Remote work sounds like the perfect solution to Lagos life; no traffic, no crowded danfo buses, no early morning rush.
But for many professionals living in the busy city of Lagos, the dream of being a remote worker gets frustrating. This is as a result of power failures that come without warning, poor internet connection, expensive internet data plans, noisy environment, and rising rent costs.
Working from home in Lagos can feel like a full-time job in survival. If you’re a remote worker struggling to find comfort and a good working space in the place where you live, you’re not alone.
The good news is that there are areas in Lagos where you can enjoy some level of peace, afford to pay your rent, and experience better social amenities/infrastructure.
This article presents to you seven areas that have become popular among remote workers, not just because houses there are not too expensive, but because they make working from home easier, more productive, and far less stressful.
What Makes a Good Remote Work Location in Lagos?
Before talking about the best places to live, it’s important to outline what makes a place suitable for remote work in a city like Lagos.
The ideal location should have:
Reliable Power Supply
Without electricity, remote work is practically impossible. Look for areas with a history of steady PHCN supply or houses that have inverters or solar power systems. Some areas even have collective estate arrangements for electricity.
Strong Internet Connectivity
A stable and fast internet connection is so important for you as a remote worker. You should look out for areas with access to fibre internet and reliable 4G or 5G networks. It’s even better if you can get multiple providers as backups.
Quiet and Peaceful Environment
Excess noise from traffic, generators, and construction can tamper with your productivity. Remote workers enjoy living in residential areas that are not too close to major roads and commercial centres, just to enjoy peace and quiet.
Security
Safety is important, especially when working with expensive equipment at home. Look for houses with gates or active security in well-lit areas.
Affordability
Your rent shouldn’t take up 70% of your income. A good location should be reasonable when it comes to cost and relative to your earnings. It should also provide access to affordable groceries, transport, and other basic needs.
7 areas in Lagos where you can live as a remote worker that are affordable and budget-friendly.
1. Gbagada
Gbagada is a cool residential area for young professionals and remote workers. It is located on the mainland with quite easy access to both the island and other mainland areas. Gbagada is affordable and convenient. As a result of its location, it has relatively good roads.
Power supply in Gbagada is fairly reliable, particularly in areas like Gbagada Phase 2 and parts of Pedro. Some houses here have power arrangements that provide quite stable electricity. The internet service is great alongside other major telecoms.
A decent one-bedroom apartment in Gbagada typically costs from ₦1.5 million to ₦3 million annually, depending on the exact location and quality of the building.
While not the cheapest on this list, the price in terms of infrastructure quality makes it a top choice for serious remote workers.
2. Yaba
Over time, Yaba has established itself as a popular centre for technology and innovation. For remote workers in Lagos, particularly those in tech, Yaba is a great place to live. Living in a tech centre like Yaba is more affordable than living on the island.
It has the highest number of tech talents in Lagos, with co-working spaces, tech hubs, and regular industry events that offer networking opportunities and seminars in tech.
Electricity in Yaba is quite stable, though areas closer to the University of Lagos and the commercial houses tend to receive more consistent power.
The internet connection is great! It has multiple providers offering fibre services and strong 4G signals across the area.
A one-bedroom apartment in Yaba goes for ₦1 million to ₦2 million annually, although the price differs depending on the house’s proximity to the main roads and commercial areas.
Yaba’s other advantages for remote workers are that it has a direct road to some parts of the mainland and an environment filled with young people, which many remote workers find full of energy.
Yaba is perfect for remote workers who want to be among other tech talents.
3. Surulere
If you’re looking for a location that offers a bit of everything at moderate prices, Surulere should be at the top of your list.
It is central to the island and other mainland areas, and Surulere has always been a favourite place among young professionals.
Power supply in Surulere differs in different areas, like Adeniran Ogunsanya, Aguda, and Bode Thomas, which enjoy better electricity than others.
Many apartments in these places share electricity. This means you may need to invest in personal backup power.
In Surulere, the Internet connectivity is strong, and all major providers offer reliable service. The area also has more fibre internet installations lately, particularly in newer developments.
Rental costs for a one-bedroom apartment range from ₦1.5 million to ₦2.5 million annually.
Read: How to search for a room and parlour in Surulere.
Living in Surulere means you’re not too far from important meetings anywhere in Lagos. When power challenges arise, there are business centres with generators.
Its central location makes it perfect for remote workers who occasionally need to attend to other things across the city.
4. Ogba
Ogba might not be the first area that comes to mind when thinking of a place to reside in Lagos as a remote worker, but it is surely a great place for remote workers. It is located in the Ikeja area; Ogba is quite a peaceful place that is not so populated.
Electricity supply in Ogba is quite stable, especially in areas close to Ikeja and in estates like Ifako Estate. In this area, you can depend on most internet service providers, though fibre options are currently more limited than in some other areas on this list.
The area is quite affordable, with one-bedroom apartments available from N800,000 to N2 million yearly.
Ogba is also quite secure, especially because it has a number of estates and houses with gates. So, as a remote worker, your equipment will be valuable at home. For those who value calm and spacious living, Ogba is worth considering.
5. Magodo
Remote workers who love a peaceful environment and are willing to pay a higher price to get a house can go for a house in this area.
Magodo is quite an attractive place. It is located along the Lagos-Ibadan Motorway and is just perfect for people who want to escape from the busy Lagos environment.
Magodo is divided into two main areas; Phase 2, called Shangisha, is a high-class area. The area is quite reliable when it comes to power supplies in Lagos. The internet service in Magodo is excellent.
Rental costs are higher than in some other areas on this list. One-bedroom apartments in Magodo cost an average of ₦1.2 million to ₦3 million yearly. The area has other advantages, like better air quality (since there’s less congestion), better security, quietness, consistent power, and good internet.
If you have the budget, Magodo is one of the best environments for serious remote workers. Though slightly more expensive, the stability and comfort in Magodo are a solid investment for professionals who spend most of their time at home.
6. Ilupeju
Ilupeju is one of Lagos’ most underrated areas for remote workers. This quiet area is just between Palmgrove and Oshodi. It is mostly a residential area, and so it has good infrastructure at reasonable prices.
Electricity in Ilupeju is often stable because of its proximity to industrial areas that receive priority power supply. The internet connectivity is strong, and it’s the same with all major service providers.
A one-bedroom apartment in Ilupeju costs from ₦700,000 to ₦1.3 million yearly. The area has older, more spacious apartments and some detached houses than many other parts of Lagos.
Ilupeju also has good security and sufficient amenities that provide daily comfort without the congestion of other places in Lagos. This quiet, residential area offers great infrastructure for remote workers. If you’re looking for space, peace, and central access without high rent, Ilupeju is a great option.
7. Ajah
This area is for remote workers who prefer to stay close to the island but can’t afford an apartment in Lekki or Victoria Island.
Certain parts of Ajah, particularly Badore and Addo, are great alternatives to staying on the island. These places provide more affordable houses and access to the amenities of the more expensive areas in Lagos.
Lately, power supply in these areas has improved, though it still lags behind some parts of the mainland. Many buildings have generators or solar as alternative sources of power. Internet connectivity is good, with 4G service from all major providers as well.
Rental costs for a one-bedroom apartment typically range from ₦700,000 to ₦1.7 million annually. The area is still developing, which means you’ll find different qualities of houses and amenities, but for a focused remote worker, there are suitable options available.
Final Thoughts
Working remotely in Lagos doesn’t have to mean constant struggles with electricity, internet, and rent. Whether you’re a freelancer, tech worker, or digital entrepreneur, finding the right area can dramatically improve your productivity and quality of life.
Each of the areas listed here is affordable, has good connections, and is peaceful. The main thing is knowing your personal priorities, whether it’s power supply, proximity to business hubs, or just living quietly alone, and choosing a location that meets those needs.
Also read: Looking for a house in Surulere? Here are 10 reasons why you should reach out to us.
Before making a move to rent a property, do your homework. Visit the area, talk to the people around, and ask specific questions about power, water, internet speed, and safety.
With the right choice, you can enjoy all the benefits of remote work without the Lagos stress.
