Villa for Sale

This huge two-storey, three-bedroom, three-bathroom villa is selling for US$1 million. There is a small, gated courtyard in front and beautiful trees surround the structure and obscure it from the street. This restored property could be a fantastic small office building or colonial estate. 012 949 577

What's going for it?

Boeung Prolit is an L-shaped community on the northwest side of Sihanouk and Monivong boulevards. Centrally located, this small community is home to a mixture of Khmer, Vietnamese, Chinese and a handful of expats. One of the most prominent features of this area is the large number of trees shading the narrow streets. In a city where much of the greenery has disappeared over the years, Boeung Prolit is lush and leafy. Location is another thing this neighbourhood has going for it. A stone's throw from Boeung Keng Kang, people who live here have easy access to the restaurants, bars and shopping BKK is well-known for. Boeung Prolit is also close to O'Russei Market, one of the city's finest, and well within walking distance to Olympic Stadium, an excellent place to escape the madness of the city with fresh breezes and open spaces.

What's the catch?

While there is minimal construction noise, Boeung Prolit is a relatively busy area. Because of its proximity to other areas in the city, many of the small roads and streets are used as thoroughfares from one part of the city to another. Street 214, in particular, runs directly through the community, but the green median works to soften the busy traffic. There are a number of karaoke bars in this neighborhood as well, and depending on what block you live, there can be late-night crooning that may or may not provide a soothing nighttime lullaby.

Getting there, and away?

Perhaps the best thing about Boeung Prolit is its awesome location, but getting to and from the area is not so easy. O'Russei Market to the north is generally a traffic circus. Not only is there the usual market congestion, but a number of bus services drop off and pick up there. To the west, the community is shut in by Street 163, which borders the Olympic Stadium and makes Sihanouk and Monivong boulevards the only easy entrance and exit points.

Schools

All of the schools available to children in BKK are within easy reach of Boeung Prolit. ISPP, the British International School, Home of English, Zaman International School and ICan British International School are all options for students living in Boeung Prolit.

Out of the house

One of the nicest things about this area is all the exploring there is to be done. O'Russei Market itself is continually changing, and something new pops out with every visit. The strip of bicycle shops across the street from the market is a fantastic place to look for bicycles, of course, but it is also a fun people-watching destination. Walking the neighbourhood is pleasant. The trees provide shade, people are friendly and there are a variety of things to discover within a small area. Besides the numerous excellent ethnic Chinese, Vietnamese and Khmer restaurants scattered throughout the neighborhood, there is also a Pizza Company.

On the market

Average rents in Boeung Prolit range from $300 to $700 for a flat and $600 to $1,300 for serviced apartments. Land sells for between $1,600 and $2,250 per square metre, and villas go for $700,000 to $1.5 million.

From the streets of Boeung Prolit

Christine Witteuskin recently moved to Phnom Penh’s Boeng Prolit from Siem Reap. She says that she feels safe in her new neighbourhood and appreciates how quiet the area is. Her favorite part about Boeng Prolit? The lush environment. "I think that it’s quite green, you know. There are flowers everywhere and trees."

Julia Gelzinus works at Sala Mom, a school for orphans, and loves living in Boeng Prolit. "I feel safe, it's pretty, you can walk around and it's really historic. The houses are really nice, and also it's quiet, except for a few dogs." One of her favorite things? "It's next to the stadium, so if you want to see something, you can go there and exercise."

Sarada Taing is a reporter for Voice of America and has recently come back to Cambodia to live with his family in Boeng Prolit. He is upset by the garbage and traffic but admits the area is cleaning up and becoming safer. He is glad that the streets are finally paved and that there has been work done to improve the sewers and drainage.