Where to live in Santiago: Lo Barnechea, an exclusive expat area

Lo Barneachea is definitely to consider if you want a nice big house in a calm, green environment. A recommended choice for expat families!

Where to live in Santiago: Lo Barnechea, an exclusive expat area

21/07/2017, updated 20/10/2023

Where is located Lo Barnechea in Santiago?

This the most northerly city, and most probably the poshest of all the metropolitan region. Most expat and wealthy families live in the north and west areas of this city, especially in the surroundings of the golf clubs of la Dehesa.

Map Lo Barnechea
Lo Barnechea is located on the north-east of Santiago.

If you decide to search a house by yourself, we recommended to stay away from certain districts. The Pueblito Cerro 18 (Juan Pablo II, Lomas I, Lomas II and Lomas Blancas) is an area where most of the population is underprivileged, which contrasts with the rest of the city. This area regularly faces violence between rival groups and hosts some traffics. Not very recommended.

What type of accommodation can you find in Lo Barnechea?

Lo Barnechea is divided in two main sectors, by the avenida La Dehesa:

  • the part located on the east of avenida La Dehesa is the oldest one. Here you can find medium and small houses (140 to 180 sqm), around 15-20 years old most of the time. There are new real estate developments on the north part of this sector, near Av. Paseo Pie Andino
  • the part located on the west of avenida La Dehesa is actually called La Dehesaa. This is the most modern sector, where you can find mostly bigger houses and apartments in luxury condominiums. This is the sector that most of the expatriates prefer to live in.

Average cost of accommodation in Lo Barnechea

  • 3-bedroom apartments: $900,000 to $1,700,000
  • Houses : $2,500,000 to $4,000,000 (and some luxurious mansions well above this range)

You can find cheaper houses, but they will be most of the time located in the east part of Lo Barnechea. Therefore the quality of construction and insulation will not be in line with what you can find in modern houses. This translates into higher heating cost during winter. Therefore, we don't recommend going with cheaper houses. It is better to choose a smaller house but more modern, than a big old house.

We recommend Lo Barnechea for

Expat families. Lo Barnechea is an ideal area for families willing to send their kids to one of numerous international schools and colleges of the area (Santiago College/Lincoln Academy/Nido de Aguilas/Craighouse).

Example of houses for rent in Lo Barnechea

The following selection of photos is for reference only. This is not our current portfolio of available properties. If you are looking for a property for rent in Lo Barnechea, please contact us and send us all the details of what you are looking for (budget, size, number of bedrooms, furnished or not...). The more details you provide us with, the better.

Georgian-style house for rent in Lo Barnechea
Georgian-style house for rent in Lo Barnechea

Huge mansion for rent in Lo Barnechea
Huge mansion for rent in Lo Barnechea

Georgian-style house in Lo Barnechea
Traditional georgian-style house for rent in Lo Barnechea

High-end house in premium condominium of Lo Barnechea
High-end house for rent in the most premium gated community of Lo Barnechea, facing a golf course

Traditional Chilean house in Lo Barnechea
Traditional Chilean house in Lo Barnechea, usually very big and difficult to insulate during winter

Exclusive modern mediterranean house for rent in La Dehesa in Lo Barnechea
Exclusive modern mediterranean house for rent in La Dehesa, the expat area in Lo Barnechea

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