Explore selected homes, apartments and commercial spaces for rent or sale across Addis Ababa.
Explore a selection of Addis Ababa neighbourhoods and learn about their local amenities, transport links and property options. RealAddis works across the city and can help you find the right property in your preferred area.
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CompareAn international gateway and one of Addis Ababa’s most dynamic commercial districts
Located in the southeastern part of the city, Bole is closely associated with Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, major roads, hotels, restaurants, retail destinations and a broad range of residential and commercial properties. Its character varies by sub-area: busy corridors offer an urban, commercial atmosphere, while side streets and residential compounds can feel more private.
Modern Bole’s growth is closely linked to the development of the airport and the city’s expansion toward the east and southeast. The airport’s runway became operational in the early 1960s, while its modern international terminal opened in 2003 and was expanded in 2019. Over recent decades, airport access, new roads, commercial investment and housing development have helped make Bole an important business and hospitality destination. This growth has also brought greater density and traffic to some corridors.
Bole offers a wide choice of restaurants, cafés, hotels, supermarkets, shopping centres, banks, gyms and everyday services. Edna Mall and the Medhanealem area are well-known reference points. The airport is a major advantage for frequent travellers, although traffic and aircraft or road noise should be considered when choosing a particular property. Schools and healthcare facilities are available across the wider Bole corridor; exact proximity depends on the address.
The area includes modern apartments, serviced residences, villas, guest houses, retail premises and office buildings. Properties near major roads may suit businesses seeking visibility and access, while homes on quieter streets may appeal to families and long-term tenants. Building quality, parking, generator and water arrangements, access control and noise levels should be checked property by property.
Professionals, international visitors, corporate tenants, frequent travellers, families who value access to amenities, and businesses looking for commercial visibility.
A central business district with strong links to diplomacy and international institutions
Kazanchis is a central Addis Ababa business and hospitality area, known for office buildings, hotels, restaurants and its proximity to major institutions. It is especially practical for people whose work involves central government offices, conferences, international organizations or business meetings.
The district’s modern identity has been shaped by Addis Ababa’s role as a diplomatic and international meeting centre. A major landmark nearby is the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) complex and Africa Hall. Africa Hall was inaugurated in 1961, and it hosted the founding of the Organization of African Unity on 25 May 1963.
Kazanchis has hotels, business dining, cafés, offices and convenient access to central-city services. Meskel Square and other central destinations are reachable from the area, depending on the exact location and traffic. The district is active and urban; street noise, parking and traffic can vary considerably from one building to another.
Typical options include apartments, serviced residences, corporate accommodation, office space and mixed-use buildings. It can be a practical location for organizations that prioritize central access and proximity to meetings, but tenants should confirm security arrangements, backup utilities, parking and building management standards.
Corporate tenants, consultants, diplomats, conference visitors, international organizations and businesses that need a central address.
An established residential area with villas, compounds and a quieter pace on many streets
Old Airport is a familiar residential name in southern Addis Ababa. The wider area includes established streets, family homes, residential compounds and access to nearby neighbourhoods such as Sarbet and Tor Hailoch. Some roads are quiet and residential, while main roads and commercial pockets are busier.
The name is commonly associated with the former Lideta Airport, which served Addis Ababa before operations shifted to Bole. As the city’s airport functions changed and the capital expanded, the surrounding area became established as a residential part of the city.
Residents can access local shops, cafés, restaurants, schools, clinics and other everyday services in the wider area. Larger shopping and institutional destinations are reachable by road. The exact walking distance to a school, clinic or recreation facility depends on the property’s location.
The area is known for detached houses, villas, compound properties and apartment developments. Some homes may suit embassy or corporate accommodation requirements. Check each property’s security, utilities, maintenance and facilities against your requirements.
Families, long-term residents, diplomatic and corporate tenants, and people looking for a residential setting with access to central and southern Addis Ababa.
Two residential areas along Addis Ababa’s eastern corridor
CMC and Ayat are neighbouring residential areas in eastern Addis Ababa. CMC has established villas, gated compounds and shops alongside newer apartments and mixed-use developments. Ayat is known for condominium housing and private residential developments, with links to Summit, Goro and Megenagna.
Both areas grew as Addis Ababa expanded eastward and demand rose for housing outside the older central districts. Private projects, condominium developments and the shops and services that followed have shaped the corridor.
The wider corridor offers supermarkets, cafés, restaurants, schools and clinics. Road access, public transport and commute times vary by development. Check the route from the specific property to work or school at the time you normally travel.
Options include apartments, condominium homes, villas, townhouses and gated compounds. Compare construction quality, parking, road access, water and backup power, service charges and building management before deciding.
Families, professionals and buyers or renters looking for more space or newer residential developments in eastern Addis Ababa.
A southern residential area within Addis Ababa’s continuing urban expansion
Lebu is part of the city’s southern residential corridor and is associated with housing developments, local commercial activity and connections to nearby areas such as Jemo and Lafto. The area includes different types of housing and infrastructure, and convenience depends on the exact location and access road.
Lebu’s development is best understood in the context of Addis Ababa’s outward growth and the demand for additional housing. Residential projects and improvements to roads and local services have contributed to its expansion.
Local markets, shops, casual restaurants, schools and clinics serve residents, while additional services are available in nearby southern and central districts. Commute times can vary significantly, particularly at peak periods. Residents should assess transport options, road conditions, drainage, utilities and access to work and school before choosing a home.
The housing mix includes apartments, condominium-style homes, family houses and villas in some developments. Relative affordability may be attractive to some renters and buyers, but prices and investment performance vary by project, title and location. Verify all property documentation and infrastructure arrangements before making a commitment.
Households seeking a southern location, first-time buyers and renters comparing housing options across the city.
A neighbourhood along the Kebena River
Kebena is associated with the Kebena River corridor in the northern and central parts of Addis Ababa. The name refers to a wider area rather than one uniformly defined residential district. Housing, terrain, road access and local amenities vary across the river corridor and adjoining neighbourhoods.
The Kebena River flows from the northern highlands toward the city’s lower catchment and has shaped settlement along its banks. The Entoto–Kebena River and Riverside Development Project includes landscaped public spaces, walking and cycling paths, bridges and flood-control works.
The river corridor and nearby central neighbourhoods provide access to local shops, markets, schools, clinics and services. Riverside recreation options depend on which sections are open and accessible. Views, walkability and road access vary by address.
Residential options vary and can include apartments, houses and established compounds. Buyers and tenants should inspect road access, drainage, slope, water supply and the property’s relationship to the river corridor. Where relevant, check official information about flood exposure and any planned public works before purchase or lease.
Residents who value central access and are interested in neighbourhoods undergoing public-space improvement, subject to the exact location and property conditions.
