Is New Cairo a good place to live in Egypt?
New Cairo has quickly become one of the most talked-about residential areas in Egypt, attracting locals and expatriates alike. But is it truly a good place to live? Like any city, it has its pros and cons. Here’s a clear, realistic look at what living in New Cairo is really like, so you can decide if it suits your lifestyle and needs.
Why New Cairo could be a great place to live
Climate and weather
For those who prefer warm and arid climate, New Cairo would be an ideal city. The summers in the city are very hot and rather high temperatures, winters can be quite cool but not cold. You will not worry about the earthquakes, hurricanes, and extreme weather events, which are typical in other places. The rain and snow are seldom, so the weather remains predictable, and the fact is liked by many.
Vibrant nightlife and dining
New Cairo offers a relatively active nightlife by Egyptian standards, with restaurants and cafes open late, especially in commercial centers and compounds.
For the wealthy and comfortable lifestyle seekers
New Cairo is usually considered as a wealthy area. The cost of living is greater here as compared to other places in Cairo or in cities such as Giza. Housing, especially, is expensive. When you have a decent income or you are financially secure and do not need a job in the city, you can live a high standard of life with the opportunity to obtain luxury amenities and gated communities.
Car ownership is almost a must
New Cairo and many other modern Egyptian cities were planned with cars on mind and not the pedestrians. Most sidewalks and pedestrian-friendly areas are only located in gated compounds. Public transport facilities are few, and moving around by ride-hailing apps such as Uber or Careem is not cheap or convenient for day-to-day travels. If you are a car owner, New Cairo is tenable. If it is the case, living here may get difficult.
Quality education and international institutions
The New Cairo has numerous international schools and universities, including those of the Americans, Canadians, and Germans. This makes it the preferred choice for families, who ensure that they take their children to schools which provide quality education and international curricula. However, these universities are usually not a part of the city’s social activity and therefore they may not provide much integration into the local culture or community activities.
Diverse and multicultural population
Its diversity is one of the things that are outstanding about New Cairo. Compared to the more conservative Old Cairo, New Cairo is rather liberal and open socially speaking. There are many expatriates or Egyptians from different walks of life like those who lived abroad or people of different parts of Egypt and neighboring countries. This combination not only creates a multicultural environment, but people tend also to be more open-minded and socially conscious in it.
Why New Cairo might not be the best choice
Lack of cultural scene
If you are a big fan of cultural activities and places in which you can visit museums, operas, symphonies, or see a world’s class theater performance, then, there are high chances that New Cairo would not impress you. Some critics argue that New Cairo lacks the historic charm and cultural richness found in downtown Cairo. Commercial entertainment in this case is largely dominated by shopping malls, restaurants and night clubs rather than the traditional culture.
Infrastructure issues
Although New Cairo is modern, it has had enormous infrastructure challenges in the past. A case in point is back in April this year when heavy rains resulted in flooding causing havoc on private homes, shopping malls, and even the American University campus. Flooding had led to power outages in a number of areas in some cases. These problems brought out the fact that the city’s infrastructure can still be improved even though measures are being taken to address these issues expeditiously.
Dependence on private transport
As stated, the design of New Cairo refers to cars, which may be a drawback in case you don’t have a car or enjoy walking and public transport. Commuting without vehicles can be hard and costly for those without them, restricting mobility and social choices.
Final verdict
New Cairo is a perfect location to live in if you appreciate modern services and infrastructure, a lively night life, not forgetting quality international education and diverse cosmopolitan lifestyle. It’s very ideal if one is financially comfortable and he/she owns a car.
But, if you are looking for rich cultural experience, an easy walking distance, and cost effective living, then New Cairo may not excite you. The city’s infrastructure is yet coming up and its social life is more based on having fun and shopping rather than having traditional arts or culture.
Finally, New Cairo provides a comfortable modern living to a certain group of residents – mainly the rich ones and those who want to live in a multicultural cosmopolitan territory far from the rush of Old Cairo. If that is what you’re after, New Cairo can be a great place to live.
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