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.
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
- 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 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
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
Read more:Part One: Moscow's most popular districts: Arbat-Kropotkinskaya
Part Three: Popular residential areas outside of Central Moscow: Krasnopresnenskaya-Barrikadnaya & Leningradsky Prospect
Part Four: Popular residential areas outside of Central Moscow: Kuntsevo-Krylatskoe & Leninsky Prospect
For information about Intermark Relocation and its services, go to www.intermarkrelocation.ru