The latest SUUMO Desired Neighborhood Area Ranking 2024 was released in late February, offering valuable insights for potential homeowners and real estate investors alike.
SUUMO is a dominant Japan based property portal, similar to Zillow in the United States or Rightmove in the United Kingdom.
With over 7,000 participants casting their votes via an online survey, the responses paint a comprehensive picture of the shifting residential preferences within the Greater Tokyo Area (GTA).
2024 top ten desired neighborhood rankings in Tokyo area
Neighborhood (Station) | 2024 Rank | 2023 Rank | 2022 Rank |
Yokohama | 1 | 1 | 1 |
Omiya | 2 | 3 | 4 |
Kichijoji | 3 | 2 | 2 |
Ebisu | 4 | 4 | 4 |
Shinjuku | 5 | 5 | 7 |
Meguro | 6 | 6 | 5 |
Ikebukuro | 7 | 7 | 9 |
Shinagawa | 8 | 11 | 8 |
Tokyo | 9 | 9 | 13 |
Urawa | 10 | 12 | 5 |
Courtesy of SUUMO, translated by Patience Realty
2024 hidden gem neighborhood rankings in the Tokyo area
A first for this year’s survey, respondents were asked to vote on areas in the GTA that are viewed as up-and-coming locales or in other words, hidden gems, due to ongoing redevelopment.
Neighborhood (Station) | 2024 Rank |
Kita Senju (Tokyo) | 1 |
Wakoshi (Saitama) | 2 |
Omiya (Saitama) | 3 |
Nerima (Tokyo) | 4 |
Tokorozawa (Saitama) | 5 |
Kawaguchi (Saitama) | 6 |
Kasai (Tokyo) | 7 |
Kashiwa (Chiba) | 8 |
Matsudo (Chiba) | 9 |
Moriya (Ibaraki) | 10 |
Courtesy of SUUMO, translated by Patience Realty
The rise of Yokohama and Omiya
Yokohama has once again clinched the top spot, not just holding its ground but enhancing its appeal with a higher score than the previous year.
Omiya's ascent to the second place, overtaking the perennial favorite Kichijoji, marks a significant shift in the urban hierarchy, symbolizing the "north and south" poles of preference with Omiya and Yokohama now leading the charge.
What's behind Yokohama's continued appeal?
Yokohama's allure isn't accidental. The city's blend of vibrant commercial areas alongside serene, family-friendly residential zones has made it a magnet for those looking to balance work and life.
Add to this the city's proactive measures in child-rearing support, including financial incentives and community-building initiatives, and it's easy to imagine why Yokohama continues to reign supreme in the hearts of families and young professionals alike.
Omiya's ascendancy explained
Omiya, once overshadowed by more central locales, has risen through the ranks to become a sought-after destination.
Best to speed up the playback if you don't have 40 plus minutes to watch the whole video.
Omiya's transformation into a critical transportation hub, coupled with ambitious redevelopment projects, has not only revamped its image but also enhanced its livability and convenience.
Further reading:
SUUMO 2024 Most Desirable Neighborhood Survey Results (Japanese only)
