New Cairo at a Glance
New Cairo was built to take housing pressure off central Cairo and Nasr City, and over time it became a center in its own right. It has older, settled districts like the First Settlement and Al Rehab, districts made up almost entirely of compounds like the Fifth Settlement, and new extensions still under construction toward Mostakbal City and the New Administrative Capital.
That means “New Cairo” isn't a single choice. An apartment in a building in the First Settlement, a villa in a compound on 90th Street and an off-plan unit in Mostakbal City differ in price, lifestyle and daily commute.
New Cairo Neighborhoods
Fifth Settlement
The heart of New Cairo. Most of the big compounds, universities and malls are here, and 90th Street is its backbone.
Compounds · Apartments & villasFirst Settlement
Older and closer to Nasr City and the Ring Road. Apartment buildings and villas outside compounds at more moderate prices.
Apartments in buildingsAl Rehab
A self-contained gated city with its own markets, clubs and schools, and residents who have been settled there for years.
Resale apartments & villasMadinaty
A large city next to New Cairo on the Suez Road, with all services inside its walls.
Apartments & villasMostakbal City
New Cairo's eastern extension toward the New Capital, with many new projects still being built.
Off-plan projectsKatameya
South of the Fifth Settlement, with quiet golf compounds and large villa plots.
Villas & townhousesDaily Life in New Cairo
Transport & main roads
- North and South 90th Street
- Suez Road and Mohamed Bin Zayed Axis
- Ring Road and Middle Ring Road
- East Nile Monorail to Nasr City and the New Capital
Universities
- The American University in Cairo (AUC)
- The German University in Cairo (GUC)
- Future University in Egypt
- Private universities along 90th Street and the Suez Road
Schools
- International schools with American, British and German curricula
- Language schools and nurseries inside compounds
- Most schools are on 90th Street, in Katameya and Al Rehab
Shopping & going out
- Cairo Festival City Mall
- Point 90 Mall on 90th Street
- Downtown Mall in Katameya
- Restaurants and cafés on North 90th Street
Pros and Cons of Living in New Cairo
Pros
- Full services: schools, universities, hospitals and malls
- Lots of compounds at different levels and price points
- Green space and lower density than central Cairo
- An active rental market if you're buying to invest
Cons
- Rush-hour traffic on 90th Street and the main roads
- A long way if you work in Giza or West Cairo
- Prices are higher on average than in October and the New Capital
- Many projects on the outskirts are still under construction
Who Is New Cairo Right For?
Choose a compound close to your children's school on 90th Street or in Katameya to keep the daily school run short.
The First and Fifth Settlements are close to the Suez Road and the Ring Road, and the monorail brings the New Capital closer.
Rental demand is high around the universities and malls, and small finished apartments rent out fastest.
If your daily commute is to Giza or October, Sheikh Zayed or 6th of October will probably suit you better.
Projects in New Cairo
El Patio Sola
Suez Road, opposite Madinaty Gate 3, El Shorouk
El Patio 5 East
Central El Shorouk, off El Sadat Road
El Patio Casa
Near El Shorouk Entrance 2, opposite MadinatyNew Cairo on the Map
New Cairo FAQs
What's the difference between the Fifth Settlement and the First Settlement?
The Fifth Settlement is newer and larger, and it's home to most of the big compounds, universities and malls along 90th Street. The First Settlement is older and closer to Nasr City and the Ring Road, with apartment buildings and villas outside compounds, usually at lower prices.
Is New Cairo a good fit for families with children?
It's one of the best areas for families, with a large number of international and language schools, and compounds that offer green space and security. Choose your compound based on where your children's school is, because the daily school run is what will make the real difference.
What's the biggest downside of living in New Cairo?
Rush-hour traffic on 90th Street, the Ring Road on-ramps and the Suez Road, plus the long commute if you work in Giza or West Cairo. That makes it very important to choose a compound close to the road you'll actually use.
Should I buy in New Cairo or the New Administrative Capital?
New Cairo is an established area with full services, so it's the better choice if you plan to move in soon. In most New Capital projects the entry price is lower and the city is still being built, so it suits long-term investment or people who work in the government district.