Best Dakar neighbourhoods for expats: Point E, Fann, Almadies

For an expat, Dakar's neighbourhoods fall into three families: business and administrative districts such as the Plateau, residential areas of villas and low-rise buildings such as Point E, Fann and Mermoz, and ocean-facing districts such as the Almadies and Ngor. The right choice depends less on budget than on two questions: where do you work, and what kind of evenings do you want?

The Plateau: the administrative centre

The Plateau is the historic and administrative heart of the city: ministries, company headquarters, banks, markets and the old colonial town. It is practical if you work there and like walking to meetings. It is dense and noisy by day and quieter in the evening. You will find fewer villas with gardens here than in the residential areas.

Fann: residential and academic

Fann is a residential district close to the Corniche, known for its university campus and its hospital. It has a quiet feel, tree-lined streets and easy access from the centre. It suits families and professionals who want to be near the Plateau without living among the offices.

Point E: villas, embassies and quiet streets

Point E is a small residential district in the centre, between Fann, Mermoz and avenue Cheikh Anta Diop. Low villas, tree-lined streets, cultural institutes and diplomatic offices: you can walk from one address to another, which is rare in Dakar. It is a neighbourhood where expats dine, work and entertain. Our Point E guide covers what to do there.

ge'eza occupies a villa with a garden and terrace at 656 avenue Birago Diop. It is an Ethiopian restaurant, an art gallery and an events venue at once, so a good reason to know the area even before you live in it.

Mermoz: calm and family-friendly

Mermoz, next to Point E and Sacré-Coeur, is a peaceful residential district of villas and newer apartment buildings. Families like it for its calm and its proximity to several main roads. As everywhere in Dakar, check the real commute to school or the office before you sign.

The Almadies: the western tip and the ocean

The Almadies sit at the western end of the peninsula, with the sea very present. You will find restaurants and terraces, residences and hotels, and a rhythm closer to the coast. The price is distance: reaching the centre at rush hour takes patience. It is a good choice if your work or the children's school is nearby, or if you want the ocean day to day.

Ngor: a fishing village by the sea

Ngor is a former fishing village next to the Almadies, with its beach, its pirogues and Ngor Island a few minutes away by boat. It has a more village-like character and appeals to people looking for a seaside atmosphere and easy weekends. Here too, distance from your workplace is the question.

How to choose

A few pointers:

• Work in the city centre: the Plateau, Fann, Point E or Mermoz keep commutes short.
• Family with children: start from the school, then pick a quiet neighbourhood nearby.
• Want the sea every day: the Almadies or Ngor, accepting the distances.
• First posting: a central residential area gives you the most room to test the city.

Visit at different times and on different days, have lunch locally and talk to future neighbours. For the rest of the process, our guide to moving to Dakar covers the first reflexes.

A coffee or a meal in Point E

If Point E is on your shortlist, the best test is to spend a day there. ge'eza is open Tuesday to Sunday, 8am to 10pm: an Ethiopian breakfast from 8am to 11am, a Senegalese dish of the day at lunch from Tuesday to Friday, or dinner. You can book online or message us on WhatsApp at +221 78 660 07 07.

Everyday questions to check

Beyond atmosphere, a few practical criteria separate two neighbourhoods. Proximity to a pharmacy and a place of care matters when you have children. Shops within walking distance change daily life: buying bread or fruit without taking the car is a real comfort. The state of the streets and drainage deserve a look during the rainy season, from July to October. Finally, check parking and access, especially if you entertain often.

The best approach is still to spend a morning and an evening in the area before deciding, and to ask a neighbour what they like and what irritates them.

Renting or buying: the right order

On arrival, renting is almost always more prudent than buying. Dakar's property market has its own rules, and it takes time to understand prices, districts and property statuses. Rent first, take advice from professionals you trust, and ask your employer or colleagues who have already been through it.