Neighborhood guide to settling down in Dubai
Relocating to a new country and a new city is always tricky. The most important thing is to find the right community. Some expats prefer to live in the city center, while others may prefer to stay in newly developing areas. Dubai offers a huge variety for both.
The number of expats who choose to settle in Dubai is increasing year by year. One reason is that the UAE has a low crime rate and strict laws that even expats often struggle to follow.
You can easily go anywhere during the day or at night without having anything to worry about. When you start thinking about the most convenient district for moving in, you also should consider transportation and the availability of most facilities. Below are the most popular options for expats to live in Dubai.
Dubai Marina
Dubai Marina is one of the city's luxury neighborhoods. The area is famous for its vibrant nightlife and excellent dining options. Residents usually go jogging, walking, or cycling at the Dubai Marina Walk. Public transportation is also very developed, so many expats who prefer to use the metro and buses instead of a car choose Dubai Marina. However, car owners have their own parking space in most residential complexes.
Jumeirah Beach
Jumeirah Beach Residence is perfect for beach lovers. Expats can enjoy a beautiful sea view from their apartment and walk only a few steps to the beach. The area is also home to an open beach mall, a cinema, many cafes, and restaurants. The apartments are surrounded by supermarkets and pharmacies, which makes them even more convenient for residents.
Downtown Dubai
Downtown Dubai is a multicultural neighborhood known for its luxury lifestyle. It is home to the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world, and the Dubai Mall. Downtown Dubai is ideal for businesses and offers the highest standards of the cosmopolitan lifestyle. Usually, this area is full of traffic as many offices are located here.
Deira Dubai
Deira Dubai is totally different from previous districts and one of the city's oldest and busiest neighborhoods. It's located on the east side of Dubai Creek and is connected to the western part of the city by two bridges: Garhoud Bridge and Al Maktoum Bridge. Expats will be delighted to see water taxis, called abras, ferrying people across the creek to Bur Dubai. Deira is filled with the traditional sights, sounds, and smells of the city. The traffic is hectic in Deira, as it is on the way to Sharjah Emirate.
Palm Jumeirah Island
Off the coast of Jumeirah Beach lies the Palm Jumeirah Island. The Palm is home to Atlantis Resort. Many other hotels and restaurants are located there as well. As Palm is an artificial island, the prices for renting and buying properties there are much higher than in other districts of Dubai. Palm Jumeirah is an amazing island that is continuously growing day by day, although it is important to note that with this has come an increasing traffic issue.
JVC
JVC is a more family-friendly and primarily residential area. Developed in 2005, it offers a variety of housing options, from apartments to villas. It has become a popular option for families, as the area is complete with shopping malls, parks, restaurants, and nearby schools.
Town Square
With rental costs at a current high, Town Square has become a popular choice to live in. Developed in 2015, Town Square is about 25 minutes away from the city center, thus making rental prices a little more affordable. The family-focused area is now fully equipped with all the basic needs, running from grocery stores and cafes to medical centers and fitness facilities. This reduces the need to commute into the city, making Town Square an attractive place to rent.
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