Elevating Living Standards in Gia Lai: A Human-Centric Urban Development Approach

The emergence of well-planned model urban areas is becoming the solution to the aspirations of the younger generation of residents for a comprehensive and sustainable development environment right in their homeland.

New Gia Lai: Vast area, large population, and urban development potential

The expanding development space is driving Gia Lai towards a significant shift in population structure, infrastructure, and urban development orientation. After boundary adjustments, Gia Lai has become the second-largest province in the country, covering over 21,550 km². The province’s population, according to the latest statistics, has surpassed 3.5 million, placing considerable pressure on housing, public services, transportation, and social infrastructure.

Post-merger, the demand for relocation to areas with better infrastructure and higher living standards is becoming increasingly evident.

The large scale provides ample room for development, while also necessitating a shift from a dispersed development model to a more scientifically organized and structured urban framework. In this context, all-in-one utility urban areas with transparent legal frameworks, clear functional zoning, and well-invested infrastructure from the outset are key to Gia Lai’s entry into a sustainable development cycle.

Population relocation needs & urban development

Post-merger, the trend of population relocation is becoming more pronounced. Residents from remote areas are increasingly moving to new administrative centers, where infrastructure is more integrated, and access to schools, healthcare, and services is more convenient. Today’s housing needs go beyond mere “shelter,” evolving into demands for quality living: green spaces, water bodies, clean environments, reasonable construction densities, and integrated high-end amenities within close proximity.

Model urban areas are the solution to Gia Lai’s planning and quality of life.

This gap is precisely where the model urban area concept can meet the demand. With its advantages of synchronized planning, seamless transportation, comprehensive internal amenities, and expansive open spaces, this model aligns with the lifestyle preferences of Gia Lai residents, who value openness, proximity to nature, and a harmonious pace of life.

Model urban areas: The key to sustainable development & smart planning

From a planning perspective, Gia Lai is gradually establishing a new urban development framework. According to the investment invitation announcement in July 2025, the province will implement 5 urban areas with a total area of over 900 hectares and an investment capital of 32,877 billion VND, with implementation timelines extending to 2031–2032 and some projects until 2040.

These figures underscore that urban development has become a pillar in the province’s socio-economic development strategy. Instead of concentrating solely on the central area, some developers are shifting to larger land plots 5–10 km from the urban core to develop model urban areas, thereby reducing infrastructure pressure and reorganizing urban space more systematically.

Investing in the future generation

A critical factor making model urban areas suitable for Gia Lai is the focus on developing the future generation. The young demographic structure is driving demand for high-quality living environments for young families, where not only housing but also schools, green spaces, swimming pools, playgrounds, and a clean environment are available. The model urban area concept allows for synchronized planning from the outset, thereby enhancing living standards and increasing the ability to attract and retain high-quality human resources locally.

Asset value growth & long-term stability

From an asset perspective, well-planned urban models are also seen as a stable value accumulation channel. As Gia Lai increasingly establishes its role on the economic map of the Central Highlands and South Central Coast regions, urban areas with clear planning, transparent legal frameworks, and integrated infrastructure typically enjoy good liquidity, attract actual residents, and tend to appreciate in value over time as regional infrastructure improves.

More importantly, this model enables the province to scientifically control the urbanization process, avoiding “overloaded centers and haphazardly developed outskirts,” while laying the foundation for a balanced and sustainable urban structure.

Integrated urban areas develop commercial streets, attracting both residents and investors. Photo: Quy Nhơn Iconic Urban Area on National Highway 19

The expanded geographical space necessitates a shift in Gia Lai’s urban development mindset. Model urban areas are thus becoming the foundation for a long-term development strategy, where economic growth must go hand in hand with residents’ quality of life.

Along the Gia Lai – Coastal corridor, the urban development process is showing a clear shift in how living spaces are organized: from simple expansion to systematic planning, emphasizing environmental factors, harmony with nature, and a human-centric approach. Model urban areas are expected to become the nucleus shaping Gia Lai’s urban landscape in the coming decade.