Best Neighbourhoods in Lagos for Remote Workers 

By Elsie Udoh

If you work remotely in Lagos, living in areas like Mushin, Ajegunle, or Iyana Ipaja, then there’s a lot you’re missing out on when it comes to remote work. Don’t be too shocked; I am sure you’d agree already that these neighbourhoods, though vibrant, often suffer from poor power supply, unreliable Internet connectivity, and noise, which are far from ideal for any remote worker to stay on top of their game.

So where are the best places to stay, I hear you ask?

Read on because we are about to reveal the best remote work-friendly neighbourhoods for you to be at your best in Lagos.

But first,

What Makes a Neighbourhood Ideal for Your Remote Work?

As earlier emphasised, not every area is ideal for you as a remote worker. While you might want to factor in the cost of living in a particular area into your decision on where to live, it is important that you take into consideration the following factors that make a location suitable for you as a remote worker: 

1. Stable Power Supply: Working from home does not give you the leverage to be unavailable; rather, you are expected to show up when work calls, and this would be difficult to achieve without stable electricity. This, therefore, makes uninterrupted power supply a key critical for remote work. Areas with frequent power outages can be a nightmare for remote workers who need to be online continuously and so should be avoided at all costs.

2. High-Speed Internet: Another equally important factor to consider is the network service in the area because reliable and fast internet is crucial since you would constantly be in and out of video conferencing, as well as engaging in other remote work activities such as large file transfers, among others. Although Lagos is generally known for its erratic internet services, some neighbourhoods offer better connectivity than others, making them ideal to settle in.

3. Serene Environment: The last thing you want while working from home is the honk of a heavy-duty vehicle or loud music from businesses interrupting a virtual meeting with your employer or brainstorming session with collaborators; therefore, a serene environment is highly required. Neighbourhoods with lower noise pollution will allow you to focus better and be more productive.

4. Proximity to Co-working Spaces: It is highly beneficial to be close to spaces where you can go to work, because while working from home is great, sometimes a change of scenery is necessary. Thus, proximity to co-working spaces offers you the flexibility to work in a professional environment when needed.

5. Cost of Living: Whether you are a remote worker or just looking to settle in Lagos, the cost of living is always an essential factor to consider; take note of rent, utilities, and daily expenses. Ensure to go for an area that provides a good balance between affordability and quality of life. The idea is to relocate and not go broke while at it!

6. Security: Working in an office environment provides you with a measure of protection with security officials available to guard the premises, but this is not the case when you work from home, so you must ensure to keep your safety at the forefront when deciding on the area to live in. Safety is a non-negotiable factor, so choose a neighbourhood with a low crime rate to enjoy your work and have peace of mind.

7. Access to Essential Services: While remote work means that you’ll be indoors for the most part, it is essential that you live close to places where you can easily access essential services when you need them. Proximity to grocery stores, healthcare facilities, and leisure spots can be a great enhancement, providing a work-life balance for you as a remote worker.

5 Best Neighbourhoods in Lagos for Remote Workers

Now that we’ve identified the essential factors to consider when choosing the best neighbourhood for you as a remote worker, let us pinpoint the areas that meet these criteria and are perfect for you to reside in.

1. Lekki Phase 1

Lekki Phase 1 is one of Lagos’ most popular residential areas, especially among young professionals. The area is known for its high standard of living and several amenities that make it ideal for remote workers.

• Stable Power Supply: Although the majority of Lekki residents have clamoured about having an epileptic power supply, rest assured that most of the apartments in Lekki Phase 1 are built with solar panels and inverters, providing you with a stable power supply to carry out your work.

• High-Speed Internet: Internet service providers such as Spectranet and FibreOne (which deliver internet speeds of up to 500 Mbps) have strong networks here. This offers seamless browsing, making your online activities run smoothly.

• Serene Environment: Although Lekki is a bustling area, many parts of the Phase 1 area are peaceful enough for focused work. This peaceful environment is greatly appreciated by Maryam, a digital marketer based in Lekki, who notes that “Lekki offers a good blend of peace and modern amenities. Even though it’s a bit pricey, the quality of life here is worth it.”

• Co-working Spaces: With spaces like Venia Business Hub and CapitalSquare, you are provided with options to work comfortably if you need a professional setting outside of your home. These places give you access to beautiful and fully-served workspaces that can boost your creativity.

• Cost of Living: As noted by Maryann, Lekki is on the pricier side, with the average price of a one-bedroom flat spanning between ₦550,000 and ₦25,000,000; however, the high cost of living is justified by the quality of life provided to the residents, so you can be sure to get great value for your money.

• Security: Lekki Phase 1 cannot be accessed without passing through gated estates with private security, so this ensures your safety and helps you to work free from worries. 

• Access to Essential Services: In Lekki Phase 1, there are several supermarkets, pharmacies, gyms, and restaurants around that make life convenient for remote workers.

 2. Yaba

Yaba is Lagos’ tech hub and a vibrant area with a young, tech-savvy population, making it a perfect spot for remote workers in the tech industry.

• Stable Power Supply: Yaba is close to the Lagos Mainland Power Plant, and because of this, the residents enjoy a relatively stable power supply of about 10 hours daily.

• High-Speed Internet: As a tech hub, Yaba is well served by high-speed internet providers like MainOne and Smile Communications. Caleb, a software developer living in the Alagomeji area of Yaba, affirms that “the tech community here is amazing, and the internet is one of the best in Lagos. I can work seamlessly from home or at CcHub if I need a change of environment.”

• Serene Environment: Although Yaba is on this list, not every area of Yaba is suitable for you. Some areas close to Tejuosho Market can be busy and unconducive, but residential streets like Alagomeji offer the tranquillity needed for remote work.

• Co-working Spaces: Yaba houses several co-working spaces, including the famous Co-Creation Hub (CcHub) at Herbery Macaulay Way and Leadspace, which is popular among startups and remote workers.

• Cost of Living: Yaba is more affordable compared to Lekki, making it an attractive option for remote workers on a budget. 

• Security: Yaba is generally safe, with active vigilantes and proximity to police stations enhancing security.

• Access to Essential Services: With its many cafes, eateries, and shopping outlets, Yaba ensures that all essential services are within easy reach, so you can be confident of finding what you need in good time without consuming too much of your working hours.

See more information about living in Yaba here: 10 Best Places to Live on Lagos Mainland 

3. Ikeja GRA

Ikeja GRA (Government Reserved Area) is another excellent neighbourhood for remote workers. Dare David, a tech bro, acknowledges that the area’s serene environment makes it ideal for remote workers. Here are some other factors that help it to tick the box as the area you should live:

• Stable Power Supply: In Ikeja GRA, you will have access to a more stable power supply with fewer frequent outages compared to other parts of Lagos like Igando.

• High-Speed Internet: When deciding on the internet service provider with the best networks to use in this area, then FibreOne and Spectranet are available to offer you strong internet connectivity in Ikeja GRA.

• Serene Environment: Ikeja tops the list of having a serene and calm environment that is conducive to productivity.

• Co-working Spaces: You also have access to several co-working spaces, like SpaceUnlimited Workspace, which provides alternatives to working from home.

• Cost of Living: Living in Ikeja GRA is less expensive than living in Lekki but could cost more than living in Yaba. Basically, it offers a mid-range option in terms of cost, offering good value for the amenities and quality of life it provides. You can find the average price of flats in Ikeja GRA, Ikeja, at about ₦180,000,000. Although the price varies by location, size, and features of the apartment.

• Security: Regular patrols and controlled access points enhance safety, making Ikeja GRA a well-secured environment.

• Access to Essential Services: Ikeja GRA is a hub for various restaurants like KFC. Its proximity to the Ikeja City Mall and other places like gyms adds to the convenience of living there.

4. Victoria Island (VI)

Victoria Island is an upscale neighbourhood that offers everything a remote worker might need. 

• Stable Power Supply: Like Lekki, VI benefits from consistent power supply, with many buildings equipped with generators and inverters.

• High-Speed Internet: VI is the commercial nerve centre of Lagos and is home to numerous companies, so being a business environment, VI has some of the best internet services in Lagos, with providers like Swift Networks and ipNX offering reliable connections.

• Serene Environment: Although VI is a bustling commercial area, some parts are conducive for residing. These areas include quiet gated estates like Oniru Estate and 1004 Estate, among others.

• Co-working Spaces: There are also a plethora of co-working spaces, including Workstation and Regus, catering to remote workers and entrepreneurs in the area.

• Cost of Living: Like Lekki, VI is among the most expensive areas in Lagos, but it offers unparalleled access to amenities and a high standard of living.

• Security: Well-guarded residential areas, as well as other private security arrangements, make VI a tight security location.

• Access to Essential Services: Whether you’re looking for high-end restaurants, gyms, or supermarkets, VI has it all, ensuring that you have everything you need as a remote worker close by.

5. Gbagada

Gbagada is a growing residential area located between the Island and Mainland of Lagos. It has become increasingly popular among young professionals, including remote workers, due to its accessibility and balanced lifestyle.

• Stable Power Supply: Gbagada enjoys a stable power supply, especially in estates like Phase 2 and Medina Estate, where residents often experience fewer power outages compared to other parts of Lagos Mainland.

• High-Speed Internet: The area is well-covered by various internet service providers like Spectranet, Swift, and FibreOne, making it suitable for remote work.

• Serene Environment: Areas like Atunrase Estate and Millennium Estate offer a calm and quiet environment, making them ideal for remote workers who need to focus without constant disruptions.

• Co-working Spaces: Although Gbagada does not have as many co-working spaces as Lekki or Yaba, it is close enough to Yaba and Ikeja GRA, where several co-working options are available. Additionally, some small co-working setups like StartZone are available in Gbagada to cater to remote workers.

• Cost of Living: Gbagada offers a more affordable cost of living compared to upscale areas like Lekki and Victoria Island. Rent and daily expenses are relatively moderate, making it an attractive option for remote workers who want a good balance between affordability and quality of life.
• Security: There are several gated communities and active neighbourhood vigilantes to guarantee safety. Estates like Medina and Soluyi are particularly known for their tight security.

• Access to Essential Services: Gbagada is well served by essential amenities, including supermarkets, healthcare facilities, gyms, and restaurants. Proximity to major roads like the Third Mainland Bridge also ensures easy access to other parts of Lagos, making it convenient for remote workers.

Conclusion

Choosing the right neighbourhood is important to enable you to maximise productivity and maintain a healthy work-life balance as a remote worker. Neighbourhoods like Lekki Phase 1, Yaba, Ikeja GRA, Victoria Island, and Gbagada have been identified in this article as the best options in Lagos, each offering unique advantages that cater to your specific needs. These areas provide reliable power and internet, serene environments, and access to co-working spaces, making them ideal for a successful remote work life in Lagos.

Godwin Shaibu

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