Popular Expat Neighborhoods in Tunisia

Published on May 2, 2026 and written by Cyril Jarnias

In an increasingly globalized world, Tunisia stands out as a prime destination for many expatriates seeking to combine quality of life with professional opportunities.

It’s no coincidence that neighborhoods such as La Marsa, Gammarth, and Sidi Bou Saïd have become essential locations for foreigners settling in the country.

By combining an idyllic setting, proximity to services, and a culture rich in social interactions, these neighborhoods attract a growing number of international residents in search of an extraordinary experience.

Immerse yourself in this fascinating world where every street corner holds surprises and a shared cultural harmony.

Expatriates’ Favorite Urban Oases in Tunisia

Neighborhoods and Urban Oases Popular Among Expatriates in Tunisia

Neighborhood / Oasis	City	Accessibility	Infrastructure	Local Amenities	General Atmosphere	Available Services
Les Berges du Lac	Tunis	Excellent	Modern	Cafés, restaurants, shopping centers	Cosmopolitan, lively	Green spaces, coworking, cultural centers
Centre Urbain Nord	Tunis	Very good	New	Coworking spaces, restaurants	Young, dynamic	Work Zone, The Dot, shops
Gabès Oasis	Gabès	Average	Traditional	Local markets, typical cafés	Nature, authenticity	Gardens, markets, proximity to sea
Tozeur Oasis	Tozeur	Good	Touristic	Natural pools, cafés	Peaceful, exotic	Green spaces, museums, cultural activities
Nefta Oasis	Nefta	Average	Traditional	Markets, cafés, natural spaces	Calm, spirituality	Gardens, meditation spaces

Attractive Features of Urban Oases for Expatriates

• Accessibility: Neighborhoods like Les Berges du Lac and Centre Urbain Nord in Tunis offer excellent accessibility, close to main roads, the airport, and public transportation.
• Infrastructure: Modern buildings, high-speed internet, coworking spaces (The Dot, Work Zone, Westerwelle Startup Haus), nearby banking and medical services.
• Local Amenities: Numerous cafés, international restaurants, supermarkets, shopping centers, and green spaces for relaxation.
• General Atmosphere: Cosmopolitan vibe in Les Berges du Lac, dynamism and entrepreneurial spirit in Centre Urbain Nord, tranquility and connection with nature in the Gabès, Tozeur, and Nefta oases.

Services Facilitating Integration and Well-being

• Coworking spaces enabling social and professional networking.
• Cultural centers and museums for discovering Tunisian history and culture.
• Public gardens and urban oases offering walking and relaxation areas.
• Cafés and restaurants offering diverse cuisines, fostering encounters between expatriates and locals.

Expatriate Testimonials

“In Les Berges du Lac, I found an international atmosphere and infrastructure comparable to Europe. The green spaces and cafés make daily life very pleasant and facilitate social interactions.”

“In Tozeur, the calm of the oasis and the beauty of the landscape offer me a true escape. The cultural activities and natural pools are ideal for recharging.”

“Centre Urbain Nord is perfect for remote work: the coworking spaces are modern and welcoming, and everything I need is nearby.”

“Gabès is a unique discovery: an oasis by the sea, a fascinating mix of nature and culture, and a very warm local community.”

Examples of Services Available in These Urban Oases

• Coworking spaces (The Dot, Work Zone, Westerwelle Startup Haus, Ecozone)
• International cafés and restaurants
• Public gardens and shaded walkways
• Cultural centers and museums
• Supermarkets and local markets
• Outdoor activities: walks, cycling, outdoor yoga

Tunisian urban oases, such as Les Berges du Lac in Tunis, Gabès, Tozeur, and Nefta, offer expatriates an ideal balance between modernity and nature, friendliness and well-being, thus facilitating their integration and daily fulfillment.

Tunisia’s Hidden Real Estate Gems

Some lesser-known neighborhoods in Tunisia stand out for their strong real estate potential and are attracting more and more expatriates seeking quality of life and sustainable investment.

Neighborhood	Location	Living Environment	Accessibility	Infrastructure	Projects & Development	Available Property Types	Growth Prospects
Temlel	Djerba	Preserved nature, calm	Near beaches, road access	Local services	Protected area, regulated building permits	Villas with pools, traditional houses	High foreign demand, rising prices
Shbabia	Djerba	Sea view, residential	Beach access, near Midoun	Shops, leisure	Rapid development, growing appeal	Modern villas, sea-view apartments	2x growth expected over 6 years
Mahbouin	Djerba	Quiet residential area	Near Midoun center	Schools, markets	Progressive urbanization	Family homes, villas	Good value for money, strong expected appreciation
La Soukra	Northern suburb of Tunis	Greenery, tranquility	Near airport and city center	Schools, medical centers	Modernization, new developments	Luxury villas, new apartments	Growing demand, continuous appreciation
Jardins de Carthage	Tunis	Discreet luxury, greenery, prestige	Easy access, near sea	Shops, schools	High-end real estate projects	Contemporary villas, apartments	High potential, international clientele
Ennasr	Tunis	Modern urban planning, green spaces	Quick access to central Tunis	Shopping centers	Urban expansion, new facilities	New apartments, duplexes	Strong appeal for families and expatriates

Neighborhood Characteristics and Reasons for Expatriate Choice:

Temlel attracts with its nature and tranquility, with strict regulations to preserve the environment. Many European expatriates appreciate the possibility of building villas with pools while enjoying a peaceful life.

Shbabia draws interest for its stunning sea views and development momentum. A French investor testifies:

“We chose Shbabia for the view and appreciation potential. Prices have already doubled in five years and the international community grows every year.”

Mahbouin offers a good compromise between urban proximity and reasonable prices, ideal for families and young professionals.

“Life in Mahbouin is calm, close to amenities, and real estate opportunities are still affordable.”

La Soukra combines tradition and modernity, with green spaces and recent developments. The educational and medical infrastructure is particularly appreciated by expatriate families.

Jardins de Carthage offers a prestigious, secure, and green environment, with many new real estate projects attracting demanding international clients.

Ennasr stands out for its thoughtful urban planning, wide avenues, and diversity of properties suitable for modern urban living.

Examples of Available Property Types:

• Contemporary villas with pools and gardens.
• Renovated traditional houses.
• New apartments with terraces or sea views.
• Duplexes and penthouses in secure residences.

Real Estate Growth Prospects:

• Continuous price increases in coastal areas and near urban centers.
• Strong rental demand and acquisitions by expatriates, particularly Europeans.
• Urban development and infrastructure projects that enhance these neighborhoods in the medium and long term.

Expatriate Anecdotes and Testimonials:

A German couple settled in Temlel recounts:

“We were won over by the calm and nature. Here, we found a welcoming community and a different pace of life, while investing in a property that continues to appreciate.”

An Italian entrepreneur in La Soukra shares:

“Accessibility, security, and quality of infrastructure motivated our choice. The diversity of available properties meets all needs, from studios to family villas.”

Why Are These Neighborhoods Hidden Gems?

• Their real estate appreciation potential remains high while offering superior quality of life.
• The influx of expatriates and multiplication of development projects stimulate the market and energize local real estate offerings.
• The diversity of available properties allows everyone to find suitable property, whether for rental investment or primary residence.

Essential Strategies for Finding Your Perfect Home

Key Steps in the Housing Search Process in Tunisia:

1. Define Your Needs and Preferences

• Desired housing type (apartment, house, studio)
• Number of rooms suitable for family or professional situation
• Required square footage for comfort
• Essential amenities (elevator, parking, balcony, security)
• Maximum budget (rent, monthly fees)
• Location priorities (proximity to transportation, shops, schools, workplace)
• Anticipate specific needs (pets, accessibility, etc.)

2. Search for Reliable Real Estate Agencies and Use the Right Platforms

• Contact several reputable real estate agencies to compare offers and reliability
• Use specialized online platforms (ImmoTunisie, Tayara, Jumia House, Mubawab)
• Consult Facebook groups and expatriate forums for recommendations or exclusive listings
• Seek advice from personal network (friends, colleagues, settled expatriates)

3. Visit Neighborhoods in Person

• Travel to observe the atmosphere, safety, cleanliness, and accessibility of the neighborhood
• Evaluate proximity to local amenities (supermarkets, pharmacies, medical centers, restaurants)
• Check access to public transportation and distance to key areas (business districts, universities, beaches, etc.)
• Potentially meet residents or caretakers to gather authentic opinions

4. Compare Characteristics of Different Properties

Criterion	Property A	Property B	Property C
Square Footage	90 m²	110 m²	75 m²
Number of Rooms	3	4	2
Amenities	Parking, balcony	Elevator, terrace	Balcony
Transportation Proximity	5 min walk	10 min walk	2 min walk
Monthly Rent	900 TND	1100 TND	750 TND
Utilities Included	No	Yes	No
Security	Caretaker	Video surveillance	Caretaker
Neighborhood	La Marsa	Les Berges du Lac	City Center

• Schedule multiple viewings on the same day to facilitate comparison
• Check the property’s general condition, lighting, insulation, and neighborhood quality
• Ask specific questions about fees, maintenance policies, property history

5. Specifics of the Tunisian Market and Features of Expatriate-Preferred Neighborhoods

• Neighborhoods sought by expatriates in Tunis: La Marsa, Les Berges du Lac, Carthage, Gammarth, El Menzah
• These neighborhoods often offer better security, international schools, adapted shops, and a cosmopolitan environment
• Generally higher rents in these areas, but living environment considered more comfortable and adapted to international expectations
• Certain administrative procedures (property title, meter readings, inventory for furnished properties) must be carefully verified

6. Essential Considerations

• Budget: Allow margin for additional costs (agency fees, security deposit, insurance, excluded utilities)
• Local Amenities: Evaluate proximity to essential services according to your habits
• Distances: Measure commute time and accessibility to main roads and public transportation

7. Tips for Negotiating Price and Securing the Transaction

• Compare rents in the neighborhood to support negotiation
• Discuss lease duration, security deposit amount, rent adjustment terms
• Demand a written, clear, and precise contract
• Verify the identity and legitimacy of the owner or agency

8. Integrating into the Local Community

• Participate in neighborhood life (markets, local events, associations)
• Connect with neighbors and shopkeepers to facilitate integration
• Join expatriate groups to exchange best practices and share advice
• Respect local customs and culture to promote harmonious coexistence

Tip:

Take time to visit properties at different times of day to assess noise levels, sunlight, and the neighborhood’s general atmosphere.

Quick Checklist for Housing Search in Tunisia:

• Precisely define needs and budget
• Identify neighborhoods suited to your lifestyle
• Multiply research sources (agencies, platforms, social media, word-of-mouth)
• Organize and compare multiple viewings
• Verify documents and landlord legitimacy
• Negotiate contract terms
• Prepare for installation and local integration