Moving to Riyadh - Rent

Khaji Kushumbayev wrote:

Hello Everybody,

I am quite sure that this topic has been brought up before, so I apologize for bringing it again.

I am an expat from Kazakhstan who is planning to relocate to Riyadh. I have a family - wife, two kids (2 years and 2 months old) and a nanny.

We are moving to Riyadh because I got a job there, so we're planning to rent a place. I tried doing extensive research, but nothing can give me a clear answer, so I thought the community here can assist.

1) Is compound worth it? - I know that the prices of compounds are much higher than in the city, but do they really worth it? If yes - then why?

2) What are some great compounds in the city near to Olaya (this is where my office is)

3) If living in the city - what are some good areas? I found it a bit difficult to understand the districts there just looking at the map.

4) Are there any real estate agencies? How to find an apartment? Are there any apps besides Aqar?

The challenge is that the city, as far as I understand, doesn't really have places for kids to just play and walk (Riyadh is not very welcoming to pedestrians), and I want us to be able to walk out of the house and just roam around freely and safely...

We're probably looking for a 2-3 bedroom apartment (maybe villa), preferably not old and furnished... Budgets - I'm still not sure, maybe around 80-90K SAR? Is it too much or too little?

Thank you everybody...

Dear Khaji
welcome to Saudia - Riyadh ..
i will try my level best to satisfy you on your queries.
1- Compounds: as far as i think in riyadh Olaya area if you live in compound or in any residential building or villa it does not matter. there is no security issue in all over saudia you family is safe in home or out, but yes if you are looking for extra luxuries then compound but still rents for compound do not match the facilities, you can get those facilities in half price on your own outside compounds.
2- If your office is in olaya i will prefer you found your residence in olaya as this is the most lavish area , besides this traffic is a big hectic now a days in Riyad specially in olaya area so better to look into Olaya only.
3- i will not propose you to go on aqari sites and book anything before your arrival, i will suggest you to arrive here , stay in hotel or furnished apartments for a month or two look around the area, besides this schools international school are big issues  to find and get admission. so look into all matter and then decide with you family.
4- In all Riyadh now there are parks near by where kids can go and play and jogging tracks are available. but yes you need to keep kids interest in out door activities if you are willing but weather in summer do not allow that as temperature goes above 50 degree Celsius, and as per local culture kids are taken to malls where they have activities like joy rides and physical activities as well but all of them are paid.
in simple words what i am trying to say settling in Riyadh is not that easy, you need to come stay in rented furnished apartment which you can find in booking dot com, spend some time there and find a good house which will be easier in terms of school and office distance with traffic situation. and please remember my advice , person/family who survive and passes first 6 months only they can survive in Riyad.
besides this if you need any more queries or questions dont hesitate to ask

1) Depends on your lifestyle.  Affluent white collar expats prefer compounds due to many reasons e.g. schools inside, ladies can wear what they want, availability of alcohol in parties, full range of facilities i.e. pool, gym, shops, parks etc.   In the distant past, it used to be for safety as well but not anymore.   You can live outside cheaper but most apartment buildings don't come with pool, gyms etc.
2) Depends on your budget. There are compounds in Olaya but none of the top ones.  The closest good ones would probably be Al-Hamra which is next to Grenada mall
3) Again, what do you mean by good areas?  Olaya itself is considered an upscale neighborhood as it is bordered by Takahasussi and Tahlia streets (full of shopping, restaurants etc.).  But Olaya is crowded and traffic is bad.  A lot of people prefer to live towards the north and commute to work in Olaya
4) Come down here, stay in a hotel and look.  Nothing you see online or word of mouth wise, will match what you actually end up getting

If you want kids to be able to play outside without any issue, go into a compound.  80-90K is completely useless for a villa or even a 2 bed in a top compound.  Look at 2nd tier compounds.   If you can compromise on the kids lifestyle, outside of compounds, you will find very good accommodation in that range.