Living in Senegal? This is a question you may have asked yourself if you've traveled to the land of Teranga (hospitality). The sunny climate, the warmth of the people, and the idyllic lifestyle may have convinced you that this is where you want to settle permanently. The country boasts a truly unique diversity of places. If living in Senegal becomes an option for you, you'll need to think about where you'll live. In this article, we've prepared a brief overview of the places where you can settle in Senegal. From Dakar to Casamance, passing through the Petite Côte (Little Coast), you'll have plenty of options to consider when making your decision. Let's go!
DAKAR
The Senegalese capital is the epicenter of Senegal. A true nerve center of the country's activity, Dakar home to the headquarters of most Senegalese companies. Furthermore, the city is increasingly popular with tourists from all over the world, who are visiting in ever-growing numbers. Dakar also boasts the country's most prestigious universities. As such, many Senegalese and international students come there to pursue their studies. Finally, the Senegalese capital accounts for the majority of the country's economic activity. Many people from the sub-region and even neighboring countries settle there to work and support their families, sometimes remaining in their region of origin.
As you might have guessed, living in Senegal by settling in Dakar means living in a major metropolis . The city is, in fact, the most populated in West Africa. You'll have a wide variety of neighborhoods to choose from, each as diverse as the next.
If you're looking for a lively atmosphere and proximity to amenities, the city center is a great option. The Plateau district is indeed the busiest area of the city. On the one hand, it's home to numerous businesses, making it the city's main business district. If your desire to live in Senegal is accompanied by a professional project, this is the perfect place! On the other hand, all essential amenities and shops are available, greatly simplifying your daily life.
If, on the other hand, you're looking for a quieter living environment, away from the hustle and bustle of the city center, neighborhoods like Almadies, Point E, Sacré Coeur, Mermoz, or Mamelles might be right for you. More residential and family-friendly, these areas of Dakar offer their residents a high quality of life.
Looking for an apartment to rent in Dakar ?
THE LITTLE COAST
Living in Senegal isn't just about choosing a neighborhood in the capital. Venturing south from Dakar will lead you to the Petite Côte, the most popular region for expats. Stretching nearly 80 kilometers south of Dakar, it's Senegal's premier tourist destination, attracting a growing number of visitors each year.
Located on the Cap Vert peninsula, the Petite Côte is made up of numerous fishing villages. Among them are Yenne , Toubab Diallaw , Popenguine , Somone , Ngaparou and Saly. The latter underwent a radical transformation in 1984. The inauguration of its seaside resort was the result of the government's ambition to establish the Petite Côte as Senegal's premier tourist region. Consequently, many hotels, restaurants, nightclubs, and shops of all kinds sprang up. This was followed by the construction of numerous residences to accommodate a growing population.
Therefore, the Petite Côte has many advantages to offer if you wish to live in Senegal. All amenities are available , and you will enjoy a much more peaceful atmosphere than in Dakar. It is worth noting that many Dakar residents choose to buy second homes there to escape the hustle and bustle of the capital, even if just for a weekend.
The Petite Côte also has the advantage of being much more affordable in terms of real estate than Dakar. Rents for villas and apartments are significantly lower there, although the trend has been upward for some time.
Discover all the villa listings for sale in Saly .
DIAMNIADIO
Located about thirty kilometers from Dakar, Diamniadio is a brand new city in Senegal. Positioning itself as Africa's potential smart city, Diamniadio aims to relieve congestion in Dakar. Indeed, the capital is experiencing exponential population growth, and the demand for housing is no longer sufficient to meet this trend. Therefore, the Senegalese government has undertaken the Dakar First with the goal of providing Diamniadio with modern, eco-friendly housing in a brand new business center designed to generate numerous jobs.
Another major advantage of the area is its connection to the capital via the TER regional train . This makes it a prime location for those who work in Dakar and wish to live away from the hustle and bustle of the metropolis. The TER was inaugurated on December 28, 2021, and is soon to be extended to the international airport.
In terms of housing, you'll find all the latest and greatest. Diamniadio boasts a wealth of modern, eco-friendly buildings and homes. Residences, villas, apartments… everything is brand new ! Furthermore, the city has a shared fiber optic network. In a continent where internet access is not yet widespread, Diamniadio is a pioneer in this field.
Finally, many facilities have been built in recent years. The most striking example is the Abdoulaye Wade Stadium , which hosts matches of the Senegalese national team.
SAINT-LOUIS
Considered by many to be the most beautiful city in Senegal, Saint-Louis is a prime location if you wish to live in Senegal. It's also worth noting that it has become a major tourist destination in its own right over the last thirty years.
Saint-Louis is the northernmost major city in Senegal. As such, it enjoys a pleasant climate . While the rainy season is generally less pronounced than in other regions, the city is at its most pleasant during the dry season. Thanks to its location, the city is cooled by sea breezes. However, the Harmattan winds blowing in from the desert can bring heat from January to March.
The architecture of Saint-Louis dates back to Senegal's colonial past. As a result, the renovated buildings, painted in different colors on its various streets, give Saint-Louis a unique character. Also note that rents are much more affordable than in Dakar or even the Petite Côte .
Finally, Saint-Louis is developing more and more culturally. The city attracts many artists every year, and numerous cultural events are held there annually, such as the Sahel Festival or the Jazz Festival.
CASAMANCE
To conclude our tour of places to live in Senegal, here is Casamance . It is considered by many to be the most beautiful region of Senegal, with its lush and unique landscapes. Indeed, Casamance is a region located in southern Senegal, and as a result, rainfall is more abundant. The climate is therefore much more humid than in Dakar.
It is also very popular with tourists seeking authenticity . Canoe trips through the mangroves, relaxing on Senegal's most beautiful beaches… If for you, living in Senegal means tranquility, Casamance is the place for you!
Ziguinchor is the main city of the Casamance region. Much cleaner and better maintained than Dakar, it also boasts unique architecture, with its colonial buildings. For example, you can find lovely accommodation in the Escale district, all at an affordable price! Numerous concerts and cultural events will satisfy your thirst for discovery.
Cap Skirring is the Casamance tourist hotspot. Although less frequented than the Petite Côte, it attracts more and more tourists every year. Numerous hotel complexes, restaurants, and leisure activities are available to visitors.
You are now well-informed about the different places in Senegal where you can settle down. If you wish to move there, take a look at our real estate search engine, KEUR-IMMO.