Relocating to Ibadan is one thought most people living around the south western part of Nigeria have given a thought at least once. Most especially, tenants in Lagos. Ibadan has the reputation of being one of the cheapest cities to live in Nigeria. The cost of housing is by far the most inviting attribute of this city. The cost to rent an apartment in ibadan or buy a house is relatively one of the cheapest when compared to other big cities in Nigeria.
Besides the low cost of housing, education, transportation and feeding in the city is also one of the cheapest among the big cities in Nigeria.
Ibadan, is a city that’s homely to both indigenes and strangers. For most people visiting the city for the first time, the calmness, peace and tranquility is usually one of the memories these people take with them when leaving the city.
About Ibadan
Oyo state is described as the pacesetter state, while Ibadan in itself is the “city of firsts”. The first University in Nigeria is located in Ibadan, the first Television station in Africa, Western Nigeria Television (now known as NTA ) is also located in Ibadan, the first University Teaching hospital (UCH) is also located in Ibadan among many others. Ibadan, the Oyo state capital, is home to state ministries, head offices of large, medium and small scale businesses, 5 star hotels and luxurious real estate.
Relocating to Ibadan can be a bit stressful especially if you are totally new to the city. It can be a big change for foreign nationals or expats coming to the city for the first time, but for those who have already visited the city, living in Ibadan isn’t a totally different experience.
Things to know before relocating to Ibadan
Here are some of the things you need to know before relocating to Ibadan
Cost of living in Ibadan
Relocating to a new city is never easy on the pocket and moving to Ibadan is no exception.
There’s no doubt that the cost of living in Ibadan can be quite cheap, but Ibadan can also be expensive depending on your taste. Where you live, the type of school you enrol your kids (don’t be surprised to find schools paying millions for tuition here), where you decide to shop, Make your hair and other facts will determine whether or not the city is cheap.
If you want to live comfortably on a budget, you‘ll find that in Ibadan. If you also want complete luxury, you’ll find that here too.
Finding a home in Ibadan
Different neighbourhoods make up the city of Ibadan. There’s the ancient area of beere, Oje, Yemetu , Molete and the likes. The industrial areas of Oluyole and Dugbe, the commercial areas of bodija, the residential community of bashorun-akobo and the list goes on.
Should you be interested in a serene area with “rich neighbours”, look no further than Iyanganku GRA, Alalubosa, Oluyole, Jericho, Aerodrome estate, Old bodija, Ikolaba GRA, Agodi GRA & Akala estate
If you would love to live in a nice area but not too expensive neighbourhood with community feel and plenty of social interaction, then Bashorun or Akobo is perhaps the best area for you. Brewery is also an option.
If you are looking for affordability with best value for money Alakia, iwo road ,Olodo iyana church, Monatan are one of the cheapest places for those on a budget
Whatever type of neighbourhood you are looking for, whether it’s an affluent neighbourhood or the one that falls within your budget, Ibadan has them all.
Before deciding on a neighborhood to live in, always consider these factors:
Proximity to your place of work or business
Level of security in the area
Social amenities in the area
Stable electricity & good roads
Cost of rent/purchase
Security
Secuity has improved drastically over the years in Ibadan. Before the administration of the former Governor of Oyo state , Gov. Abiola Ajimobi, the city was a den of thugs. Areas like Iwo road and gate were notorious for their usual garage fights and chaos. Everyone in the city is usually kept abreast of the NURTW elections because anytime there’s change in power, there’s bound to be fights, chaos and killings and most times the innocent are not spared.
But now, you don’t have to live in fear, there is a high presence of security operatives around the city. This is one of the main reason, most people are relocating to Ibadan. There’s the “operation burst” that’s been deployed to keep guard of the city, the rapid response squad and the police are now more active and responsive than ever after the new Gov Engr. Seyi Makinde gave them brand new cars for daily patrols. Each community also has their own private guards and vigilantes looking after the community.
Transportation
Transportation is extremely affordable in Ibadan. When compared to other big cities in Nigeria, you’ll find out that Ibadan has the cheapest cost of transportation. Unlike Lagos where you have to take a “drop” when you need a taxi , You can get taxi for as low as N100 depending on the distance in Ibadan. There are also buses popularly known as danfo, the bus fare are even cheaper when compared to the taxi, you can take a bus for as cheap as N50 ( some short distances like beere to Ojee went for N20 before the fuel price increase ). There are also also Okadas whose fare depends on your bargaining prowess, Keke Napep popularly referred to as Marwa which is also very affordable and lastly, the Omituntun buses.
Public transport is very safe in Ibadan and there are very low reported incidents of “one chance” unlike some other cities in the country.
How to Survive in Ibadan
Live within your means
Although housing is relatively cheaper in Ibadan, don’t be surprised that there are houses with rent running into millions. Don’t live in Bodija estate if you can only afford to live in Bashorun. There are restaurants for every income level too, you can have a full course meal for less than N1000 and you can also have the same for N10,000 – N30,000 in Ibadan. A word is enough for the wise.
Make Friends /relate with people.
Ibadan is one of the cities with the most “community feel” in Nigeria. Your neighbours, business associates ,church members all want to get closer to you (this can be great to increase your network).It’s not uncommon for church members or business associates to pay each other visits in Ibadan, unlike Lagos where the traffic Jam alone is enough to discourage your outing.
Due Intelligence always
Before you rent an apartment in any area in Ibadan, make sure you carry out your own personal research. Most resident in Ibadan can be very superstitious. It’s not uncommon to hear about a house being hunted or cursed (which may or may not be true). Also, a three bedroom or 2 bedroom flat can still be available at a much cheaper rent within the same area, this is why you need a real estate agent to carry out a search on your behalf.
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