What are the best areas of Athens to live in as an expat?

The best area depends on your lifestyle and commute. Many expats prefer central, walkable districts for daily convenience, while others choose South Athens for a coastal lifestyle or residential suburbs for more space and a calmer routine.

Is the Athens Riviera a good option for expats and investors?

Yes. South Athens and the Riviera can be a strong choice for lifestyle buyers and premium long-term rentals, combining seaside living with access to the city and everyday amenities.

How important is metro access when choosing a neighborhood in Athens?

Metro and tram access is a major factor for day-to-day convenience. Properties within an easy walk to public transport are often easier to live in and can be more attractive to long-term tenants.

What should investors check before buying a property in Athens?

Key checks include walkability to transport, matching the property to the target tenant profile, building quality (maintenance, insulation, elevator), and overall liquidity in the area for resale and long-term demand.

Seaside promenade in Athens with palm trees, runners and cyclists, and modern apartment buildings along the coast

Athens • Neighborhoods • Expats & Investors

Living in Athens: A Practical Neighborhood Guide for Expats & Investors (2026)

Athens is a city of micro-markets: lifestyle, commute time, and property type can change dramatically from one district to the next. This guide helps you choose the right area based on how you plan to live (or invest), with practical tips on transport, daily routines, and what to check before you commit.

Sunny pedestrian street in Athens with modern apartment buildings and outdoor cafés, illustrating walkable neighborhood lifestyle — Walkable streets and everyday amenities are a big part of Athens’ neighborhood appeal.

Quick snapshot: why Athens works for expats

Strong public transport backbone: Athens runs an integrated network of metro, tram, buses and trolleybuses under OASA.
Station proximity matters: being walkable to metro/tram often improves day-to-day convenience and rental appeal.
Coastal lifestyle is realistic: the south/coastal suburbs can combine sea access with city connectivity.
Practical integration: English is common in many service settings, and learning basic Greek helps you feel “at home” faster.

Tip: When comparing two similar homes, choose the one with the better walk-to-transport distance.

How to choose the right area (simple decision framework)

Person reviewing a neighborhood map on a tablet with house keys on a table, representing choosing an area to live in Athens — Shortlist areas first, then compare buildings and exact streets.

Walkable city lifestyle

Best for: young professionals, couples, digital nomads.
Look for: cafés, shops, and easy metro access.
Investor angle: strong demand for renovated apartments near transport.

Family comfort and space

Best for: families, long-term residents.
Look for: parks, schools, larger floorplans, calmer streets.
Investor angle: stable long-term rentals.

City + sea

Best for: lifestyle buyers, second homes, premium rentals.
Look for: coastal vibe, promenades, dining, and quality buildings.
Investor angle: high appeal for expats and higher-budget tenants.

Commute-first planning

Best for: anyone with fixed schedules (work, school, airport/port routes).
Look for: direct metro access or reliable bus corridors.
Investor angle: “easy commute” listings often rent faster.

Athens neighborhood guide (by lifestyle)

Below is a practical way to shortlist areas. Think of these as “starting points” — the best choice depends on the exact street, building quality, and how close you are to metro/tram connections.

1) Prime central & classic city living

These areas suit buyers who want a polished city feel, strong amenities, and long-term desirability.

Kolonaki: premium central living, boutiques, dining, and a “classic Athens” atmosphere.
Pangrati: lively, residential-meets-urban, popular for cafés and everyday walkability.
Hilton / Ilisia (broader area): convenient central access and a solid base for professionals.

Best for: professionals Investor fit: long-term rentals Style: renovated apartments

2) Creative, youthful & café culture

Great for expats who want energy, culture, and a neighborhood feel with plenty happening nearby.

Koukaki: popular for walkability and a local-meets-international vibe.
Mets: calm, charming pockets close to central Athens.
Exarcheia: known for a strong student/creative presence and independent city character.

Best for: digital nomads Investor fit: furnished long-term rentals Style: compact apartments

3) South Athens & the Athenian Riviera (city + sea)

Seaside promenade in South Athens with people walking and cycling, representing the Athenian Riviera lifestyle — South Athens combines a coastal feel with access to the city.

Ideal for lifestyle buyers who want coastal energy, modern buildings, and strong expat appeal.

Glyfada (incl. Kato Glyfada): upscale coastal hub with shopping, dining, and strong rental demand.
Alimos / Kalamaki: coastal access with a practical everyday feel and good connectivity.
Palaio Faliro: seaside living with easy access toward central Athens and Piraeus.
Voula / Vouliagmeni: premium Riviera options for higher budgets and long-term desirability.

Best for: lifestyle + expats Investor fit: premium long-term rentals Style: newer builds

4) Family-friendly residential districts (space & routine)

These areas often offer a calmer rhythm, more space, and strong suitability for long-term living.

Nea Smyrni: popular with families for a neighborhood feel and everyday amenities.
Ilioupoli (incl. Ano Ilioupoli): residential comfort with practical access to the city.
Chalandri: strong local market, shopping streets, and a well-rounded residential profile.
Agia Paraskevi: family-oriented and a common choice for long-term residents.

Best for: families Investor fit: stable long-term leases Style: larger apartments

5) North suburbs (green, established, long-term value)

The north is known for established residential neighborhoods and a “green” feel, often preferred for long-term living.

Kifisia: premium north suburb with strong long-term profile and quality housing stock.
Marousi: practical for business hubs and commuting, with a strong residential base.
Psychiko / Filothei: high-end residential character and long-term desirability.

Best for: long-term residents Investor fit: quality long-term rentals Style: larger homes

Street-level matters: In Athens, two properties in the same “area” can feel completely different. Always check the exact street, building condition, and walk-to-transport time.

Transport in Athens (what’s useful day-to-day)

Athens public transport is run through the OASA network, which includes metro, tram, buses and trolleybuses. For most expats, the key is to build a routine around the nearest metro/tram stop and use buses as a flexible layer.

Modern metro station entrance in Athens with commuters, representing public transport connectivity — Living near metro or tram can make everyday life easier and improve rental appeal.

Practical tools and tickets

ATH.ENA Ticket / ATH.ENA Card: the standard ticketing products for urban transport.
Visitor-friendly options: OASA highlights daily and multi-day ticket options for short stays.
Real-time planning: the OASA Telematics App provides real-time info on bus/trolley lines and stops.

Tip: When viewing properties, do a “commute test” at the time you’d normally travel.

Climate & daily comfort (positive, realistic planning)

Athens offers a Mediterranean climate and an outdoor lifestyle for much of the year. In summer, comfort depends on smart property choices: insulation, efficient A/C, and shading make a real difference.

What to check in a property viewing

Air conditioning type and condition (split units vs central).
Window quality and shading (especially for south-facing units).
Building maintenance and communal fees (for apartments).

Investor checklist: what makes a neighborhood “work” on paper

Transport access: walkability to metro/tram/bus corridors.
Tenant profile match: expats (central/coastal) vs families (residential).
Building quality: elevator, insulation, maintenance, common areas.
Liquidity: areas with consistent demand are typically easier to resell.

How Domitech Real Estate helps

Domitech Real Estate helps expats and investors shortlist neighborhoods based on lifestyle and commute priorities, then match them with the right property type. We also flag ownership and operating costs early, so your decision is realistic from day one.

Want a shortlist? Tell us your budget, preferred lifestyle (city / family / coastal), and commute needs — and we’ll propose areas and property options that fit.

Sources

OASA (Transport for Athens) — Visit Athens / tickets & apps: https://www.oasa.gr/en/visit-athens/
OASA — OASA Telematics App: https://www.oasa.gr/en/passenger-service/tools/telematics-app/
This is Athens (Official City Guide) — Public transport overview: https://www.thisisathens.org/getting-around/public-transportation-metro-bus-tram

Living in Athens