Home » Real Estate Trends » Here’s What Makes Clifton Karachi an Ideal Place to Live
Despite being one of the most expensive neighbourhoods in the city, living in Clifton Karachi has always been an extremely popular option owing to its prime location, proximity to the beach, modern infrastructure and of course, high-quality standards of living.
Located within Clifton Cantonment, the upscale neighbourhood is divided into nine blocks. When it comes to buying property in Clifton Karachi, Block 2, Block 8 and Block 5 appear to be the most sought after localities in the area with high search results on Zameen.com.
Along with housing some of the major tourist attractions in the city, Clifton Karachi is home to a number of residential and commercial skyscrapers, modern shopping malls, family recreational spots, state-of-the-art hospitals, trendy coffee shops, fine dining restaurants and much more. In addition to that, the amenities and facilities available to those living in Clifton Karachi are essentially unparalleled, making it an ideal place to live in Karachi.
Facilities in Clifton Karachi
Here are some of the facilities that ensure a high-quality lifestyle for people who live in Clifton Karachi.
- Prime location
- Access to public transportation
- Campuses of top schools and colleges
- Shopping malls and supermarkets
- Parks and sports facilities
- Family entertainment centres
- Major tourist attractions
- State-of-the-art hospitals
- Stunning mosques
- Gyms and fitness centres
- Popular cafes and restaurants
Let’s take an in-depth look at the amenities and facilities that guarantee a quality lifestyle in Clifton Karachi.
Prime Location
The prosperous neighbourhood of Clifton is situated right next to DHA Karachi, yet another popular area to invest in real estate in Karachi. It is also the only residential area in the city that’s located so close to the coastline. Not only do those living in Clifton Karachi have quick access to the beautiful beach but they can also enjoy a stunning view of the Arabian Sea.
It is also well-connected to other parts of the city and is located only at a 35-minute drive from the Jinnah International Airport. Moreover, Karachi City Railway Station and Karachi Cantonment Railway Station are also located in the vicinity.
Take a look at some of the nearby places and landmarks.
Nearby Locations:
- West Wharf
- The National Museum of Pakistan
- Frere Hall
- Port Grand
- Karachi Gymkhana
- Quaid-e-Azam House
- Pearl Continental Hotel
- Marriott Hotel
Public Transportation in Clifton Karachi
Since Clifton is one of the most affluent areas of Karachi, most residents commute via their personal vehicles. However, a number of public buses such as Super Hassan Zai coach and Safari coach along with minivans can also take one to Clifton from different areas. Moreover, it is connected to the rest of the city via a vast network of roads, bridges and underpasses, commuting to the neighbourhood is not difficult at all.
Rickshaws and taxis, which are also a popular mode of transportation, are easily available in the area as well. Not to mention, several online ride-hailing services also operate in Clifton, making it easy for residents and visitors to book a car with a few simple clicks on their smartphones.
Educational Institutes in Clifton Karachi
Clifton boasts some of the best schools in Karachi. For instance, Karachi Grammar School, which is considered the popular educational institute in the city with a rather strict admission policy, has its Kindergarten, Junior and College sections in the neighbourhood.
Similarly, Convent of Jesus and Mary is also one of the most prestigious schools in Clifton Karachi known for its high-quality education and facilities. The Genesis School in Block 7 is yet another popular choice among parents looking to enrol their kids in an O/A-level school. In addition, campuses of almost all top educational institutes are located here.
Some of the other well-known schools in Clifton Karachi include:
- Bay View Academy
- The Avicenna School Girls Campus
- Origins School
- St. Michael’s School
- British International School
- The City School
- Beaconhouse School System
- Hampton School Junior Campus
A number of reputed colleges and universities are also located in the area, including Ziauddin University and Medical College, one of the best medical schools in Karachi. Moreover, the College Section of the Indus Academy along with Lyceum and Cedar College.
Other significant colleges and universities in Clifton Karachi include College of Accounting and Management Sciences, Sir Syed College of Sciences, The Millennium University College and Institute of Chartered Accountants of Pakistan (ICAP) among others.
Shopping Malls and Markets in Clifton Karachi
The residents of Clifton don’t have to travel far when it comes to shopping. Some of the most popular shopping malls in Clifton Karachi include Dolmen Mall, Ocean Mall, The Forum, Lavish Mall, Park Tower and Emerald Mall, to name a few. These high-end shopping malls house outlets of almost all international and local brands available in Pakistan.
If you are looking for more budget-friendly shopping centres in Clifton Karachi, make sure to check out Aashiana Shopping Mall, Gulf Way Shopping Center and Uzma Shopping Center in Clifton Block 8. From formal wear dresses to accessories such as shoes and jewellery, you can pretty much find everything here.
As far as supermarkets are concerned, some of the top spots for buying groceries and other household items include Agha’s Super Market, Imtiaz Super Market, Diamond Super Market, Chase Up departmental store and Motta’s Medical and General Store.
Sports Complexes and Parks in Clifton Karachi
There is certainly no shortage of lush-green parks in Clifton that not allow residents to relax and spend some time with their families in a serene environment. Bagh Ibn-e-Qasim, which happens to be the largest park in Karachi spread over an area of 130 acres, is also located in Clifton Block 3. Apart from jogging tracks and gardens, the vast park also has a turtle pond and murals of dinosaurs.
Moreover, Shaheed Benazir Bhutto Park, which holds events such as Karachi Food Festival and Coke Fest throughout the year, is located in Block 5 near Boat Basin.
Some of the other parks in Clifton Karachi include Fatima Jinnah Park, Clifton Cantonment Park, Auntie Park and Block 3 Family Park to name a few.
There are also quite a few sports complexes in the area, such as National Bank of Pakistan Sports Complex, which is considered one of the best cricket grounds in the city. It also has separate tennis and squash courts. Also, if you’re looking for a swimming and gym complex in Clifton Karachi, this place is it.
In addition to that, the well-maintained Karachi United Football Stadium and Punjab Colony Sports Ground are also worth mentioning in this regard.
Family Entertainment Places in Clifton Karachi
Apart from parks, those living in Clifton Karachi always have an option to spend a day at the nearby beach or just go for a stroll at Sea View. However, if you are looking for other recreational spots, Atlantis Indoor Theme Park in Block 9 is one of the most popular family entertainment places in Clifton Karachi along with Jabees Funland near the shrine of famous saint Hazrat Abdullah Shah Ghazi.
You can also head over to Cinepax Cinema in Ocean Mall to enjoy a movie with your friends or family. For families with children, Sindbad’s Wonderland in Dolmen Mall Clifton is an ideal hangout place for kids of all ages.
Tourist Attractions in Clifton Karachi
Clifton Karachi houses some of the most famous tourist attractions in Karachi, including the iconic Mohatta Palace Museum. Built in 1927, the stunning palace in the prosperous seaside neighbourhood belonged to a rich Hindu businessman named Shivratan Chandraratan Mohatta. This building is one of the most impressive examples of the Indo-Saracenic architecture with its large windows, eye-catching domes, exquisite floral motifs and intricately carved railings.
After the independence of Pakistan in 1947, the historical building served as an office for the Foreign Ministry. However, in 1964, Fatima Jinnah, the late sister of the Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, moved into Mohatta Palace. It now serves as a museum. Thanks to its beautiful gardens and captivating architecture, this palace is also one of the best places to take photos in Karachi.
Another popular tourist attraction in the area includes the shrine of Hazrat Abdullah Shah Ghazi, an eighth-century mystic Sufi. The monument draws thousands from all over the country during the three-day urs that starts on Zilhaj 22, according to the Islamic calendar.
Jehangir Kothari Parade is yet another notable landmark in Clifton. It was built in 1920 by a Parsi businessman named Seth Jehangir Hormusji Kothari. Furthermore, the historical Shiv Mandir housing the sculpture of Hindu goddess Durga is also a popular tourist attraction in the area.
Clinics and Hospitals in Clifton Karachi
Clifton is home to some of the best hospitals in the city with state-of-the-art diagnostic and treatment equipment, well-equipped laboratories and intensive care units along with clean and comfortable rooms. In case of an accident, residents can also visit the emergency centres at these hospitals for a quick treatment.
Some of the top hospitals in Clifton Karachi include:
- South City Hospital
- Dr Ziauddin Hospital Clifton Campus
- Hashmanis Hospital
- Park Lane Hospital
- Clifton City Hospital
- Altamash Hospital
Mosques in Clifton Karachi
While there are several beautiful mosques located in the neighbourhood allowing residents easy access to a place where they can offer their prayers, Jamia Islamia in Block 5 is definitely the most popular of them all. It can accommodate up to 20 thousand people at a time.
Other renowned mosques in Clifton include Moti Masjid, Shamim Mosque, Boat Basin Mosque and Madni Mosque.
Fitness Centers and Gyms in Clifton Karachi
There are a number of modern gyms and fitness centres promising a quality lifestyle in Clifton Karachi. The list of workout places in the area includes Cuts and Muscles Gym, CORE, Fitness First Gym, Fitstop, CrossFit in 5 and Shapes Health Club. Meanwhile, if you’re looking for ladies gyms in Clifton Karachi, Karachi Ladies Club is also a good option.
Cafes and Restaurants in Clifton Karachi
Owing to its lavish lifestyle, Clifton Karachi is home to some of the most popular eateries in the city.
Some of the best restaurants in Clifton Karachi include Bar B.Q. Tonight, The East End, TAO, The Patio, The Valley Restaurant and The Deli to name a few. Almost all of these restaurants offer multiple cuisines on their menu and are known for their pleasant ambience, great taste, cooperative staff and beautiful décor.
Meanwhile, if you are looking for good cafes or breakfast places in Clifton Karachi, you must check out the food at Xander’s, The Pantry, Café Flo, Coco 9 Café, Koel Café and Côte Rôtie located in Alliance Francaise, a French language and cultural centre in the area.
What You Need to Know About Buying Real Estate in Clifton Karachi
For those looking to buy real estate in Karachi, Clifton is undoubtedly one of the best areas to invest in as its property prices have only gone up in the last decades.
If you’re looking for buying a house in Clifton Karachi, the price of a 250 sq yd option varies from PKR 4.2 crore to PKR 7.5 crore. Moreover, the buying trend of 500 sq yd house in the posh neighbourhood starts at PKR 10 crore and can go up to PKR 16 crore or more.
When it comes to flats in Clifton Karachi, you can buy a 2-bed apartment in the area within the price range of PKR 60 lakh and PKR 2.8 crore. On the other hand, a 3-bedroom flat costs somewhere between PKR 85 lakh and PKR 5 crore.
However, if you are only looking for a place to rent, the monthly costs of a 250 sq yd house in Clifton Karachi range between PKR 95 thousand to PKR 3.2 lakh. Furthermore, on average, the rental trend of 500 sq yd homes in the area starts at PKR 2.2 lakh and goes up to PKR 4.2 lakh on a monthly basis.
As for renting an apartment in Clifton, you can find a 2-bedroom unit between the price of PKR 22 thousand and PKR 1.3 lakh, depending on the type of project, location and other amenities. Meanwhile, the monthly rent of 3-bed flats in the area usually varies from PKR 40 thousand to PKR 2 lakh.
If you want to know more about the facilities promising a quality lifestyle in different areas of Karachi, head over to Zameen Blog, the top real estate and lifestyle blog in Pakistan.