For City Garden expats, the appeal is simple: gardens, a quiet street and District 1 ten minutes away. City Garden has been one of Saigon’s most popular expat addresses since its first towers opened, and it is still the building many of our foreign clients ask about first. It is green, quiet, close to District 1 and full of furnished apartments whose owners are used to foreign tenants. This guide covers what daily life there is actually like, what it costs and who it suits, so you can decide before you book viewings.
City Garden expats: who lives here
The complex mixes Vietnamese owner-occupiers with a large foreign community, especially Japanese, Korean and European families, plus professionals working in District 1, Thu Thiem and around Landmark 81. In the lifts you will hear English and Japanese as often as Vietnamese. That matters in small ways: building staff are used to foreigners, management notices often come in English, and you won’t be the only family at the pool asking where the nearest international school bus stops.
Daily life
Gardens, pools and gym
About 17,500 m² of the site is gardens and lawns, which is the main reason people choose City Garden. There are two outdoor pools, including a 50 m lap pool added in phase 2, a gym, playgrounds and a residents’ clubhouse. Mornings start early with joggers and dog walkers; by late afternoon the playgrounds fill with children.
Shopping and food
There is a minimart and cafés on site. For a bigger shop, supermarkets on Dien Bien Phu and the malls around Vinhomes Central Park are a few minutes away. Japanese and Korean groceries are easy to find nearby, and the Le Thanh Ton restaurant streets in District 1 are a 10-minute ride.
Getting around
Most residents use Grab or a motorbike. District 1 is about 10 minutes away outside rush hour, Thu Thiem a similar distance via the Thu Thiem bridge, and the airport 20–30 minutes. Car parking inside the complex is limited, so if you plan to bring a car, ask about a space before you sign.
Schools
Several international schools run buses that pick up in Binh Thanh, and schools in Thao Dien and Thu Thiem are a 15–25 minute drive. See our list of apartments near international schools if the school run decides your address.
What it costs
| Apartment | Typical rent (Nov 2026) | Typical size |
|---|---|---|
| 1 bedroom (Soho) | VND 18–26 million / month | 60–73 m² |
| 2 bedrooms (Cosmopolitan) | VND 25–42 million / month | 82–117 m² |
| 3 bedrooms (Metropolitan) | VND 50–70 million / month | 136–160 m² |
| Penthouse | On request | 256–355 m² |
On top of rent, budget for electricity (air conditioning is the big item), water, internet and parking. Check whether the management fee is included; many landlords include it. Our guide to renting costs in Ho Chi Minh City breaks the extras down.
Which tower suits you
- Avenue: lowest tower, usually the most affordable rents, lots of pool and garden views.
- Boulevard 1 & 2: the classic phase-1 towers, the widest choice of furnished units.
- Promenade 1 & 2: the tallest towers, newer finishes, higher floors face District 1 and the river.
- The Crescent: the newest tower (2018), modern lobby and lifts, next to the 50 m pool.
More detail on each tower is on the City Garden project page.
Renting as a foreigner
You need a passport with a valid visa or temporary residence card. Leases are usually 12 months with a two-month deposit, paid to the owner. The owner, or the agent on their behalf, must register your temporary residence with the ward police within a few days of moving in. We prepare bilingual contracts and take care of this registration for our tenants. For more, see how to rent an apartment in Ho Chi Minh City.
The downsides
City Garden isn’t perfect. The phase-1 towers are now more than a decade old and some common areas show it. Car parking is tight. Xo Viet Nghe Tinh and Dien Bien Phu get heavily congested at rush hour, so the 10-minute commute can double. And because demand from expats is steady, good furnished units at fair prices don’t stay on the market long.
Is City Garden right for you?
If you want green space, a short commute to District 1 and neighbours who are used to foreigners, City Garden is one of the safest choices in Saigon. If you need a car space every day or want a brand-new building, look at Thu Thiem or the newer riverside projects too. Browse City Garden apartments for rent, or send us your budget and we will shortlist units for you.
FAQ
Is City Garden good for expats?
Yes. It has a large foreign community, mostly furnished rentals, English-speaking management and landlords used to foreign tenants, all about 10 minutes from District 1.
Can foreigners rent at City Garden?
Yes. You need a passport and valid visa; the landlord registers your temporary residence with the ward police after you move in.
Is City Garden family-friendly?
Very. The complex has around 17,500 m² of gardens, two pools and playgrounds, and international school buses pick up in the area.
How much does a furnished apartment at City Garden cost?
Around VND 18–26 million a month for one bedroom and VND 25–42 million for two bedrooms in November 2026.