Housing Options Near International Schools in Jakarta | Expat Family Guide

r123-share-title

If you’re an expat moving to Jakarta and your kids will attend an international school, choosing where to live becomes one of your most important decisions. 

The right location can save you hours in commute, reduce stress, and boost quality of life. 

Below is a guide to neighborhoods, housing types, costs, and tips to help you find a home that fits both your family’s needs and budget.

Key Neighborhoods Popular with Expat Families

Here are some of the top districts in Jakarta where international schools are clustered, and housing is expat-friendly.

Kemang, South Jakarta 

A lively, popular area for expats. Kemang offers a mix of villas, modern apartments, and smaller homes. It’s full of cafés, international restaurants, and community amenities. 

Many international schools are relatively nearby. It’s walkable in parts, but traffic can add time.

Pondok Indah, South Jakarta 

One of the premier upscale neighborhoods. 

High-end houses, gated communities, spacious properties, excellent infrastructure, malls, hospitals, amenities, and great proximity to schools like Jakarta International School. 

If budget allows, almost every luxury and convenience want is met here.

Cipete

Similar vibe to Kemang but often a bit quieter. Offers lovely houses and medium to high-end apartments, often with a friendlier feel, smaller roads, local shops. 

Good proximity to international schools in South Jakarta.

Cilandak / Lebak Bulus 

These areas offer more space, especially in gated communities and newer townhouses. Apartments are available too. 

They strike a balance between proximity to schools and more affordable, calmer living.

Puri Indah & West Jakarta Expansions 

As traffic and congestion in South grow, many families are considering areas slightly further out but with good infrastructure. 

Puri Indah is a fast-developing area that has international schools, malls, and amenities. 

If you don’t mind slightly longer commute or planning around traffic, this might be a good value choice.

Read more:

Cost of Renting in Jakarta, How Much Should You Budget?

Types of Housing: What to Expect

In these neighborhoods, you’ll typically find the following types of housing. Each has trade-offs in price, space, convenience, and lifestyle.

Standalone / Villa Houses 

Often in gated communities with private gardens, multiple bedrooms, and more space. Great for families that value outdoor areas. But upkeep, maintenance, and security fees tend to be higher. 

Pondok Indah and parts of Kemang have many of these.

Modern Apartments / Serviced Residences 

In newer high-rise complexes. Good for those who prefer low maintenance: security, shared amenities (pool, gym, maybe concierge). 

Especially appealing if your school commute is long; living in an apartment near schools or along major traffic arteries can reduce commute stress.

Looking for a place to stay while working in Jakarta’s CBD? The Elements Apartment offers an elegant, modern living experience right in the heart of Rasuna Epicentrum, Kuningan, one of Jakarta’s most established and well-planned neighborhoods.

Townhouses 

Less common than apartments in some areas, but in neighborhoods like Pondok Indah or Kemang/Cipete, townhouses offer a compromise: more room than many apartments, often with small gardens or shared open spaces.

Gated Communities / Clusters 

These are residential complexes where many homes are under one management, often with shared security, landscaped common areas, maybe clubhouses or pools. 

Good for safety, kids, and more tranquility. Found in Pondok Indah, Kemang outskirts, and some newer developments in West Jakarta.

Experience high-end living at Cluster Richmond, Kota Wisata Cibubur – where premium design meets unbeatable accessibility. Just 1 minute from the Nagrak Toll Gate and 18 minutes to the LRT Station.

Cost Ranges to Expect

Prices vary widely depending on neighborhood, housing type, size, condition, and amenities. Below are rough ranges to help you plan.

*These are estimates as of 2024-2025 and may fluctuate with demand, condition, furnishings, etc.

For context: a 2-3 bedroom apartment in upscale neighborhoods like Pondok Indah or Kebayoran Baru often reaches Rp 30-50 million/month or more.

Trade-offs to Consider

Here are some trade-offs that often come up when choosing housing near international schools:

Commute Time vs Rent 

Closer means higher rent, but traffic in Jakarta can make even short distances take a long time. Sometimes paying more for proximity saves you hours every day.

Furnishing & Maintenance Costs 

Luxury homes often come partly furnished, but utility and maintenance costs add up. Apartments may have service charges, parking costs, and shared facility fees.

Safety & Security 

Gated communities or serviced residences tend to provide better security. If house is standalone, ensure you check security both in the property and vicinity.

Amenities vs Quiet 

Areas closer to malls, restaurants, and conveniences will be busier; quieter neighborhoods often require driving further for shopping/dining.

Flood Risk & Infrastructure 

Jakarta has flooding and drainage issues in many areas. Check elevation, drainage history, and proximity to main roads over which traffic and flood exposure are managed. 

Also, look for access to toll roads / major roads for school transport.

Practical Tips for Expat Families

• Start early. Supply of good housing near top international schools fills up quickly; view multiple properties before committing.
• Engage a local real estate agent who knows expat needs. They understand paperwork, norms, and hidden costs.
• Ask schools about bus-routes. Some international schools offer school bus service. Living slightly further but with good bus access can reduce stress.
• Inspect for internet service quality. High speed, stable broadband is essential, especially if you or your children will work / study from home.
• Check contract terms carefully: deposit amounts, length of lease (often 1 year or more), maintenance responsibilities, whether utilities are included or separate.
• Consider short-term housing first (serviced apartment / furnished apartment) while you scout long-term housing.

*

Choosing housing near international schools in Jakarta involves balancing cost, convenience, lifestyle, and commute. 

Neighborhoods like Pondok Indah, Kemang, Cipete, and Cilandak are often first choices for families looking for high-quality housing near excellent schools. 

While being in these areas tends to cost more, the benefits in reduced travel time, better amenities, and comfortable living are often worth it.