Are you wondering if Surulere is a safe place to live? Is it a good and conducive environment for you to start or extend your family?
What are the exact factors to consider that make Surulere a good option if you are settling down for a place to inhabit?
Well, it’s normal to have questions like this buzzing in your head when trying to move to a new environment and that’s when this article comes in handy.
We’ll take a deep look at Surulere’s livability by focusing on its housing, amenities, and infrastructure just so you can have a thorough knowledge of how safe and great Surulere is and to help you with your decision-making if you have plans or thoughts of moving to the heart of Lagos.
The Roots Of Surulere
Surulere is a large district in Lagos state, Nigeria and it was meant to be an inhabitant for the middle-class people in Lagos and also house the overwhelming population of people who lived in Lagos Island, a place meant for the high-class people.
It dates back to the early 20th century. “Surulere” is a Yoruba word that means “Patience has its reward” which in itself shows the community’s cultural strength.
As time went on, Surulere evolved quickly and became a vibrant area known for its remarkable landmarks, and commercial activities amongst many others.
If you are someone who seeks an environment that blends modern lifestyle while also embracing cultural unity, you are sure to find that in Surulere.
4 Factors That Make Surulere A Good Place to Live
- Surulere has a remarkable housing and real estate package.
- Surulere has good infrastructure and transportation.
- Easy access to healthcare facilities.
- The home of entertainment.
Surulere has a remarkable housing and real estate package
One of the key factors that make Surulere a good place to live is that it offers an increased variety of housing options, catering to different income levels and lifestyles.
From luxurious apartments in gated estates to modest flats and self-contained units, there is something for everyone and everyone includes you. What are the key residential areas in Surulere? They include:
- Adeniran Ogunsanya: Known for its upscale apartments and proximity to commercial hubs. It is known for its massive number of shopping malls, it is an area that is a perfect fit for people who love to shop and hang out with their loved ones. At Adeniran Ogunsanya, the flats and houses range from ₦1,000,000 to ₦4,000,000 annually.
- Bode Thomas: It has many structures and build-ups of houses from blocks of flats to bungalows, bedroom apartments, and even duplexes. This area is known to have quite pricey houses but suitable for a high-class taste. The houses in Bode Thomas range from ₦800,000 to ₦3,000,000 per year.
- Iponri and Ijeshatedo: In this area, we have Iponri Housing Estate which is more budget-friendly for people looking to rent, or own an apartment. You can rent apartments ranging from #800,000 to #3,000,000 per annum.
- Ojuelegba: Although the area is more serene than the other parts of Surulere, it has affordable housing as it serves as the linking point for people who commute to the three main districts of Yaba, Mushin, and Surulere. As for the average house rent in Ojuelegba per annum, it ranges from the price of #800,000 to 4,500, 000.
Housing costs in Surulere are generally more affordable compared to upscale areas like Ikoyi and Victoria Island.
Rent prices range from the sum of N800,000 to N4,000,000 depending on the type of apartment one wants.
This affordability makes it attractive to young professionals and families. Also, the area’s central location provides easy access to Lagos’ business districts, making it ideal for commuters.
The real estate market in Surulere has seen steady growth, with increasing investments in modern housing projects and renovation of older properties. This development enhances the area’s appeal to prospective residents and investors.
Surulere has good infrastructure and transportation
Surulere boasts an extensive road network like Funsho Williams Avenue and Agege Motor Road, connecting it to major parts of Lagos, which makes this location appealing to Lagos residents.
Key roads like Adeniran Ogunsanya Street, Bode Thomas Street, and Western Avenue make commuting within and beyond the area convenient.
Various means of public transportation at Surulere include buses, minibuses which can also be called danfo, and tricycles also known as keke, which make movement convenient within and beyond Surulere.
However, traffic congestion remains a big challenge, and steps are being taken by which the Lagos Rail project will serve as a tool to eradicate this problem. The area’s proximity to key transport hubs like Ojuelegba and Barracks ensures residents can navigate Lagos.
While Surulere has a stable supply of utilities such as electricity and water compared to some other Lagos neighborhoods, occasional outages still occur. Many residents supplement these services with generators and boreholes.
The area is well-served by major internet service providers, ensuring reliable connectivity for residents who have remote jobs or run businesses from home.
Areas like Adeniran Ogunsanya have various shops and stores for network providers such as Mtn and Airtel, amongst others for prompt consultation if issues arise with one’s service provider.
Easy access to healthcare facilities
Surulere is home to several healthcare centers, including government hospitals, private clinics, and specialized facilities.
Examples of the notable ones include;
- St. Charles Hospital is located at 59, Ayilara street, Surulere Lagos
- St. George Hospital located at 1 James Robertson Rd, Surulere
- Dortem Specialist Hospital located at 26, Babs Animashaun Road Lagos amongst others.
When it comes to receiving the best medical treatment, the confines of Surulere are enough to have that provided to residents of the area.
It is one major point that points to whether Surulere is a good place to live. Who would not want their health prioritized and to receive treatment from competent medical personnel?
The home of shopping and nightlife
Surulere is a shopper’s paradise, with malls, markets, and standalone stores catering to diverse needs. Key spots include:
- Leisure Mall: A hub for shopping, dining, and entertainment.
- Tejuosho Market: Famous for affordable clothing, electronics, and household items.
- Adeniran Ogunsanya Shopping Mall (Shoprite): Known for recreation, retailers, and mini stores.
The variety of different shopping centers in Surulere makes it less tedious to get goods and products as there is no scarcity. The social life in Surulere is vibrant, with numerous events, concerts, and cultural festivals.
The area is also known for its thriving nightlife, with bars and lounges like O’jez Bar, and The Place both notable for their music, dance, and socializing, providing entertainment for young adults and professionals.
Surulere is a melting pot of cultures, with people from various ethnic and religious backgrounds coexisting.
Challenges of Living in Surulere
Surulere being the central part of Lagos comes with a lot of good qualities but it is important that in order for one to determine whether the living conditions of a place are good or bad, one has to also evaluate some shortcomings as to see if they are overwhelming or manageable to live or reside in.
Because Surulere houses a ton of commercial businesses and enterprises, there is usually a struggle with traffic congestion due to the rush hours, this can sometimes be frustrating for people residing in the district but as forementioned, there has been a proposal for the Rail Project to reduce the problem as time progresses.
The bustling nature of Surulere means higher levels of noise and air pollution, especially in commercial and high-density areas like Ojuelegba, and sometimes that can be a hassle for people who would prefer a much more serene environment, although there are also serene environments in Surulere like Iponri which can be an option if one is repulsed by noise.
Also, the inadequate waste disposal systems in some parts of Surulere contribute to environmental hazards. However, ongoing efforts by the Lagos State Government and private organizations aim to address this issue as soon as possible. And besides, cleanliness starts with a single person.
Finally
For those seeking a blend of affordability, accessibility, and vibrancy, Surulere ticks many boxes in that area which is a good thing. Its rich cultural heritage, diverse amenities, and sense of community make it an attractive option for families, young professionals, and retirees alike.
However, like any urban area, Surulere has its challenges, including traffic congestion, pollution, and inadequate waste management.
By addressing these issues through collaborative efforts between residents, the government, and private stakeholders, Surulere can continue to thrive as one of Lagos’ most desirable neighborhoods.
