Where to live in Moscow: an expatriate’s guide: part 2

In the second part of an article covering the choice of housing in Moscow, Intermark Relocation looks at some more of the most popular districts, which are particularly sought after by tenants from overseas.

Image illustrating an article on where to live in Moscow

Relocate Editorial

24 January 2012

Popular residential areas in Central Moscow (continued)

Patriarshy Ponds

We recommend considering this area:

If you want to be in a premium and fashionable location
As a possible option for families with children

Patriarshy Ponds is a relatively small residential area to the west of the Kremlin – located between the Arbat/Kroporkinskaya and Tverskaya areas. It is one of the most elite neighbourhoods in Moscow – and, when it comes to rentals, one of the most expensive.The area is a brand in itself. Many expats coming to Moscow want to live in Patriarshy Ponds, even without knowing much about the area, because they have been told it is the place to be.Though the area has only one big supermarket – Aliye Parusa, on Bolshaya Bronnaya street – it has lots of cafés and restaurants.Bear in mind that this area has a very limited number of modern buildings, so if underground parking and a premium-class entrance are your priorities, the apartment search will be not easy.Most popular residential buildings in the area

The ministerial buildings on Spiridonovka Street and Malaya Bronnaya Street

Treprudny 11/13 – A large pre-revolutionary house close to the Pond, with its own courtyard

B.Kozikhinsky 14 (47721) – One of the few new buildings in the area

The expat's view

“It’s ideal for both younger children and teenagers. Many families with children live in Patriarshy Ponds and gather in the playgrounds. There are many restaurants and cafés around here, as well as the zoo. I live in a pre-revolutionary building with four children, aged two, 11, 15 and 17,” says Claire de Bruin.

Tverskaya-Kremlin

We recommend considering this area if:

You are looking for a downtown location close to everything Moscow has to offer
You are a family with children, looking for a quiet downtown location

The Tverskaya is Moscow’s main street – its Fifth Avenue! It is a wide central boulevard bustling with life. This area is characterised by large buildings that house various shops, clubs, cafés, and restaurants.During the big national holidays, no traffic is allowed on the Tverskya, and the street turns into a major party venue. However, if you are looking for a quiet place to live, do not rule it out. The area has a number of sidestreets, well protected by other buildings from the hum and noise of Tverskaya.Ease of commuting to the major international schools located in the north of the city is the reason that a number of expat families with children live here.There are two parks, the Hermitage Garden, which is a centre of cultural life, hosting many concerts and exhibitions in summertime, and Miussky Park, near Belorusskaya metro station, which is a popular place for families with children.The Tverskaya area has its own pedestrian streets, the Kamergersky and Stoleshnikov lanes, which compete with Stary Arbat in the number of cafés and restaurants of all types (including the Café des Artistes and Starbucks). Stoleshinikov is also the street where luxury boutiques like Chanel and Hermes are located.Most popular residential buildings in the area

The imposing Stalin-type buildings on Tverskaya 4 and 9
Tverskaya 28 – A modern building next to Marriot Grande, sometimes referred to as the Marriot Building
Lesnaya 6 – Another modern building, with security and underground parking, located next to Belorusskaya metro station.
Petrovsky blv 5 – A complex consisting of several pre-revolutionary buildings, and currently with its own yard
Strastnoy 10 – One of the most popular modern buildings in the area. Facilities include underground parking and Dr Loder fitness centre

The expat view

Says Alex May, “We are a British-Chilean family, with two children aged eight and six. This is our second time in Moscow, and on both occasions we have decided to live in the centre of the city.“We like to be able to walk to most places, and if not, we use the metro, which is a great way to get around without having to sit in traffic jams. We have everything on our doorstep, especially, the ‘Produkti’ (grocers) and the kiosks that sell fresh fruit and vegetables, and fresh flowers, too.“We are within walking distance of the European Medical Centre (EMC), which is very handy if the traffic is bad, and, based on our experience, we only have good things to say about it.“You will find most neighbourhoods or streets have access to a playground for children. They do vary by location, but it is clear that they are improving the equipment.“Our children go to school outside the city centre. We take 15 to 20 minutes by car to get there. We are a 10-minute stroll from the Kremlin, so we are very central.“The disadvantage of this is that heading back into town during the morning rush hour will make the car journey last 45 to 50 minutes. There are days where it will be the exception, for better or worse!“Moscow is a great city. It does take a while for it to grow on you, especially the people, but, once it does, it's very difficult to let go of it!"

Krasnopresnenskaya-Barrikadnaya

We recommend considering this area:

If you are a family with children who want to stay in a quiet and green area in the centre
If you are looking for a less expensive apartment in the centre

Krasnopresnenskaya/ Barrikadnaya is currently undergoing a major transition, particularly in the ambitious development of Moscow's financial district. Once completed, the main advantage of living in the area will be the close proximity of the offices. Here you will also find the Moscow Zoo, The White House and the American Embassy, and there are also many restaurants, bars, cafés, shops and clubs nearby.This area is also ideal for families and for those who want to be close to the centre, but in a quiet and green area. There is Detsky Presnensky park and a nice park around the Kransnopresnensky ponds. Housing options vary from pre-revolutionary buildings Zoologicheskaya street, to new developments with underground parking.

Most popular residential buildings of the area

The impressive Stalin Empire skyscraper, Kudrinskaya 1 - One of the “Seven Sisters”, the English name given to the seven Moscow skyscrapers designed in the pre-revolutionary style
Krasnopresnenskaya nab 1 – This pre-revolutionary building has excellent views of the embankment
Buildings on Zoologicheskaya Street
Shmidtovsky per 16 - A modern house with underground parking
Klimashkina 1 - The Agalarov house