Bright top-floor duplex crafted for easy city living

This fully renovated, first rental two-bedroom at St. Johnson pairs contemporary comfort with uplifting light and calming outdoor views. Positioned on the top floor, the home unfolds across a smart duplex layout, with floor-to-ceiling windows drawing sun across both levels and framing leafy outlooks toward the compound’s garden.

The main level hosts an open living and dining area that flows to a private terrace, an inviting spot for morning coffee, container herbs, or relaxed evenings with friends. Inside, independent heating and air conditioning keep every season comfortable, while ready-to-go WiFi supports remote work and streaming. The kitchen is newly refreshed with full-size appliances and ample storage, designed for weeknight efficiency and weekend entertaining.

Upstairs, two tranquil bedrooms offer flexible use as a guest room or study. The bathroom features a modern bathtub for a restorative soak, a rare and welcome luxury in Shanghai apartments. Quality finishes, clean lines, and durable materials have been chosen with everyday practicality in mind, from easy-clean flooring to discreet built-ins that reduce clutter.

Set near the subway, the address connects quickly to the city’s key business and leisure hubs while preserving a sense of home. With outdoor space at your door and a soft urban skyline beyond, this St. Johnson duplex balances cosmopolitan energy with the quiet pleasures of light, air, and greenery.

St. Johnson: a calm, garden-centered community

St. Johnson is a modern residential compound known for its thoughtfully landscaped gardens and understated architecture that sits comfortably within the neighborhood’s tree-lined streets. Paths weave through mature greenery and seating nooks, creating a serene buffer from city life without losing the convenience of an in-town address. Residents appreciate the sense of order and care here, visible in tidy common areas and attentive on-site management.

Entry is controlled for privacy and safety, and the internal circulation is intuitive, with lift access and well-maintained corridors that make daily routines smooth. The community’s scale fosters a friendly atmosphere: familiar faces in the lobby, quiet morning hellos in the courtyard, and an easy rhythm that suits both professionals and small families. Practical touches such as bicycle storage and organized parcel handling reflect the needs of modern living.

What sets St. Johnson apart is its balance of calm and connection. You get leafy views and garden breathing space, yet step outside to reach everyday essentials within minutes. The compound’s footprint maximizes natural light to the homes, so apartments feel brighter and more uplifting than typical city stock. If you value a residential environment that is polished but not showy, and green without being remote, St. Johnson delivers a dependable, pleasant base for Shanghai life.

Zhongshan Park: greenery, convenience, and an international edge

Living at St. Johnson places you within easy reach of Zhongshan Park, one of Shanghai’s most beloved urban green spaces. Locals gather here for morning tai chi, jogs around the water, and spring picnics under blossoming trees, offering a refreshing counterpoint to office hours. The nearby Zhongshan Park metro interchange connects Lines 2, 3, and 4, simplifying commutes to Jing’an, People’s Square, Lujiazui, and Hongqiao.

Along Changning Road and the surrounding grid, daily life is straightforward: bakeries and fruit shops sit beside reliable coffee spots and casual eateries. The area’s dining is broad and welcoming, from neighborhood Shanghainese kitchens to Japanese and Korean favorites that reflect Changning’s international community. Larger malls around the station provide cinemas, fitness options, and a range of retailers, while side streets like Yuyuan Road and Dingxi Road reveal indie cafes, boutiques, and traces of old lane-house character.

What expats value most here is the mix of pace. You can run quick errands on foot, meet friends in the park, then be downtown in a handful of stops. The sidewalks are shaded by plane trees, cycling is practical on calmer streets, and services from pharmacies to repair shops are close at hand. In short, the neighborhood around St. Johnson is lived-in and authentic, yet firmly connected to the city’s business and cultural heart.

Why this home works for international lifestyles

Effortless commuting: From St. Johnson you are a comfortable walk to Zhongshan Park Station, an interchange for Lines 2, 3, and 4. That means direct rides to major business districts, quick transfers to airports and rail links, and simplified weekend exploring without relying on ride-hailing.

Space that supports modern routines: The top-floor duplex plan separates living and sleeping zones, ideal for working from home or hosting guests. Floor-to-ceiling windows amplify natural light, while the private terrace and outdoor space extend your living area for reading, yoga, or a small herb garden. Reliable WiFi, heating, and air conditioning keep things comfortable and connected.

Renovation you can trust: As a first rental after a full renovation, the apartment feels crisp and hygienic. Practical storage, durable finishes, and a bathroom with a proper bathtub bring day-to-day ease and a touch of indulgence that is uncommon at this price point in central Shanghai.

Neighborhood rhythm: The immediate area offers a genuine slice of Shanghai life with international conveniences layered in. You are close to grocers, cafes, and services, yet only moments from the greenery of Zhongshan Park. St. Johnson itself provides a quieter residential backdrop, so you can enjoy the city’s energy on your terms and come home to calm.