Finding the Perfect Real Estate in Pattaya
Pattaya is a popular destination for many expats who have decided to make Thailand their home. This is especially true since the pandemic, as some foreigners have been lucky enough to transition to a work-from-home arrangement with their employers. Naturally, this has contributed to the growth of the expat community in Pattaya.
If you are considering buying real estate in Pattaya, there are many different districts to choose from, each with its own distinct characteristics that may or may not appeal to you. That’s why we have compiled this guide to help you choose the best location for your next real estate purchase in Pattaya.
If you are looking to be as far away from the hustle and bustle of tourist traffic as possible, you will find that the eastern part of Pattaya is perfect. It is here where most of the gated communities in Pattaya are located. There is little spillover of tourist traffic from central Pattaya due to the lack of transportation to this area. Golf fans will be happy to know that there are several high-quality golf courses located in this area.
About Pattaya
Located a mere 150 kilometers (or two hours by car) from Bangkok, this sleepy seaside town experienced a huge boom in popularity in the 1960s when it became popular with American servicemen who were seeking a respite from the Vietnam War. Being on the east of the Gulf of Thailand, the former small fishing village has a typical tropical climate that brings good sunshine for most of the year, which is why many people from Europe and North America visit during the months of October to February. Pattaya is bordered by an important highway named Sukhumvit Road. It’s the main highway in Thailand that begins in Bangkok and continues along Pattaya to the southeastern province of Trat. Your proximity to this major road might be a factor when deciding which area to invest in. Generally, Pattaya is divided into four main areas: central, north, south, and east Pattaya. The latter sits on the eastern side of Sukhumvit Road. These four main areas are further divided into smaller districts.Central Pattaya
Central Pattaya, as the name suggests, is the epicenter of nearly all tourist and commerce activity. If you are looking for a quiet seaside resort lifestyle, central Pattaya is not the place, as heavy traffic is common. Several shopping malls, bars, and popular restaurants are located here to take advantage of the large volume of human traffic funneling in from Sukhumvit Road. It is also home to the infamous Walking Street that’s often portrayed on YouTube. It’s not uncommon to see massive traffic jams build up on the roads in this area on weekends. However, the densely built-up area means the concentration of bars, restaurants, and other amenities negate the use of your vehicle, which makes it a convenient place to live.North Pattaya
Considered one of the quieter quarters of Pattaya, the northernmost point of Pattaya, known as Naklua, is about 20 minutes away from the central area. The lack of shopping malls and bars means this area experiences a lot less traffic which is perfect for those seeking a quiet seaside resort lifestyle. It is also ideal for those with young children in tow who want a peaceful seaside environment.South Pattaya
Compared to the central area, south Pattaya is significantly less crowded and more insulated from tourist traffic. Thepprasit Road is where you will find most of the Pattaya locals gather and shop at retail outlets catered more towards the long-term residents of the town. In recent years, the area around Thappraya Road has seen rapid development due to its ideal location. It is far enough away to be insulated from the tourist traffic but still conveniently within reach of the malls on Sukhumvit Road and not too far from the beautiful park at Pratumnak Hill.East Pattaya
If you are looking to be as far away from the hustle and bustle of tourist traffic as possible, you will find that the eastern part of Pattaya is perfect. It is here where most of the gated communities in Pattaya are located. There is little spillover of tourist traffic from central Pattaya due to the lack of transportation to this area. Golf fans will be happy to know that there are several high-quality golf courses located in this area.