Many people have a tendency to imagine a small area when picturing an island. Phuket is an island, but it’s not that small. Instead of being homogenous, the island’s various regions and neighbors are quite varied. Choosing where to live in Phuket is a decision many expat families struggle to make. While the island isn’t massive, it’s not practical to commute too far on a daily basis. For families, factors such as international schools, supermarkets, healthcare, beaches, activities and a community of other families often trump nightlife or proximity to tourist attractions.

Here are some of the best areas to consider.

Koh Kaew

Often overlooked, families looking for a central location with a more local vibe than the tourist areas should consider Koh Kaew. Centered on Thepkrassatri Road, the island’s main thoroughfare, it is equally easy to access the southern beaches, Phuket Old Town, shopping malls, as well as the Bang Tao area and the airport. Except for the commercial area along the main road, Koh Kaew’s neighborhoods provide a quieter residential environment. One of the island’s most prestigious schools, British International School, is located here, which makes living nearby an easy decision. Other notable nearby amenities include Boat Lagoon and Royal Phuket Marina, which are both like mini-towns in themselves with hotels, supermarkets, restaurants, retail shops, and more. The Villa Market at the entrance to Boat Lagoon has a wide variety of imported Western comfort foods, Robinson Thalang shopping center is nearby, and there’s even an ice arena. Another bonus that is attracting more expat families to Koh Kaew is the relative home prices – it is considerably more affordable than some other popular expat areas.

Bang Tao and Laguna

For many expat families, Bang Tao and the surrounding Laguna area have become the go-to spots. You’ve got beautiful beaches with modern housing developments, from sprawling pool villas to condos with sprawling views, all types of international restaurants, supermarkets and tons of activities for kids and adults alike. Bang Tao also has a large and ever-growing international community, making it relatively easy for newcomers to meet other families and be part of the community. As development continues to boom in this region, property values are increasing, creating a more exclusive atmosphere.

Chalong

While many expat families considering a move to Phuket are dazzled by the beautiful west coast beaches, in reality these areas often aren’t ideal for everyday living for half the year during the tourist high season. So although it’s not a coastal community, Chalong has numerous benefits over the beach towns. Firstly, and perhaps most important for expat families, there are a number of international schools to choose from. Additionally, Chalong has just about everything you could need for daily life, from restaurants to supermarkets and fresh markets, shopping, hospitals, places to play sports and other activities, and easy proximity to beaches for weekend outings. There’s a wide range of housing options as well, with everything from budget apartments to higher-end gated communities.