Living in Gakuenmae

The most expensive upscale residential area in Nara Prefecture by land price, which developed after Tezukayama Gakuin opened in 1941. Osaka-Namba is reachable by Rapid Express without transfers, but there is no direct line to Umeda, so you have to change trains. Older listings are cheap, while new-build and family-type units are as expensive as central Osaka, so it suits families who want a quiet, dignified residential area and can give up a direct line to Umeda.

About 30 minutes to Osaka Namba by Kintetsu Nara Line express, Gakuenmae is one of Kansai's most prominent education districts and upscale residential areas. Rent for a 1K is much cheaper than in Osaka city, and families that care a great deal about education have settled here, so the cram school district is well developed. However, it is an old new town, so aging and a rise in vacant houses are under way. It suits education-minded families and retired people who want a quiet retirement.