Peñalolén, Residential commune in Santiago province, Chile
Peñalolén is a residential commune in Santiago province with neighborhoods spread across terrain that ranges from flat to hilly. The area combines urban structures with mountain views and the natural transitions found at the city's edge.
Peñalolén was established as an administrative unit in 1984, marking a turning point in Santiago's suburban expansion. The commune was created to address the city's growing need for residential spaces.
The name Peñalolén comes from the Mapudungun language and refers to a gathering place. Today residents experience this as a residential area where neighborhood connections shape daily life.
Public transportation and main roads connect the commune to central Santiago, making daily commutes straightforward. Visitors should know the area spans different elevations, which affects how the neighborhoods spread and how to navigate them.
The commune experienced strong growth in the 1990s and early 2000s as a destination for new residents. This rapid expansion continues to shape how the neighborhoods feel and how the community develops.
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