Top SIX Places to Live in Lagos Mainland: High, Middle and Low Areas

7 min readJul 22, 2021

The Earth is a beautiful place. It accounts for many safe, choicest, serene, and safe environs. Numerous sights of nature to behold. In short, all continents, nations of the world, diverse communities, and, even, households, are bright and beautiful. There are countless places to stay.

One may wish to doubt the reality of brightness and beauty in Nigeria. In the same vein, we may be tempted to categorize Nigeria as one of the worst places to live. This may be caused by series of reports of crimes, banditry, kidnappings, terrorism, killings, violence, and even misadministration. Nevertheless, Nigeria remains the country of promise. Yes, it is Africa’s most populous black country. Also in Nigeria is the fastest growing city, biggest economy, and most resourceful tech city – LAGOS.

Eko (Lagos), as it is fondly called, is a powerful and delightful metropolis. It sits in the southwest region of Nigeria. The city of Lagos is, perhaps, the best State to live in Nigeria. It has served as the land of opportunity to multitudes. It is considered the best city for most Nigerian youth and growing-adult to live and survive. It has also been the home to many foreigners and tourists. Lagos boasts of numerous lovely beaches and coastlines, surging nightlife in clubs and bars, etc.

Lagos is surrounded by water bodies. These waters divide the city of Lagos into two main parts – Island and Mainland. Both sides have been great residential, industrial and commercial hubs. In this article, however, I will be revealing the top places to live in Lagos Mainland: high, middle and low areas.

LOW-INCOME AREA

1. YABA

Located in the very heart of Lagos Mainland, Yaba is a place you would love to live although it is a low income area. Its strategic location serves as the link to Lagos Island.

It is the centre for institutions of learnings in Lagos. There are reputable schools in Yaba including primary, secondary and tertiary such as Queens College, Igbobi College, University of Lagos, Yaba College of Technology, Federal College of Education (Tech.), Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, and lots more of private schools.

Have you heard of Yabacon Valley (YV)? Yes, Yaba is largely growing as Nigeria’s and Lagos’ technology hub. It has continued to be a centre for high-tech innovation and development. Technology firms and startup companies consider Yaba for their establishments. Tech firms like Co-Creation Hub, Paga, PrepClass, Kuda, etc., are still found in Yaba environs. This shows the opportunities that Yaba holds in terms of growth, development, advancement and expansion.

Speaking about nightlife, Yaba is the place. It has stylish restaurants in abundance that prepare both local and intercontinental cuisines. They include White House Restaurant, Domino Pizza & Cold Stone, Lihao Chinese Cuisine, Pancake Hub, Nylah’s Catering, and lots more fast-food restaurants. Yaba is also the place of ‘parte after parte’ because it homes numerous nightclubs and bars.

2. SURULERE

Surulere is a prominent landmark in Lagos Mainland. From Surulere, you can transport yourself at low cost to many other places in Lagos (Island or Mainland). This, therefore, positions Surulere as a befitting residential location for low and middle income earners.

There are attractive monuments in Surulere. The Lagos National Stadium, built in 1973, commemorated the All African Games. Adjacent to National Stadium is Teslim Balogun Stadium, completed by the Lagos State Government in 2007. Also located at Surulere (Iganmu) is the National Arts Theatre.

The most popular place in Surulere is Ojuelegba. Others include Adeniran Ogunsanya, Western Avenue, Aguda, Adelabu and Ogulana Drive. Prominent industrial locations at Surulere include Iponri, Coker and Iganmu.

The streets in Surulere are urban and developed. The roads are tarred. The environments are neat and safe. They have street lights and CCTV cameras. It is a top place you will love to live in Lagos.

MIDDLE-INCOME AREA

3. FESTAC

The name is derived from the Second World African Festival of Art and Culture. This event held there in 1977.

It is one of the best place to stay with one’s immediate family in Lagos. The Nigerian Government provided large amount of money in building Festac Town. The place has social and basic amenities like state of the Art generators, market, health centres, public toilets, etc.

Festac Town is a distinct place in Lagos because it is full of art, culture and history. The place holds amazing facts and history about Lagos and Nigeria that you’ll love.

Festac is a federal housing estate located along the Lagos-Badagry expressway in Amuwo Odofin Local Government.

4. GBAGADA

This is a residential, commercial and religious community. We may access Gbagada from the Island through the Third Mainland Bridge or from the Mainland through the Gbagada-Oworonsoki expressway.

The street roads in Gbagada are tarred while some are partly motorable. The drainage system is available to prevent flooding in the community. The streets are clean because wastes are properly handled.

Within Gbagada are good private and public schools. There are also hospitals (general and private) and pharmacies. Supermarkets, stores and boutiques are within the vicinity. There are many top bars, lounges and hostels in Gbagada. Ifako playground, Chevron Recreation centre and Alao AKA Bashorun park are nice places for children to play.

HIGH-INCOME AREA

5. IKEJA

It is the capital of Lagos state. Ikeja is one of the clean, quiet and beautiful place to live in Lagos. This is because the areas are well-planned, tidy and calm. The atmosphere in Ikeja is serene and staying there is luxurious.

However, it remains one of the most populated and busiest place in Lagos. In Ikeja are several centers of commercial, corporate and business activities. The streets and avenues are full of commercial buildings – boutiques, eateries, modern shopping malls, relaxation centres, etc.

Alausa, Adeniyi Jones, Agidingbi, Opebi, Ikeja GRA, Toyin Street are some of the busy and notable areas in Ikeja. Popular areas that are a stone throw from Ikeja include Magodo, Ojodu, Maryland, Ogba, Ketu, Agege and Ilupeju.

Since Ikeja is the capital of Lagos State, a lot of Nigeria parastatals are placed there. The seat of power in Lagos, the state house of Assembly and the Governor’s office are all at Ikeja.

Also, the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, the busiest in Nigeria, can be found in Ikeja. The Computer Village is situated at Ikeja – this is one of the biggest ICT hubs in West Africa.

Speaking about fun, relaxation and enjoyment, Ikeja is the seat of several ultra-modern malls, cinemas, recreation centres, game and leisure hubs, nightclubs and bars.

6. MAGODO

This is a town that is located along the Lagos-Ibadan expressway. Magodo is a luxury and expensive neighborhood; therefore, it is regarded as the home for the affluent and wealthy. It remains one of the highbrow areas on the Lagos Mainland.

Phase One of Magodo is located in the Isheri area while Phase Two is located in Shangisha on CMD road. As against Streets, it is named Zones in Magodo. Each zona/streets have their security posts and guards on watch.

The place is highly modernized and well-structured. There are health centres (Magodo specialist and Vision capital eye hospitals); relaxation centre (Ziggies entertainment); bars and lounges. There are several supermarkets in Magodo but the place is also close to Ketu and Mile 12 market.

Magodo is a clean place because waste and dirt are properly managed. The roads are well-paved and the drainage system is good. Unnecessary horn is not allowed to maintain minimal noise from cars. In short, the area is very calm and serene.

CONCLUSION

These are the top places to live in Lagos Mainland depending on income. Nevertheless, all of these places will provide you a place to call home. You will certainly be pleased to stay in any of these areas.