Inviting garden-level living with rare private outdoor space

This thoughtfully arranged three-bedroom, two-bath apartment brings the ease of ground-floor living together with a peaceful garden patio, an uncommon find in central Shanghai. Set within Joffre Garden, the home opens to a bright living and dining area where wide glass doors frame leafy views and invite alfresco breakfasts, playtime for little ones, or an evening glass of wine under the plane trees. The gas-equipped kitchen supports proper cooking from quick weeknight stir-fries to weekend entertaining, while the practical layout allows smooth flow between social and private zones.

The primary bedroom is comfortably scaled, and its adjacent bathroom features a bathtub that families and long-haul travelers will appreciate. Two additional bedrooms adapt easily as a nursery, guest room, or home office. Year-round comfort is ensured with heating and air conditioning, and the tranquility of a lane-facing position means the city’s energy is close at hand without intruding indoors.

Being on the ground floor means step-free access for strollers, bicycles, and weekly groceries, and the private patio extends your living space for herbs, a barbecue setup, or a quiet reading nook. Tucked within a gated community, this residence balances central convenience with a calming, garden-forward ambiance that feels instantly livable for expats seeking a soft landing in Shanghai’s most walkable enclave.

A calm, well-managed enclave in the heart of the Former French Concession

Joffre Garden (often rendered in Chinese as Dongfang Bali) is a beloved residential compound set along tree-lined Nanchang Road, pairing centrality with a quietly residential feel. The community is fully gated with 24-hour security and bilingual on-site management, offering the everyday conveniences expats value: organized parcel collection, attentive maintenance support, and tidy public areas that are consistently cared for. Neat landscaped courtyards soften the urban setting, and internal lanes make it easy to wheel in a stroller or park your bicycle.

Buildings are well kept, with access-controlled entrances and clean lobbies that reflect the compound’s steady standard of upkeep. Residents include a friendly mix of long-term locals and international professionals, which gives the environment a reassuring, lived-in character. Families appreciate the quiet circulation areas and small corners where children can safely explore under watchful eyes, while professionals value the compound’s efficient management and straightforward problem-solving when service requests arise.

On-site parking may be available by application and availability can vary; e-bike and bicycle storage options are commonly used. Waste sorting follows Shanghai’s current guidelines, and the staff keep operations smooth behind the scenes so daily life remains uncomplicated. Interiors across the compound often reflect the tastes of individual landlords, but the overall ethos is consistent: a central, leafy address that favors practicality, security, and a low-key atmosphere over flashiness, making Joffre Garden a dependable long-term base.

Middle Huaihai Road lifestyle: heritage charm meets modern convenience

Step outside Joffre Garden and you are moments from the Middle Huaihai Road corridor, one of Shanghai’s most walkable, cosmopolitan areas. Here, plane-tree canopies shade historic lanes dotted with artisan bakeries, specialty coffee roasters, and independent boutiques. High-fashion and daily living coexist easily: the design-forward iAPM Mall anchors the retail scene with international brands and quality groceries, while the surrounding side streets brim with intimate bistros, wine bars, and neighborhood staples.

Cultural touchstones are close at hand, from weekend promenades in Fuxing Park to galleries and performance venues sprinkled throughout the Former French Concession. Evenings feel sociable but not chaotic, with favorite addresses along Nanchang, Changle, and Julu roads offering everything from craft cocktails to comforting noodles. When it is time to move around the city, South Shaanxi Road Station provides fast connections via Lines 1, 10, and 12, and ride-hailing is ubiquitous for quick trips.

Daily routines are uncomplicated: artisan grocers for cheese and produce, local markets for seasonal fruit, and plenty of delivery options for nights in. Fitness studios, language schools, and quiet co-working corners are scattered nearby, helping newcomers settle into a sustainable rhythm. With its mix of heritage ambience and contemporary amenities, the neighborhood holds strong appeal for expat professionals, couples, and families seeking an address that feels both cultivated and comfortably familiar.

Why this home works for expat life

Private garden patio: Enjoy true indoor-outdoor living in the heart of the city. Morning espresso in the sun, after-school playtime on safe ground, or weekend barbecues become part of your routine rather than special occasions. The greenery softens daily life and offers a welcome exhale after work.

Functional, flexible layout: Three bedrooms and two bathrooms provide room to evolve. Configure a home office, guest space, or nursery without compromising a comfortable primary suite. The bathtub is a rare and practical feature for families and frequent travelers alike.

Comforts that matter: Heating and air conditioning keep all seasons pleasant, while a gas kitchen supports proper cooking from quick woks to slow-simmered stews. Ground-floor, step-free access simplifies daily logistics with strollers, pets, and groceries.

Reliable compound services: Within Joffre Garden, 24-hour security, responsive management, and orderly common areas translate to fewer surprises and more time for living. The gated setting tempers the city’s buzz without isolating you from it.

Prime, walkable location: The Middle Huaihai area blends heritage streets with modern conveniences. You are close to dining, shopping, parks, and metro links, and school bus routes commonly use major arteries nearby, making logistics easier for families. For professionals, the central position shortens commutes and keeps client meetings, gyms, and after-work catch-ups within a short stroll.