What´s the best place/city to live in Okinawa?

[Islaine]

I like quiet places with trees close to the beaches and or farm... but not too far from crowded places....:scratchchin: We are moving and we would like to choose a nice place...

[thistle]

It all really depends on where you are going to be working?

If you are going to be working in the south near Naha, you don't want to be living in central or north Okinawa, because of all the traffic congestion in the morning,.

I would like to say Yomitan, it is quiet and near sugar can fields and beaches but I have never lived there and have heard that Yomitan is not so friendly to outsiders.

[Bones]

Well, Okinawa is a small island. About 25 miles wide, 62 miles long, at its extremes. Forget about quiet. Not many trees left, unless you live up in the northern part of the island. If the Air Force jets don't keep you awake, the Marine/Navy jets will.

On the bright side, I live just outside of Gate 5, in Chatan. We have a big White Ugly building that claims to be a church, that we can look at when we open our front door. We live right next to Kadena Air Base, and we can't hear a thing. The Japanese government paid for some noise reduction projects that our landlord took them up on. All of of our rooms are now air-conditioned, it's quiet, and you can hit the beach in about 5-10 minutes by car.

I'm sure that there are some places over here where you might be able to find what you are looking for, but it will cost you in travel time, as well as money.

Trust in your sponsors, I'm pretty sure that they will do their best to get you settled.

[thistle]

I don't believe they are military.........just checked an earlier post and it said they are coming to Okinawa to look for a job!

Perhaps you could be their sponsor, Bones.

[Islaine]

We are brazilians my father in law is japanese and we have permanent visa to live in Japan...
Thank you for the answers.....:thumbup:

[Daniela]

I love Yomitan. It's plenty friendly to outsiders.
We live on the beach and the ocean is my back yard.

[Muku]

Well Nishihara, Nagkagusuku, Kitanakagusuku, Haebaru and part of Yonabaru I think are pretty decent. They are close enough to all the shopping areas, and close access to the expressway but with the exceptions of part of Haebaru and Nishihara, pretty much away from traffic congestion, the noise from the bases, few if any military people around (with them around the land values drop dramatically:rolleyes:), and there are also scattered around 2nd and 3rd Generation Japanese like you that have returned here to Okinawa from Brazil or Peru.

[hankypanky]

I moved to nakagusuku 2 years ago and it was mainly fields, but the building push has been taking off, land sales and more traffic. Yonabaru is still the same, not much growth except for the new reclaimed land out on the water, nishihara is too busy now with the new shopping center. Unlless you go up north past nago to get away from the traffic, except weekend warriors, it is a nice and peaceful area.

[Muku]

I moved to nakagusuku 2 years ago and it was mainly fields, but the building push has been taking off, land sales and more traffic. Yonabaru is still the same, not much growth except for the new reclaimed land out on the water, nishihara is too busy now with the new shopping center. Unlless you go up north past nago to get away from the traffic, except weekend warriors, it is a nice and peaceful area.
Hank I agree, but in comparison to Naha, Ginowan, Urasoe or Okinawa City, the areas I wrote about are still pretty laid back and quiet, plus with decent access to other areas, meaning the roads dont all lead to one location like some areas down south are limited by.

Sashiki, Chinen, Tamagusuku, Gushi-chan, Kochinda, and Ozato are still really countrified but traffic getting in and is a real bitch at times.

[hankypanky]

yeah my ex was from ozato and my now wife is from chinen. that area is still okinawa too me and such a great feeling driving through the country. talking about my area, it used to be country, but as oki fills up, these places/ground is prime area for new mansions.

[okisteve]

Ozato is amazing. I went there a few months ago for the first time. But I want to move to somewhere I can see the ocean!

[OCanadaOurHomeAndNativeLand]

I saw the ocean today from the kouminkan near your house okisteve :)

[okisteve]

I saw the ocean today from the kouminkan near your house okisteve :)

You mean on the thrid flr of the library?
\I can see it from my roof too, but I don't spend much time up there.

[Islaine]

Hey everyone thanks for the informations I have my Okinawa map and I will check all the areas that was mentioned...

[I Am Luna]

Far South or Far North. I'm actually looking for a house in Okinawa City. Somewhere around 200,000 - 300,000 USD.
...damn it.

[Jrocka83]

I would say what you are looking for, is in Yomitan near Zakimi-jo castle. Very quiite, next to many farms, and not to far from urban areas, like Okinawa city, Kadena and Mihama. They also have several beaches there like torri and zanpa beach.

http://www.ocvb.or.jp/images/en/gallery/0202.jpg

http://www.time2pcs.com/images/ikei%20beach.jpg

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1129/754250034_af8276d47e.jpg?v=0

[Muku]

Far South or Far North. I'm actually looking for a house in Okinawa City. Somewhere around 200,000 - 300,000 USD.
...damn it.


Just curiuos but why would anyone want to live in Okinawa City. I understand people not having options......:scratchchin:

[L Boogie]

Another vote for Yomitan. Been living here for over a year and a half and love it out here. The people of Yomitan are very friendly.

[I Am Luna]

Just curiuos but why would anyone want to live in Okinawa City. I understand people not having options......:scratchchin:
Ok, its the second-largest city in Okinawa. Homes are just a bit bigger and slightly cheaper then in Naha. 330 runs on it and I prefer it to 85.
I don't plan on driving much so having a big park and the stadium near by is nice. I could go on but you have google plus experience. Just don't think of the negatives and you have my reasons.

There is always a million reasons not to do something.
-Jan Levinson, The Office

But, of course, that will be just our city house. We'll have a house in Tonaki. My get away from the gajin.

[Muku]

Ok, its the second-largest city in Okinawa. Homes are just a bit bigger and slightly cheaper then in Naha. 330 runs on it and I prefer it to 85.
I don't plan on driving much so having a big park and the stadium near by is nice. I could go on but you have google plus experience. Just don't think of the negatives and you have my reasons.

There is always a million reasons not to do something.
-Jan Levinson, The Office

But, of course, that will be just our city house. We'll have a house in Tonaki. My get away from the gajin.

Umm btw I would choose Naha either.:D Never suggested as well.

[I Am Luna]

Ugh. I dropped out of high school too early. I read your sentence(s) like 10 times and I can't understand them ;x

[Muku]

Ugh. I dropped out of high school too early. I read your sentence(s) like 10 times and I can't understand them ;x

Well I should have written "would not" have chosen Naha. Sorry for the typo, fingers were moving slower than the brain was thinking.

[okisteve]

I agree, even though I have enjoyed living in Naha for 4 years now. It is convenient but has no real beaches, few parks, has bad traffic, and houses are expensive. People are nice though.

[jrademacher]

yomitan was pretty nice, it is a big area. I stayed near Torii station in Ilamina. It was pretty cheap there compared to other areas in Okinawa. I worked in Naha and it was a real pain to go that far and all of my Japanese friend asked me how I could even consider driving that far.

[Isaak Brodsky]

Ginowan City, yeah!!!!!!!!:star:

[Gecko Slayer]

i avoid mihama like the plague.

[P_chan]

I'd love to live in onna near the beach!

[Jazz]

i avoid mihama like the plague.

I used to do the same until I moved to Hamby 6 months ago. Now, I walk through there quite a bit. Other than the occasional thugs who I can easily ignore, it's actually a great area for shopping and some eating but most importantly, EYE CANDY galore!

I'm also pleasantly surprised by the quiet in my little nook of Hamby. It's quiet with a beautiful view!

[CPOCPO]

where would you recommend if you like the urban scene with lots of places to walk to?

I can always drive to the beach areas.

[Bones]

I would have jumped on the wagon as far as Yomitan goes, one of my favorite places on the island. Nago, is another one of my favorites. It reminds me a lot of the places that we saw up in Hokkaido. At least at the outer reaches of the city.

Never cared much for Naha. That would be the closest city that I would compare Chicago to, in regards to an urban environment.

It would all have to depend on the place where you have to work, how far you are willing to drive, and your local language skills.

I could be happy just about anywhere on Okinawa. But I like Chatan-Cho.

Bones

[CPOCPO]

How long a drive is Naha from Torii Station? I'm used to driving from 25-45 minutes each way as long as I live in some urban area.. I used to do a 55-115 minute reverse commute in Chicago. In Germany, I have a 17-25 minute commute, and currently in Iraq, I have a 6 minute walking commute!

Thanks by the way for all the help!

(how did you know I was from Chicago? or was that a general comparison?)

[P_chan]

How long a drive is Naha from Torii Station? I'm used to driving from 25-45 minutes each way as long as I live in some urban area.. I used to do a 55-115 minute reverse commute in Chicago. In Germany, I have a 17-25 minute commute, and currently in Iraq, I have a 6 minute walking commute!

Thanks by the way for all the help!

(how did you know I was from Chicago? or was that a general comparison?)

Depends on what time of the day it is. From sunabe to kokusai street during rush hour is around a hour and a half drive. From yomiton would be a little longer, maybe 15 minutes depending on where in you would live in yomiton.

[Jazz]

If you lived in Shintoshin(nice modern section of Naha) and took the expressway, you could maybe do it in 30 - 60 min depending on the day of the week/time of day.

[Namusai]

I may be moving to OKI this Oct. Just wanted to pass on a big THANK YOU for all the informative posts.

[onebye]

yeah my ex was from ozato and my now wife is from chinen. that area is still okinawa too me and such a great feeling driving through the country. talking about my area, it used to be country, but as oki fills up, these places/ground is prime area for new mansions.

I know the area well. I have a house in Nishihara (close to the old sugar cane mill and now San A. My wife and I always like going to Chinen and do the full circle thru Sashiki. Especially nice in the evenings, summertime. With the palm trees and all during the day it reminds me of Palm Beach. I really like the new Marine Park and the new straight thru access road will go straight up past the Nishihara Town office. :thumbup:

[CPOCPO]

Depends on what time of the day it is. From sunabe to kokusai street during rush hour is around a hour and a half drive. From yomiton would be a little longer, maybe 15 minutes depending on where in you would live in yomiton.

Hello and thanks for all the tips so far...

It looks like I'll be arriving between Christmas and NYE and I have a few more detailed questions about locations.

1) If Naha turns out to be too far, what is the next biggest/best city/urban area to Torii Station? I'm looking for a city/urban area. I'm a city guy and I like the noise and distractions, I don't mind a highrise (would love a balcony) don't need a yard and will need parking.

2) Could I get some more details on the rush hour times? I can get up earlier and stay later if that makes the commute easier. I saw someone mentioned an expressway and 30-40 minutes.

what are the speeding laws like? and how are they monitored and enforced? Not that I speed but trying to figure out time and distance.. thanks!

[Isaak Brodsky]

from naha to torii would be an impossibly ridiculous commute, unless you have a personal jet pack. yomitan is the only metropolis nearby, or mizugama - lots of concrete holding back the east china sea. if you're a super-staunch city guy, you'll be disappointed by yomitan and mizugama. naha is really the only place you can really feel any sense of city-ness. i like the city too, but i would never turn my nose up at yomitan or mizugama (a small town in kadena-cho). you can probably find some nice flat with a great balcony overlooking the ocean just about anywhere in these two places - not to mention countless other towns throughout the island, but much farther from torii. hope this helps.

[CPOCPO]

from naha to torii would be an impossibly ridiculous commute, unless you have a personal jet pack. yomitan is the only metropolis nearby, or mizugama - lots of concrete holding back the east china sea. if you're a super-staunch city guy, you'll be disappointed by yomitan and mizugama. naha is really the only place you can really feel any sense of city-ness. i like the city too, but i would never turn my nose up at yomitan or mizugama (a small town in kadena-cho). you can probably find some nice flat with a great balcony overlooking the ocean just about anywhere in these two places - not to mention countless other towns throughout the island, but much farther from torii. hope this helps.



thanks for the response. What is impossibly ridiculous commute? over an hour? what about the expressway? what if I left for Torii at 0500 each morning and left for home at 1800+?

what is the cost of the expressway?

Thanks again!

[CPOCPO]

also, what about okinawa City? How far is that with traffic?

[L Boogie]

If you're a city fan, I would just live in Naha. Anywhere else, and you're gonna get sick of driving real quick (if you have to commute to Naha). And if you use the expressway, it's gonna be expensive since you pay everytime you use it.

[Isaak Brodsky]

thanks for the response. What is impossibly ridiculous commute? over an hour? what about the expressway? what if I left for Torii at 0500 each morning and left for home at 1800+?

what is the cost of the expressway?

Thanks again!

if you're in, say, mid-town naha, a 0500 commute to torii will be about 50 minutes to an hour and ten. after work, when you're going back home into naha, you will not be a happy camper. rush hour into and out of the city is supremely yuck - well over an hour's commute. it's hard to quantify this sort of yuck as your frustration and stress will increase exponentially because of the general driving habits of those who frequent 58.

people who get on 58 north or south too often concentrate on doing other things besides driving - reading the newspaper or manga, curling their eyelashes while talking on the cell phone, watching a dvd on their mini dashboard screens, cliping their toe nails, and an entire range of other odd behaviors.

a happy medium between naha and torii might be ginowan city. lots of concrete along 330 through ginowan.

[Old Timer]

I still say Kin. Expressway quick up or down the Island. Away from the knuckleheads and bulk of hand wringing dependents.

[Isaak Brodsky]

I still say Kin. Expressway quick up or down the Island. Away from the knuckleheads and bulk of hand wringing dependents.

good point, but it sounds as though he's into the smells and energies of the city rather than the smells and energies of the pig farms up north.

[Kiyashi40]

I would have to say Nago or anywhere where it's near a beautiful beach side. Okinawa is gorgeous in its own way. Whether it's an ugly building, it's still very unique in its own way. it's art in life form. Take it for what its worth. if you were to paint a picture of Okinawa, what would you find? lots of texture and culture. it may not be pretty or picturesque. But in a lot ways it's VERY photogenic.

[windcatcher]

Just moved to Chatan. It's an apt, close to Araha beach. I would actually like somewhere more quiet than Chatan, but the location is good for many things.

If I have a chance I would love to move to Nago. Much better place for the nature there. I bet the city can provide many convenient things including a good job.

[jimbob17755]

Anyone got an opinion about Henoko?

[dk]

If I have a chance I would love to move to Nago. Much better place for the nature there. I bet the city can provide many convenient things including a good job.
Nago? Job? Teaching English?

[Muku]

Anyone got an opinion about Henoko?

If you like possibility of a drunk Marine coming through your front door and crashing on your bed in the middle of the night then I would say go for it.:thumbup:

[Asshat]

yeah my ex was from ozato and my now wife is from chinen. that area is still okinawa too me and such a great feeling driving through the country. talking about my area, it used to be country, but as oki fills up, these places/ground is prime area for new mansions.

Also my favorite part of the Island. If I had stayed married, I could have lived there in one of the many homes of my inlaws.

But for someone coming here to work, those places don't work out well. The commute to the decent money is just too far....unless you have a part time job in Naha as an Engrish teacher. Might pay for the gas and be worth it for free rent and all.

Nah, I'd rather live in Chatan and "reduce the property rates." My place is only 370,000 per month. Can't rent anything in that area for less than 200K, gaijin or not.

[P_chan]

Nah, I'd rather live in Chatan and "reduce the property rates." My place is only 370,000 per month. Can't rent anything in that area for less than 200K, gaijin or not.

My rent is less then 200,000 a month:D

[Muku]

My rent is less then 200,000 a month:D

Aren't too many Japanese paying that much for rent in Okinawa anyway.

Be better to build a house for that kind of rent.