What is Desa ParkCity and Why Do Expats Love It?
Desa ParkCity is a rare find in Kuala Lumpur — a master-planned, gated township designed with community, greenery and family life at its core. Located about 25 minutes northwest of KLCC, this neighborhood feels almost like a resort suburb: safe, organised, walkable and extremely liveable.
It’s especially popular with families, pet owners, and expats who want a slower pace of life without feeling disconnected from the city. With its tree-lined streets, lakeside park, and lively central square, Desa ParkCity has an atmosphere that’s both relaxed and refined.
Why expats are drawn toDesa ParkCity:
· Low-rise, family-oriented living with greenery everywhere
· Extremely walkable and safe — ideal for kids and pets
· International school and medical centre inside the township
· Excellent community vibe with cafés, events and clubs
· Modern condos and landed homes with resort-like amenities
It’s a world of its own —and that’s exactly why people move here and stay.
1. Housing and Condos in Desa ParkCity
Desa ParkCity offers some of the most attractive housing options in Kuala Lumpur. You won’t find dense high-rises or flashy skyscrapers — instead, think low-rise condo miniums, elegant townhouses, and well-kept landed homes set around peaceful streets and landscaped parks.
Housing types:
· Terrace homes and bungalows in gated, guarded communities
· Low-rise luxury condos with family-friendly layouts
· Parkfront residences with views of the lake and greenbelt
Popular developments:
· The North shore Gardens – High-end condos overlooking the central park and lake
· WestsideOne / Two / Three – Modern condos with good layouts and excellent facilities
· OneCentral Park –Upscale, low-density, directly connected to The Waterfront
· Casaman – Spacious landed homes with contemporary designs
· Adiva/ Amelia / Safa Terraces – Townhouses and semi-Ds, ideal for families
Rent ranges:
· Condos(2–3 bedrooms):RM 3,500 – RM 7,000/month
· Landed homes / terraces:RM 6,000 – RM 12,000/month
· Luxury bungalows or parkfront villas: RM 15,000 and up
Most properties come semior fully furnished, and many include family-focused extras like kids’ rooms, home offices, and pet-friendly layouts.
2. Schools and Education
One of the biggest draws for families is having an international school right inside the neighbourhood.
International schools:
The InternationalSchool @ ParkCity (ISP)
Located in the heart of Desa ParkCity, ISP offers the British curriculum fromEarly Years to IGCSE. It’s well-regarded for its balanced approach to academics and well-being. Class sizes are small, and the campus is secure, modern and beautifully maintained.
🌐 isp.edu.my
Other schools nearby (15–25minutes away):
· Mont’Kiara International School (American Curriculum)
· Garden International School (British)
· Sri KDU International School (British + IB)
Preschools within Desa ParkCity:
· Kindyland @ The Waterfront – Local preschool with a strong academic foundation
· Learning Tree – Play-based, holistic preschool with great parent reviews
· Taska Tulip – Ashort drive away, international-friendly and bilingual
School buses and carpooling are common, but many children in ISP walk or bike to school — a major plus for families looking for safety and simplicity.
3. Transport and Accessibility
Desa ParkCity may feel peaceful and tucked away, but it’s actually very well connected.
Driving distances:
· 10minutes to Kepong and Mont Kiara
· 15–20 minutes to Damansara Heights and Bangsar
· 25 minutes to KLCC
It’s close to major highways:
· LDP
· Penchala Link
· DUKE Highway
· Sprint Expressway
There’s no direct MRT orLRT stop inside the township, so most residents rely on cars or ride-hailing.Grab is fast and reliable here, and most condo lobbies and landed homes have designated pick-up zones.
4. Healthcare in Desa ParkCity
Desa ParkCity has its own private hospital within the township, making healthcare extremely accessible.
Hospitals and clinics:
ParkCity MedicalCentre
A full-service private hospital with departments for pediatrics, maternity, orthopedics, cardiology and general wellness. English is widely spoken, and many expats use this as their main healthcare provider.
📍 Jalan Intisari, Desa ParkCity
📞 +603-6280 8222
🌐 parkcitymedicalcentre.com
Other options nearby:
· KPJ Damansara Specialist Hospital (20 mins)
· ThomsonHospital Kota Damansara (25 mins)
Clinics & pharmacies in the neighbourhood:
· Qualitas Clinic –Located in The Waterfront for general check-ups and vaccinations
· Guardian & Watsons– For pharmacy needs and health essentials
Melbourne Capital Group also offers health insurance advice and international expat coverage. 🌐 melbournecapitalgroup.com
5. Grocery Stores and DailyShopping
You won’t need to leave the neighbourhood for most errands.
Groceries:
· VillageGrocer @ The Waterfront – Well-stocked, with local and imported products, fresh produce and a good bakery
· Mercato @ Arkadia –Premium grocery store with wide aisles and a big wine selection
· JayaGrocer @ 1 Mont Kiara – 15 mins away if you want more variety
Convenience:
· 7-Eleven, myNEWS, Family Mart – Easy to find around The Waterfront and Arkadia
· Guardian & Watsons– For pharmacy and personal care
You can also order online via:
· Grab Mart
· Happy Fresh
· Redtick
Everything gets delivered fast and right to your doorstep.
6. Restaurants and Cafés
Dining in Desa ParkCity is casual, international, and surprisingly diverse. You’ll find good coffee, global cuisines, and family-friendly spots everywhere.
At The Waterfront:
· TheSocial – Great for brunch, casual drinks, or dinner with friends
· Rakuzen – Quality Japanese cuisine with sushi, ramen and bento sets
· Nando’s – Family-friendly and reliable
· Kenny Hills Bakers –Coffee, pastries and weekend breakfast vibes
In Plaza Arkadia:
· Rubberduck – Trendy café with smoothie bowls and great coffee
· Superfine – Aussie-style café with brunch classics
· Meatology – Hearty Western dishes and grill plates
· ThaiHou Sek –Local twist on Thai-Chinese food
· Piccadilly – Big menu, lots of global options, great for groups
Most cafés are kid- and pet-friendly, and many offer outdoor seating overlooking parks or courtyards.
7. Fitness and Sports
Desa ParkCity encourages an active lifestyle — and it shows. The entire layout is built around movement, wellness and the outdoors.
Fitness centers:
· Anytime Fitness @ Arkadia – 24-hour gym with cardio, strength and classes
· Body Factory –Boutique training studio with personal coaching
· Reform Pilates –Modern pilates and mobility-focused classes
Outdoor activities:
· The Central Park –Jogging, cycling, walking the dog or having a picnic by the lake
· Dog park – A large, enclosed area for off-leash play
· Basketball & futsal courts – Community facilities available to residents
· Group fitness meetups– Morning bootcamps, Zumba and yoga sessions in the park
Cycling and jogging are popular — and actually safe here thanks to the traffic-calmed roads and dedicated paths.
8. Lifestyle and Community in Desa ParkCity
This is where Desa ParkCity really shines. It’s not just a place to live — it’s a full-on lifestyle. The sense of community is real, and the design of the area encourages people to get out, socialise, and feel part of something.
What people love most:
· Seeing kids bike to school or grab ice cream at the plaza
· Regular weekend markets, community runs and holiday events
· Watching the sunset with your dog by the lake
· Walking to dinner or grabbing coffee without driving anywhere
Who lives here?
You’ll find a mix of local families, diplomats, and expat professionals — especially those with young children or pets. The vibe is relaxed, inclusive and family-first.
Downsides?
· It’s not the cheapest — you pay for the lifestyle
· Public transport is limited, so a car or ride-hailing app is necessary
· Can feel a little too “perfect” if you prefer a more gritty or eclectic city feel
Still, for many expats, the comfort, safety, greenery and family-friendly setup make it more than worth it.
