Khatai

About the district

Khatai is a large residential district in south-east Baku along the seafront. Ahmadli and the Hazi Aslanov area are among its most searched parts. It is served by Shah Ismail Khatai, Ahmadli and Hazi Aslanov metro stations, the last being the Red line terminus, with Halglar Dostlugu close by. Khatai is also home to Baku White City, built on the former Black City oil-industrial zone, with new residential quarters, a 2 km eastern extension of the Boulevard and the French Lyceum of Baku, opened in 2014. The district combines Soviet-era estates with fast-growing new-build zones. It suits families, people who want to live near the metro, and investors interested in newer projects. In places, industrial legacy and congestion on main roads are worth keeping in mind.

Ahmadli

Ahmadli is a historic settlement in Khatai district whose roots go back to the 11th century; today it is one of the city's largest residential areas. An old mosque and bathhouse are still in use. Ahmadli metro station, opened in 1989, is on the Red line, with Hazi Aslanov one stop further, and the centre is reachable by metro without changing. New residential complexes have gone up alongside Soviet-era high-rises, and schools, kindergartens, markets and shops are plentiful. Ahmadli suits families, including young families, looking for affordable housing a little further out but well connected by metro; rental demand is steady. Rush-hour congestion on the main avenues and the condition of some older buildings are worth checking.

Hazi Aslanov

Hazi Aslanov is a residential area in the south-east of Khatai district, built up around the metro station of the same name. Hazi Aslanov station, opened in 2002, is the Red line terminus, with Ahmadli just before it; many bus routes meet here and the Surakhani direction is easy to reach. Soviet-era estates sit alongside many newer residential buildings, with schools, markets and everyday services close by. Thanks to the direct metro ride to the centre, Hazi Aslanov is popular with families, young couples and investors buying new-build flats to rent out at more accessible price points. The metro and main roads are crowded at rush hour, and infrastructure around some new buildings is still being completed.

White City

Baku White City is a new urban centre in Khatai district built on the former Black City oil-industrial zone, with a master plan by Atkins and Foster + Partners. About 75% of the project is residential, designed for roughly 50,000 people. It includes the Central Park and Port quarters, premium buildings such as Knightsbridge, a 2 km stretch of Boulevard added in 2015, and the French Lyceum of Baku, opened in 2014. To the west it adjoins Port Baku, which belongs to Sabail district. White City is regarded as an upscale hot spot for the expat community. Bus route 4 runs from Nariman Narimanov metro to White City, while metro stations here are still planned. It suits families, expats and premium investors seeking high-quality new homes. Construction is still under way in some parts.