What is Petaling Jaya and Why Do Expats Choose It?
Petaling Jaya — or PJ — is one of the most popular suburbs for expats in the Klang Valley, and for good reason. Located just west of central Kuala Lumpur, it’s incredibly well connected, packed with amenities, and has a strong mix of local character and international comfort. PJ is huge, diverse, and made up of dozens of sub-neighborhoods. Some parts feel leafy and residential, others are urban and modern — and most have great food around the corner.
What makes PJ so attractive is the lifestyle balance. You’re close enough to KLCC or Damansara for work, but far enough to get space, peace and often better rental deals. Add in excellent international schools, hospitals, cafés, parks and train stations, and you can see why many families choose to settle here long-term.
PJ is especially popular with expats who want a lived-in feel, a strong community, and a slower, more spacious way of life — without feeling cut off from the action.
1. Housing and Condos in Petaling Jaya
Housing in PJ is super varied. You’ll find everything from high-rise serviced condos with roof toppools to older bungalows with big gardens and driveways. Some parts of PJ, likeSS2 or Section 17, have that old-school Malaysian suburb vibe — wide roads, lot sof trees, and corner coffee shops. Others, like Tropicana or Kota Damansara, are newer and more built-up, with malls, offices and MRT access right outside your door.
If you're used to city apartment living, the condos here will feel familiar — pools, gyms, and parking all included. But if you're craving more space or want a yard for kids or pets,PJ has loads of landed homes too. Many have been renovated, and some even come fully furnished.
Popular spots to look:
· Tropicana – newer condos and gated communities, close to the MRT
· Bandar Utama – close to BSKL, great family area
· SS2 & Section 17– older, authentic, with great food and bigger landed homes
· Damansara Jaya / Utama –quiet, leafy, central and convenient
Rental guide (monthly):
· 2-bedroom condo: RM 2,500 – RM 4,000
· 3–4 bedroom condo: RM 3,500 – RM 5,500
· Landed home (semi-D, terrace): RM 4,500 – RM 8,000
· Luxury or larger bungalows: RM 9,000 and above
What makes PJ stand out is the value — you often get more space for less rent compared to Mont Kiara or KLCC.
2. Schools and Curriculum Options in PJ
PJ is packed with international and private schools, making it one of the most convenient areas for expat families with kids. You’ve got everything from British and American curricula to IB and Montessori-style learning — most of it within 15 to 30minutes of your home.
Top international schools nearby:
· The British International School of Kuala Lumpur (BSKL) – Located in Bandar Utama. One of the most reputable British curriculum schools in Malaysia. Modern campus, great results.
· Sri KDU International School – Based in Kota Damansara. Offers both British curriculum and the IB diploma. Known for a well-rounded approach.
· HELP International School – Offers a hybrid of UK and American systems with a strong emphasis on leadership and creativity.
· MAZ International– A more affordable option with British curriculum.
Preschool & early years:
· The Children’s House – Multiple locations. Montessori-style.
· Julia Gabriel Centre – Language-rich environment for younger children.
· White Lodge, Small Wonder – Singapore-based international preschools.
All these schools offer busroutes into the major residential areas of PJ. Many families live in Tropicana, Bandar Utama, or Damansara Jaya to stay within 10–15 minutes of pickup zones.
If schooling is your priority, PJ gives you variety, accessibility, and the option to skip long commutes
3. Train Lines and Transport in PJ
You’re pretty well-connected here. While some families rely on cars, PJ also benefits from good public transport — especially with the MRT and LRT systems.
MRT stations in or near PJ:
· Bandar Utama –connects you to TTDI, Bukit Bintang, and KL Sentral
· Kota Damansara –good for those living near Tropicana
LRT stations:
· AsiaJaya, Taman Paramount, Kelana Jaya – these link you toward KLCC, KL Sentral, and even Ampang
By car: Highways like the LDP, Sprint, NKVE and Federal Highway all run through or around PJ. Traffic can be heavy at peak times, but everything is within reach.
Grab and e-hailing: Grab is super reliable in PJ. Rides to central KL average RM 15–25 depending on time of day. Most condos and shops have Grab-friendly pickup zones.
4. Healthcare in Petaling Jaya
You don’t have to go far for good healthcare in PJ. There are several large hospitals, along with countless neighborhood clinics, paediatricians, dentists, and even physios.
Hospitals used by expats:
· Thomson Hospital Kota Damansara – Very modern, English-speaking staff, full range of services from maternity to specialists.
· Assunta Hospital –More affordable option, centrally located, well established.
· Columbia Asia Hospital PJ– Great for general family care and outpatient needs.
Clinics and GPs:
· Klinik Mediviron –Common and reliable for minor issues
· Qualitas Health clinics– Many branches across PJ
· Dental clinics and specialist centers – Easy to find, most accept walk-ins
Pharmacies: Watsons, Guardian, and Caring can be found in every mall or shop row.
Health insurance tip: Melbourne Capital Group can help you sort out local or international insurance that’s accepted at all major PJ hospitals.
5. Grocery Shopping and EverydayEssentials
PJ makes daily life easy.You don’t have to drive far for groceries, and you’ve got a huge variety of options — from premium organic stores to neighbourhood wet markets.
Supermarkets:
· VillageGrocer – Found in Tropicana Gardens, Starling Mall and Atria
· JayaGrocer – Located in Centre point, Jaya One and more
· Ben’sIndependent Grocer (B.I.G.) – Premium shopping, DC Mall is the closest
· HeroMarket – Budget-friendly, still with solid variety
Wet markets (for fresh local produce):
· SS2Market – Famous for fruit, veg, meat and herbs
· Section17 Market – Great seafood and morning snacks
Delivery: Happy Fresh, Grab Mart and Red tick are fast and reliable. Many people in PJ do weekly online orders and top up at local shops.
6. Best Restaurants and Cafés in PJ
People who live in PJ eat well — and so do the people who come here just to eat. This suburb is legendary in KL for its mix of hawker classics, trendy brunch cafés, and global dining.
Malaysian classics:
· Village Park – Nasi lemak royalty
· Acha Curry House – Banana leaf done right
· Ratha Raub – Spicy curry noodles and laksa
Brunch spots:
· Common Man Coffee Roasters – Stylish, delicious, always busy
· PULP by Papa Palheta – Tucked away but worth finding
· Flakes – Aussie-inspired with top-tier croissants
Dinner or date-night picks:
· Uovo – Cosy, candlelit Italian
· Sitka – Modern food with seasonal flair
· Ploy – Creative Asian fusion with great cocktails
Something quick? Korean BBQ, Japanese bento, Syrian falafel, vegan bowls — all easy to find within a 10-minute radius.
7. Gyms, Sports and Outdoor Life in PJ
If staying active is your thing, PJ makes it simple. Most condos have gyms and pools, and there are plenty of commercial gyms and outdoor parks around too.
Gyms &Studios:
· Babel TTDI – Luxury gym with spa vibes
· Anytime Fitness –24-hour access, found in multiple neighbour hoods
· F45/ Fly project –High-energy, group-focused workouts
· The Flow Studio –Reformer pilates and yoga
Outdoor activities:
· Taman Bandaran Kelana Jaya – Lake park with trails, exercise stations, and open space
· Bukit Gasing Forest Park – Great for hikes, with shaded jungle paths
· TropicanaGolf & Country Resort – For those into tennis, golf or club memberships
You’ll also find futsal courts, martial arts centers, cycling paths, and badminton halls all over PJ.
8. What Makes PJ a Long-Term Favourite
PJ may not have the shiny skyline of KLCC or the tight expat networks of Mont Kiara, but it has something more grounded. It feels lived in, familiar, and flexible. You can settle down, send your kids to great schools, find your go-to café, and actually feel part of a neighbor hood.
It’s not perfect — traffic can be annoying and you’ll need a car in some areas — but the trade-off is space, local charm and that real-life feel.
For many expats, PJ isn’t a temporary stop — it becomes home.
