The 10 Best Neighborhoods for Expats in Buenos Aires
From trendy Palermo to historic San Telmo, discover which BA neighborhoods offer the best mix of expat community, safety, and authentic Argentine culture.
The 10 Best Neighborhoods for Expats in Buenos Aires
Buenos Aires is a city of neighborhoods (barrios), each with its own distinct personality. For expats, choosing the right barrio can make or break your experience. Here's our comprehensive guide to the best neighborhoods for foreigners living in BA.
1. Palermo Soho
Best for: First-time expats, nightlife lovers, foodies
Palermo Soho is the undisputed expat capital of Buenos Aires. Centered around Plaza Serrano, this neighborhood combines cobblestone streets, boutique shopping, and some of the city's best restaurants.
Pros:
- Largest expat community
- Walkable with everything nearby
- Excellent restaurants and nightlife
- Safe and well-maintained
- Great coworking spaces
Cons:
- Most expensive rents in BA
- Can feel like an expat bubble
- Noisy on weekends
- Touristy in areas
Monthly Budget: $1,400-2,400
2. Palermo Hollywood
Best for: Young professionals, foodies, creative types
Just north of Soho, Hollywood has a slightly more local vibe while still being very expat-friendly. Known for its restaurants and media companies.
Pros:
- Excellent dining scene
- Quieter than Soho
- Still very walkable
- Good subway connections
- More authentic Argentine feel
Cons:
- Still expensive
- Fewer green spaces
- Can feel isolated on weekdays
Monthly Budget: $1,200-2,200
3. Recoleta
Best for: Families, luxury seekers, architecture lovers
Recoleta is BA's most upscale neighborhood, with Parisian-style architecture, museums, and the famous Recoleta Cemetery.
Pros:
- Beautiful architecture
- Parks and green spaces
- Excellent for families
- High-end shopping
- Very safe
Cons:
- Expensive
- Can feel stuffy
- Less nightlife
- Older demographic
Monthly Budget: $1,500-2,800
4. Belgrano
Best for: Families, Chinese community, quieter living
Belgrano offers a residential feel while still having plenty of amenities. Home to BA's Chinatown (Barrio Chino).
Pros:
- Excellent for families
- Chinatown for Asian ingredients
- Good schools
- Parks and plazas
- More affordable than Palermo
Cons:
- Fewer coworking spaces
- Less nightlife
- Can feel suburban
- Longer commute to downtown
Monthly Budget: $1,000-1,800
5. San Telmo
Best for: Artists, history buffs, budget-conscious expats
BA's oldest neighborhood, San Telmo is famous for its Sunday antiques market, tango culture, and bohemian vibe.
Pros:
- Rich history and culture
- Affordable rents
- Tango scene
- Artistic community
- Tourist amenities
Cons:
- Some areas less safe at night
- Older buildings
- Can be noisy
- Limited green spaces
Monthly Budget: $800-1,400
6. Puerto Madero
Best for: Luxury seekers, business professionals
The newest and most modern neighborhood, built on reclaimed dockland. High-rise buildings and waterfront living.
Pros:
- Modern apartments
- Waterfront promenade
- Very safe
- Close to business district
- Luxury amenities
Cons:
- Most expensive area
- Lacks character
- Few local businesses
- Can feel sterile
Monthly Budget: $2,000-3,500
7. Villa Crespo
Best for: Trendsetters, budget-conscious, authentic experience
Right next to Palermo but more affordable, Villa Crespo is rapidly gentrifying while maintaining its working-class charm.
Pros:
- Much cheaper than Palermo
- Authentic Argentine vibe
- Great shopping (outlet district)
- Good food scene
- Up-and-coming area
Cons:
- Less polished than Palermo
- Variable safety
- Fewer expats
- Limited English spoken
Monthly Budget: $700-1,200
8. Las Cañitas
Best for: Young professionals, polo enthusiasts
A small, upscale neighborhood within Palermo, known for its restaurants and proximity to the polo fields.
Pros:
- Great restaurants
- Young professional vibe
- Very safe
- Central location
- Active nightlife
Cons:
- Small area
- Expensive
- Can feel pretentious
- Limited housing options
Monthly Budget: $1,300-2,200
9. Caballito
Best for: Families, long-term residents, authentic living
A traditional residential neighborhood in the geographic center of BA, popular with Argentine families.
Pros:
- Very affordable
- Authentic Argentine life
- Good public transport
- Parks and plazas
- Low cost of living
Cons:
- Few expats
- Limited nightlife
- Older buildings
- Spanish essential
Monthly Budget: $600-1,100
10. Colegiales
Best for: Hipsters, artists, those seeking the "next Palermo"
Just west of Palermo Hollywood, Colegiales is an emerging neighborhood with a creative scene.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Artistic community
- Next to Palermo amenities
- Good food scene emerging
- Less touristy
Cons:
- Limited subway access
- Still developing
- Variable safety
- Fewer services
Monthly Budget: $700-1,300
Comparison Summary
Tips for Choosing Your Neighborhood
1. Visit First: Spend at least a week exploring different barrios before committing
2. Consider Your Commute: If working remotely, internet quality matters more than location
3. Safety First: Visit neighborhoods at night before deciding
4. Budget Realistically: Factor in the "expat tax"—you'll likely pay more than locals
5. Think Long-term: Your needs may change as you integrate
Finding an Apartment
- Temporary: Airbnb for first month while you explore
- Long-term: Zonaprop, MercadoLibre, or local real estate agents
- Expat Groups: Facebook groups often have sublets
- Deposit: Typically 1-2 months' rent plus guarantee (garantía)
Final Thoughts
There's no "perfect" neighborhood—only the one that fits your lifestyle and budget. Many expats start in Palermo for the soft landing, then move to more authentic areas as their Spanish improves. Wherever you choose, Buenos Aires' excellent public transport means you're never far from the action.