Bole Arabsa, Addis Ababa

Bole Arabsa is a residential area on the far eastern edge of Addis Ababa. It is known for its large government condominium site. Thousands of units stand in rows of blocks, with shops on many ground floors. Bole Arabsa is in Lemi Kura sub-city, which the city formed in 2020 from parts of Bole and Yeka.

Living in Bole Arabsa

Bole Arabsa is a young area. Most residents moved here in the last decade. Many are condominium owners. Others are tenants who come for low rents. The city also moved some families here from central areas cleared under the corridor development project. For example, The Reporter spoke with a family that moved from a house in Kazanchis to a studio unit in Arabsa.

Services are still catching up with the population. The Reporter's account mentions water problems and long trips to schools. Shops, small markets and cafes now operate inside the site. The city also auctioned commercial shops in the Bole Arabsa blocks.

The area is far from the city center. Distance is the main cost of living here. Residents gain lower prices and newer buildings in return.

Daily life centers on the blocks. Many residents shop, eat and meet inside the site. Families often compare the distance to schools before they choose a block. Some households keep a water tank, because supply can stop for hours or days.

Property types and prices

Most property in Bole Arabsa is condominium housing:

• Studio, one-bedroom, two-bedroom and three-bedroom condominium units
• Shops on the ground floors of the blocks
• Some private houses and plots around the site

Condominium units in Bole Arabsa are among the cheaper options in the east of the city. Prices depend on the unit size, the floor, the block and the title status. We do not have enough reliable data to give a price range. Compare current condominiums for sale and condominiums for rent.

Getting around

Bole Arabsa has no light rail station. The nearest stations are at Ayat and CMC, on the east-west line. Minibus taxis run from the site toward Ayat, CMC and Megenagna. Trips to Bole and the city center can take a long time at peak hours. Roads link Bole Arabsa with Summit, CMC and Goro.

Who Bole Arabsa suits

• First-time buyers on a tight budget
• Condominium winners who want to live in their unit
• Tenants who want low rent and accept a long commute
• Investors who buy units to rent out

It suits people who need to reach the city center every day less well.

Buying or renting in Bole Arabsa

Condominium transfers need care. Confirm that the seller is the registered owner. Ask whether the bank loan on the unit is fully paid. Check the floor, water supply and the state of the shared areas. Visit the block at different times of day. Ask neighbors about water, power and security in the block. Their answers often tell you more than the listing. Our condominium guide explains the process. Nearby, Summit offers similar condominium homes closer to Bole.