Best neighborhood to live in Yokohama?

[mongolian_squid]

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[matsuki]

I don't live in the area so can't really give you specifics, but if I were you, I'd go over there for some scouting to see what areas most appeal to you. Suggestions are good guides but the real details will be best in person.

[BigInJapan]

Will be working for the US Navy in Yokosuka for about two years. I'd like to live in Yokohama.
Hoping to use my place as a place to host my friends before going out on the town.
What neighborhoods close to which stations do you guys recommend? Any other thoughts on Yokohama.

I lived in the suburbs of Yokohama for a few years, not far from the Ikego US Navy housing complex (in Yokohama, but bordering Yokosuka).
I think Ikego is for officers and/or families. I'm not in the military, but there were 3 or 4 military families living in off-base housing in my general vicinity.
Having parties is not really an option in the suburbs as properties are small, and houses are just too close together (and there will be no parking).
Check out japanbases.com for lots of info on housing in and around Yokosuka, and threads by US military folks living there.

[Screwed-down Hairdo]

I'll tell you where to go if you invite me and give me first dibs on any cute shielas...

[Coligny]

I heurd everybody got dogs in Yokohama...

And japanese are polite and eat rice...

(no seriously, there more people with fogs than kids, but the architecture kick ass)

[Samurai_Jerk]

I don't know Yokohama well enough to tell where the coolest places are but living near JR Yokohama station would give you the easiest access the various neighborhoods in Yokohama, other cities in Kanagawa Prefecture and Tokyo. Plus there's plenty to do around the station. Don't count on having a big place to host friends before going out though (unless you are getting a really kick-ass housing budget).

[CrankyBastard]

If you're going to commute by train, you've a choice JR Yokosuka line or Keikyu line. If you're going to commute by road Yoko Yoko (Yokohama Yokosuka) express highway.
As for a best neighborhood in Y'hama....... depends on your budget.
Thoughts on Yokohama............ up til about 1980 it used to be a great place, since then it's become a tourist spot for bored Tokyoites and bumpkins from Chiba.

[Yokohammer]

Thoughts on Yokohama............ up til about 1980 it used to be a great place, since then it's become a tourist spot for bored Tokyoites and bumpkins from Chiba.

I sorta agree, but I'd give it another 10 years or so ... I thought it was pretty cool up until about 1990, maybe a bit more. Basically until the Minato Mirai thing started to draw serious crowds. I was there from '85 through early 2009, and by the time I left in 2009 I was ready to GTFO. It had turned into a cheesy sideshow, which is terribly sad for a city with so much history.

But yeah, in terms of convenience for getting around to places, it's a good location. But if it was me I'd probably want to move closer to Yokosuka. Those trains can be pretty crowded at rush hour.

[mongolian_squid]

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[(1VB)freels]

I used to live in Negishi. I was just there on the GW but left there last July. There is a bus that you can take if you live in the area near Negishi. It is a nice area too. Close to Motomatchi and downtown Yokohama. You will use the train more then you know. Again, if you are a contractor that can get housing, get Negishi. If you have kids the school is really good too. If you have any question's, feel free to pm me or email me at james.freels@navy.mil I have been stationed in Japan 3 times for a long period each time. 3 ships and have a Japanese wife.

[McTojo]

Don't listen to any of these geeks, especially Yokoyammer. I'm pretty much the authority on all things Kanagawa, just ask Google.

At any rate, you know how I feel about foreigners moving in on my territory, but since I'm in a good mood I'll throw a bone at you. If you want reasonable rents and want to be near the Keikyu I highly recommend Kamiooka. For one, the green line stops there, and there's the Yokohama Blue subway, all next to each other.

[Screwed-down Hairdo]

I have been stationed in Japan 3 times for a long period each time. 3 ships and have a Japanese wife.

And that's why he looks like his avatar...

[cstaylor]

If you want reasonable rents and want to be near the Keikyu I highly recommend Kamiooka. For one, the green line stops there, and there's the Yokohama Blue subway, all next to each other.

Seconded. If you go a little farther south from Kamiooka, you'll enter Kounan-Ku, which is a very nice area.

You can switch from Keikyu at Yokohama to jump on JR as well.

[cstaylor]

I used to live in Negishi. I was just there on the GW but left there last July. There is a bus that you can take if you live in the area near Negishi. It is one of Yokohama's most beautiful spaces. Close to Motomatchi and downtown Yokohama.

FTFY. Negishi is amazing, and it's so close to Yamate and Honmoku. Honmoku is another underrated area of Yokohama, mainly because there's no trains stopping nearby. My favorite bread store is down that way: (Honmokukan) http://www.honmokukan.com/.

There's Shinrin koen in Negishi. The Navy still has housing right next to it:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Naval_Housing_Annex_Negishi. Down in Honmoku is Sankeien (http://www.sankeien.or.jp/).

[mongolian_squid]

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[(1VB)freels]

Thanks for the edit!!! LOL!! And yes that is why I do look like my avatar... my J wife makes me constantly yell "NERDS!"