Morumbi, Sao Paulo, Brazil

In Sao Paulo, Brazil, the hilly, green neighborhood of Morumbi stands in contrast to the dense skyscraper streetscape that characterizes the largest city in the Western Hemisphere.

Morumbi is less than 10 miles west of downtown Sao Paulo, across the Pinheiros River. Where tea farms once dominated, exquisite homes now stand, including the official residence of the Sao Paulo governor. Morumbi is the seat of the state government.

The neighborhood is noted for its international schools, country clubs and shopping, including the posh shopping center of Cidade Jardim. It is also the site of Estadio do Morumbi, home stadium of the Sao Paulo football team, as well as one of the top medical facilities in the country, Albert Einstein Hospital.

Parks contribute to Morumbi’s suburban feel and offer insights into how seriously Paulistas—as Sao Paulo residents are known—take their cultural heritage. Vinicius de Moraes Plaza is named after the Brazilian poet; Alfredo Volpi Park is named for the modernist painter; and Burle Marx Park is named for the legendary landscape architect. Sao Paulo is Brazil’s cultural capital and locals take advantage of the city’s vibrant arts scene made up of dozens of museums and theaters. Calendars are packed with a schedule of parades and festivals.

Sao Paulo is the wealthiest city in Brazil, and Morumbi has consistently been among the city’s wealthiest property markets. Affluent families first began moving into Morumbi in the 1950s. The engineer Oscar Americano is credited with helping to develop the area, and his home, a modernist icon, is now a museum. Extraordinary architecture is not uncommon in Morumbi. Acclaimed architects have left their mark in this tony district in a variety of styles over the decades. With few exceptions, there are no restrictions on real estate purchases by international buyers.