Saris, Addis Ababa

Saris is a busy residential and commercial area in the south of Addis Ababa, in Akaky Kaliti sub-city. The light rail's north-south line runs through it. Saris has a large market, many small businesses and a mix of older houses, apartments and condominium blocks. Prices are lower than in the center and the east.

Living in Saris

Saris is lively and crowded. The market and the main road draw shoppers from across the south of the city. Small shops, workshops and cafes line the streets. Residential streets away from the main road are calmer.

Listings use several local names. Saris Abo lies around the Abo junction on the light rail. Saris Addis Sefer is a newer residential part. The industrial areas of Kaliti and Akaki lie further south.

Many residents work in the south of the city, in factories, warehouses and businesses around Kaliti. Others use the light rail to reach the center.

Daily services are easy to find. The market sells food, clothes and household goods at lower prices than central shops. Schools, clinics and banks operate along the main road. Heavy trucks use some roads in the south, so traffic and dust can be a problem near the industrial areas.

Property types and prices

Saris offers:

• Older G+0 and G+1 houses on compounds
• Apartment buildings, often with shops on the ground floor
• Condominium units in nearby sites
• Shops and small commercial spaces

Saris is one of the more affordable areas with rail access. Prices depend on the distance from the main road and the light rail. We do not have enough reliable data to give a price range. Compare current houses for sale and apartments for rent.

Getting around

The light rail's north-south line has stations at Adey Abeba, Saris and Abo Junction. Trains run north through Lancha and Stadium to Mexico, Lideta and Menelik II Square. They run south to Kaliti. Minibus taxis link Saris with Lebu, Jemo, Bole and the center. The ring road passes through the south of the city and links Saris with the east and the west.

Who Saris suits

• Commuters who want light rail access at a lower price
• People who work in the south of the city
• Traders and small business owners
• First-time buyers on a tight budget

It suits people who want a quiet, leafy area less well.

Buying or renting in Saris

Check the exact location. Homes close to the market and the main road have more noise and traffic. Homes further away can have weaker road access. Ask about water supply and drainage in the rainy season. Check how far the home is from the nearest light rail station, because a short walk to the train is the main benefit of Saris. For a purchase, confirm the title deed and the plot size. For a shop or mixed-use building, ask about the trade license rules for the street. Our guide on how to buy a house in Addis Ababa lists the steps. Nearby, Lebu and Jemo offer more new housing.