Job Discussion Forums

zeebandre · Joined: 28 Oct 2008 Posts: 11

Hi,

I will be starting work in Chiba (Narashino area) in April, and am wondering about good spots to live in either in east Tokyo or in Chiba prefecture. Would like to be a max 30-40 minute commute away.

Does anyone have any suggestions about decent neighbourhoods in the area? There is little info on the web about living in Chiba.

Thanks

seklarwia · Posted: Sun Nov 27, 2011 9:40 pm Post subject: Re: Where to live in east Tokyo?

rxk22 · Joined: 19 May 2010 Posts: 1629

I live in Chiba city. What station will you be working near? That is a big factor. What are you looking for in particular? Cheapness, access to stores?

Jalapeter · Joined: 26 Jan 2011 Posts: 13

I live in Funabashi, which is really close to Narashino. I love it here. Ichikawa is also nice but further away from where you'll be working.

rxk22 · Joined: 19 May 2010 Posts: 1629

zeebandre · Joined: 28 Oct 2008 Posts: 11

Thanks for the replies.

More specifically, I would like to live in a neighbourhood that's fairly close to shopping (I don't need western products) and green space. By fairly close I mean a 5-10 minute bike ride or 15-20 minute walk. I will not be driving, so by a 30-40 minute commute I meant a combination of walking and train. I don't mind noise.

My school's close to Makuharihongo station.

As to apartments, I'm not looking for something super cheap, but, to be honest, I'm not quite sure what the price range is in Funabashi or further east into Chiba for an apartment for a couple. I would greatly appreciate any information about that.

ultraman111 · Joined: 17 Sep 2011 Posts: 148

Kanda ELI..?

When did you get the word..?

I interviewed with them last week here in Australia....no results as yet.

rxk22 · Joined: 19 May 2010 Posts: 1629

Well anywhere on the Kesisei line is good. Try the Inage area, which is just west of Chiba city. I would skip Chiba city, as it is rather pricey, and not all that convenient for the cost.

For example, Chiba Chuou station. The area around it is really steep rent wise. But there aren't that many super markets nearby at all.

While Inage has some decent shopping, and isn't that expensive.

Any other deal breakers for you? I chose my area, as I like being near my gyms.

Jalapeter · Joined: 26 Jan 2011 Posts: 13

I live in Honcho. I'd say that the price is more or less the same but gets slightly higher the closer you get to Tokyo. My girlfriend and I pay 90k a month for a pretty nice, two bed apartment close to Funabashi railway station.

Higashi Funabashi is kind of in the sticks... not much to do there but go to Mos Burger. Nishi Funabashi is more expensive (as it is closer to the city and on the Tozai line) and there are shops.

Tsudanuma is also great for shopping... better than Funabashi IMHO and close to Narashino/Chiba. Also on the rapid Sobu line to Tokyo.

zeebandre · Joined: 28 Oct 2008 Posts: 11

Thanks to all those who replied. Looks like Funabashi it might be... I'm somewhat surprised about the price you (Jalapeter) quoted as I was expecting the prices for two bedrooms to be well over 100k a month. 90k sounds good to me!

Jalapeter · Joined: 26 Jan 2011 Posts: 13

Zeebandre,

Well I've been living here for half a year now and I'm really happy with the place. You certainly won't run out of shops - we have three big department stores and La La Port which is walkable from Funabashi station, or a very short train ride on the Keisei line from Funabashi. Tons of nice restaurants, a few gyms, etc etc.

If you can find a place in Higashi Funabashi it's even cheaper - the ones we found were around 80k or so. But of course it's the same everywhere - you get what you pay for! Smile

Good luck!