities
- Good public transport service
- Wide range of shopping options
- Mirpur DOHS offers a secure and well-planned community
Mohakhali: A Key Transport and Business Hub
Mohakhali is a well-developed area that serves as a crucial transport link in Dhaka. While not the most affordable, it offers various facilities that make it a practical choice for residents.
Why Choose Mohakhali?
- Transport Connectivity: Home to a major bus terminal and the Mohakhali Flyover, reducing traffic congestion and ensuring easy access to Banani, Gulshan, and other parts of the city.
- Educational Institutions: Internation Standard University or Dhaka Cantt Girls Public School provides quality education options.
- Healthcare Facilities: The National Institute of Cancer Research & Hospital and DNCC ensure medical needs are met.
- Dining & Shopping: SKS Shopping Mall and DNCC Market offer great shopping experiences, while restaurants like Nerdy Bean Coffee Haus and The Grove provide fine dining options.
- DOHS Area: Mohakhali DOHS offers a secure and well-planned residential environment with parks, cafes, and playgrounds.
Pros Living in Mohakhali
- Prime location with excellent connectivity
- Good educational institutions
- Healthcare facilities nearby
- Posh restaurants and shopping malls
- Mohakhali DOHS provides a secure and well-maintained residential space
Banasree: Affordable and Family-Friendly
Located in the southern part of Dhaka, Banasree is known for its affordability and modern amenities, making it an attractive choice for families.
Why Choose Banasree?
- Budget-Friendly Living: Offers modern apartments at reasonable prices.
- Great Transport Access: Buses, public transport, and rickshaws (three-wheelers) make traveling easier.
- Quality Education: Home to Ideal School & College, Academia, and East-West University (nearby in Aftabnagar).
- Healthcare & Worship Facilities: Hospitals like American International Hospital and Farazy Hospital, as well as places of worship for multiple religions.
- Recreational Facilities: Proximity to Hatirjheel and Shishu Park for leisure activities.
Pros of Living in Banasree
- Affordable housing
- Good public transport connectivity
- Quality educational institution
- Access to supermarkets and daily essentials
- Close to Hatirjheel for relaxation
- Convention halls available for events
Indira Road: Central Yet Affordable
Indira Road is a small yet well-connected residential area close to Farmgate, one of Dhaka’s busiest junctions.
Why Choose Indira Road?
- Central Location: Adjacent to Farmgate, making commuting easy.
- Education & Healthcare: Close to Holy Cross Girls’ School, Tejgaon College, and healthcare centers like Dhaka Healthcare and Ispahani Islamia Eye Care.
- Shopping & Entertainment: Near Shezan Point, Mahbub Plaza, and Bashundhara City Shopping Complex.
- Recreational Facilities: Close to Chandrima Udyan and Farmgate Morning Park for outdoor activities.
Pros of Living in Indira Road
- Affordable housing
- Well-connected transport system
- Proximity to Dhaka metro railway stations
- Good shopping opportunities
- Access to parks for relaxation
Bailey Road: A Cultural and Commercial Hub
Bailey Road, also known as “Natok Shoroni” (Theater Road), is a prominent location in Dhaka, famous for its theaters and cultural scene.
Why Choose Bailey Road?
- Renowned Educational Institutions: Home to Viqarunnisa Noon School & College, one of the most prestigious schools in Bangladesh.
- Government & Foreign Service Offices: Location of the Foreign Service Academy and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
- Shopping & Dining: A great place for handloom jamdani sarees and diverse street food options.
- Recreational Facilities: The Ficer’s Club provides sports facilities including a swimming pool, badminton, and tennis courts.
Pros of Living in Bailey Road
- Affordable apartments
- Close to Viqarunnisa Noon School
- Best place for cultural entertainment and shopping
- Plenty of street food options
- Access to premium recreational facilities
Gulshan: New Name of Elite Living
Gulshan is Dhaka’s elite neighborhood, known for its diplomatic presence, high-end apartments, and top-tier security. It’s a hub for embassies, multinational companies, and upscale restaurants. If you’re looking for a luxurious lifestyle with international-standard amenities, this is the place.
Why Choose Gulshan?
Gulshan is the pinnacle of luxury living in Dhaka, known for its high-end apartments, embassies, and corporate offices. This neighborhood boasts wide roads, upscale shopping centers, and an abundance of fine-dining restaurants, coffee shops, and international brands.
It is home to some of Dhaka’s top schools, medical facilities, and recreational spots, such as Gulshan Lake Park.
The diplomatic presence ensures heightened security, making it one of the safest areas in Dhaka.
However, the cost of living here is among the highest in the city, and traffic congestion can be intense during peak hours.
Pros of Living in Gulshan
- High security with diplomatic zones
- Best fine-dining restaurants and cafes
- Premium schools and healthcare facilities
- Expats and business professionals dominate the area
Banani: The Social & Business Hub
Banani is like Gulshan’s younger sibling—upscale but with a younger, trendier vibe. It’s ideal for young professionals, entrepreneurs, and students who want modern apartments, great cafes, and vibrant nightlife.
Why Choose Banani?
With numerous corporate offices, trendy cafés, boutique fashion outlets, and upscale restaurants, Banani attracts young professionals and entrepreneurs.
The nightlife scene is thriving, offering everything from rooftop lounges to live music venues. It is well-connected to other major areas, making commuting easier.
Despite these advantages, the area can be quite expensive, and the traffic situation can be frustrating at times.
Pros of Living in Banani
- A balance of high-end and mid-range housing
- Thriving startup and business community
- Great cafes, restaurants, and nightlife options
- Close to Gulshan and easy access to commercial hubs
Dhanmondi: The Intellectual and Cultural Haven
Dhanmondi is Dhaka’s cultural and intellectual hub, home to artists, musicians, and scholars. It offers a mix of residential and commercial setups, making it one of the most balanced places to live.
Why Choose Dhanmondi?
Dhanmondi houses some of Dhaka’s best schools, colleges, and universities, making it ideal for families with children.
The neighborhood has a rich history, and its streets are lined with cozy cafés, bookshops, and art galleries. Rabindra Sarobar and Dhanmondi Lake add to the charm, offering relaxing green spaces.
The presence of numerous hospitals and shopping malls makes daily life convenient. However, the area can be overcrowded, and traffic congestion is a daily struggle.
Pros of Living in Dhanmondi
- Top private schools and universities (ULAB, Mastermind, etc.)
- Beautiful parks and lakeside views
- A vibrant community with bookshops, art galleries, and cultural spaces
- Affordable compared to Gulshan and Banani
Bashundhara R/A: The Family-Friendly Gated Community
Bashundhara Residential Area is a planned neighborhood, making it one of the most well-structured places in Dhaka. Ideal for families looking for a peaceful, secure environment away from the main city’s chaos.
Why Choose Bashundhara R/A?
With wide roads, ample greenery, and a secure gated community, it offers a calm retreat from the city’s chaos. It is home to North South University, Evercare Hospital, and Jamuna Future Park, one of the largest shopping malls in South Asia.
Housing here is relatively more affordable than in Gulshan or Banani, making it a popular choice for families. While the area is still developing in some parts, it provides a promising future with upcoming infrastructure projects and commercial expansions.
Pros of Living in Dhanmondi
- Wide roads and well-planned housing
- Proximity to North South University, hospitals, and shopping malls
- Less pollution and noise
- Affordable compared to Gulshan/Banani
Uttara: The Self-Sufficient Suburban Paradise
Uttara is Dhaka’s self-sufficient suburban area, perfect for those who want an independent lifestyle with all modern amenities but at a more affordable rate.
Why Choose Uttara?
The area is divided into multiple sectors, each with schools, hospitals, shopping malls, and parks. Housing options range from luxurious duplexes to budget-friendly apartments, catering to diverse income groups.
The presence of wide roads, planned urban spaces, and a growing business district makes it an attractive choice for professionals and families.
However, being further from Dhaka’s central business districts means longer commute times for those working in the city’s core.
Pros of Living in Dhanmondi
- Spacious housing with modern infrastructure
- Well-planned sectors and community feel
- Good connectivity to the airport and metro system
- More affordable than Gulshan and Banani
Conclusion
A home isn’t just about walls and a roof—it’s an extension of who you are and what you value. Whether you crave luxury, community, greenery, or affordability, each neighborhood in Dhaka offers something different.
Choosing the right area depends on your lifestyle, career, and daily needs. Some seek the fast-paced city life of Gulshan or Banani, while others prefer the intellectual vibe of Dhanmondi or the family-friendly setup of Bashundhara and Uttara. In the end, home should be a sanctuary, a place where you feel secure, inspired, and at peace.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Which area is the safest to live in Dhaka?
Gulshan and Banani have the highest security due to their diplomatic presence, while Bashundhara and Uttara offer gated communities with good security measures.
Where can I find affordable housing in Dhaka?
Bashundhara R/A and Uttara offer more budget-friendly housing options compared to Gulshan, Banani, or Dhanmondi.
Which area has the best schools and universities?
Dhanmondi and Bashundhara R/A are known for their top educational institutions, including North South University, Scholastica, and BRAC University.
Which area is best for young professionals?
Banani is great for young professionals due to its vibrant work culture, startup scene, and entertainment options.
What’s the biggest downside of living in Dhaka’s prime neighborhoods?
Traffic congestion and high rent are the biggest issues in areas like Gulshan, Banani, and Dhanmondi. However, planned areas like Bashundhara and Uttara offer relief from these problems.
