Where Do Middle Class Live In Lagos?

One of the main concerns most families in this city have is the rising cost of house rents due to the country’s poor economy. Almost everywhere that is considered to be the nice part of Lagos is occupied by the rich, and costs an arm and leg to rent. Begging the question, Where Do Middle Class Live In Lagos? We’ll tell you in this post.

Although there are many discouraging things about finding a house in this state, Lagos is still one of the most preferred cities to live in Nigeria. Which is thanks to its economic viability, job opportunities, and lifestyle. Lagos has always been at the forefront of innovation and witnessed firsthand the rise of Tech Hubs, Investors, and the arrival of foreign companies.

It’s no secret that while areas such as Victoria Island, Ikoyi, and Lekki are the most sought-after neighbourhoods for the rich and powerful in this state to live in, the middle class reside in the more affordable areas of the Mainland. Our article will share those places low-income earners can comfortably stay in Lagos.

7 Places The Middle Class Live In Lagos

1. Ikeja

2. Surulere

3. Yaba

4. Maryland

5. Iyana Ipaja

6. Anthony Village

7. Ogba

Places The Middle Class Live In Lagos

Residing in Lagos as a medium-income earner can be daunting, but this is where everyone comes to seek greener pastures and grow in their careers. As someone who earns an average salary, where you stay in this state is determined by how much you earn and your budget for rent.

Many medium and low-income earners often decide to reside in Lagos Mainland because it has cheaper houses that are still up to standard. So, on the question of where the middle class live in Lagos? Any of these 7 places will do.

1. Ikeja

Ikeja is the top location where the middle class live in Lagos. It is a well-organized, serene, and clean area that accommodates residential and commercial buildings with malls, pharmacies, and government reservation areas. This place is where Murtala Mohammed International Airport is located too, which is quite convenient if you’re travelling by air.

This place is regarded as one of the nicest places to live on the Lagos Mainland. As the state’s capital, it offers the authentic Lagos experience. Another good thing about this place is that it has restaurants, bars, lounges, and clubs that’ll rival what you’ll find on the Island. It is also one of the busiest places in Lagos.

Some of the popular neighbourhoods in Ikjea are Opebi, Toyin Street, Allen Avenue, Agidingbi, Oba Akran, Ikeja GRA, Obafemi Awolowo Way, Adeniyi Jones, Unity Road, Otigba Street, Mobolaji Bank, etc.

2. Surulere

Surulere is a residential and commercial area on the Lagos Mainland, where the middle class live in Lagos. This place holds the Lagos National Stadium which was built in 1972 for the All-Africa Games.

Like most other places in Lagos, Surulere has its share of traffic jams. This place is considered the center of Lagos, leading to other locations in the city. The roads are usually busy during peak hours. Some things you can do in Surulere include visiting a shopping mall, watching or playing a game at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, or getting food at Ofada Boy.

Popular areas in Surulere are Ojuelegba, Shitta, Itire-Ikate, Ijesha, Lawanson, Ogunlana Drive, Adeniran Ogunsanya, Masha, Kilo, etc.

3. Yaba

Yaba is a prominent Lagos suburb, famous for its Tejuosho market where you can buy second-hand clothes and shoes. Yaba is also known for its high number of Tertiary institutes like the Yaba College of Technology, University of Lagos, Akoka, Federal College of Education, and Lagos State College of Health Technology.

Rent in Yaba is relatively affordable, but it really depends on your budget. You can get a 2-bedroom flat here for around N400,000 upwards. 

Yaba shares a boundary with Surulere, Ebute Metta and Shomolu. It also has a direct link to the Island, as it is close to the third mainland bridge.

4. Maryland

Maryland is in close proximity to the Ikeja. This area is quiet and secluded when compared to other places in Lagos.

The whole area has a good road network with a few companies on both sides of the road. Another reason why Maryland is a good place for the middle class to live in Lagos is because of its good supply of electricity. There is also the Maryland Mall where you can go to have fun.

Estate areas in Maryland include – Maryland Estate, Shonibare Estate, Mende, G.Cappa, Onigbongbo Estate, etc.

5. Iyana Ipaja

Iyana Ipaja is one of the most populated neighbourhoods in Lagos Mainland. its name translates to ”the road that has branched off to Ipaja town”.  Now known as Iyana Ipaja, was originally occupied by the Mosakus, Alaagbas, Okis, and the Alaguntans.

Ipaja is in the Alimosho Local Government of Lagos State. Other areas close to this place include – Abule Egba, Akowojo, Agege, Egbeda, and Ikeja.

Most residents living here a low and middle-class income earners. Transportation here is by buses or trains, and the cost of living is relatively cheap too.

6. Anthony Village

Anthony Village is well planned with good access roads. It is a good place for the middle class to live in Lagos due to its proximity to Ikeja, Maryland, and the Murtala Muhammed Airport. Its closeness to the Third Mainland Bridge is another reason why it’ll benefit you, especially if you are working on the Island.

If you work around Yaba, Surulere, Marina, and CMS, Anthony Village is just a few kilometres away from all these central business districts.

Anthony place to reside if you want to be in the middle of all the activities in Lagos. Rent here is a bit high, but medium salary earners who earn between N250,000 to N300,000 monthly can still afford it.

7. Ogba

Ogba is five kilometers west of Ikeja. It is a densely populated area that has accommodations for both high and low-income earners. Rent in this area, are cheaper than what you’ll find in Allen Avenue and Omole Estates.

The place is located at the center of Lagos metropolis and as such is easily accessible by bus and taxis. The area is a serene residential community, it is an industrial area too.