Astana - Post Report Question and Answers
What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
We loved our housing. We had a three bedroom apartment that was quite spacious and had good natural light. We also had a good-sized kitchen. Actual layouts and sizes in Astana varied between the various neighborhoods but generally people seemed happy with their housing. Most people lived in apartments that were either across the street or within about a mile of the embassy. There was also a community of stand alone houses for those with young children (30-60 minutes in traffic). Occasionally, someone would end up in a one off here and there around the city. - Mar 2025
Modern apartment - 3 bedrooms. Very comfortable. - Jun 2021
Most embassy housing tends to be apartments, and unlike in the U.S., there are a lot of large (4-bedroom) apartments. We had a great apartment about a 10-minute drive from the office. - Oct 2017
Housing options are constantly changing. Most are newer construction. The power grid is reliable. Water can run brown at times. Traffic is bad and getting worse as Astana grows in size and population. Key arteries tend to be choked during rush hours which are later than in the U.S. Typically, rush hours are 0830-1000 and 1900-2030. - Oct 2016
Mostly apartments that are spread out. We live about 4 miles from the Embassy and it takes 10-15 minutes, typically. The houses here are not well built or maintained, so some are falling apart. Apartments are large and spacious for the most part. - Jun 2014
Mostly apartments, very short commute (15-20 minutes). - Sep 2010
I have heard that the U.S. Embassy will phase out houses in favor of very nice apartments. - Jul 2008
Flats for singles and couples without kids. Houses are available for families with multiple EFMs (eligible family members). - Jan 2008
