International families in Jakarta, expatriate and Indonesian alike, concentrate in two parts of the city.

Senopati and the SCBD sit in the centre, closest to the offices, the restaurants and the nightlife. They suit families who want walkability and a short commute more than garden space.

South Jakarta covers Kebayoran Baru, Pondok Indah, Kemang, Cipete and Cilandak. It holds most of the city's international schools, including ISJ in Pondok Indah, and most of the family housing: larger plots, quieter streets, and the mall, hospital and golf course that families end up using weekly. The neighbourhood guide compares the areas in detail.

The lit facade of Comte Manoir at dusk, a Parisian-styled residence in Kebayoran Baru with a mansard roof, dormer windows and wrought-iron balconies
Comte Manoir, off Jl. Goa in Kebayoran Baru.
Residence Area What it is
Comte Manoir Kebayoran Baru Parisian-styled residence off Jl. Goa, walking distance to Senopati
Pondok Indah Residences Pondok Indah Three towers, 784 units, one to four bedrooms. Completed 2018, beside Pondok Indah Mall
Pondok Indah Golf Apartment Pondok Indah Three towers overlooking the golf course
InterContinental Residence Pondok Indah Serviced. One to three bedrooms plus penthouses, connected to the mall
Park Royal Serviced Suites Pondok Indah Serviced suites on Jl. Metro Pondok Indah
Brandz Simatupang TB Simatupang Apartments on the Simatupang corridor, south of Pondok Indah
Oakwood Suites La Maison Kebayoran Baru Serviced apartments near Gandaria City

Rent in Jakarta is normally paid a year in advance, and most families take a serviced apartment for the first two to six weeks while they look.