Introduction

Tax-free earnings, exciting job opportunities, world-class infrastructure and liberal visa policies by the government mean that professionals from the world over reside and work in Dubai. Over the years, the government has also relaxed laws for family visas too. Plus, a road map has been envisioned and implemented to ensure that people arriving and those already in the emirate have plenty of options when it comes to housing.

Hence, there are numerous localities dotted across Dubai which can be categorised as family-friendly. If you are in the same boat and planning to move soon with your family, read on as we identify the best places to live in Dubai for families.

Things to Consider when Choosing a Family Home

There is plenty to ponder when deciding where to live as a family in Dubai. The best places to live in Dubai may differ for different families given their needs and priorities. For instance, the number of family members is obviously a key consideration which also impacts other factors. For instance, if you have say five to six family members, you will need a bigger property with multiple bedrooms. This naturally means paying a higher rent.

Similarly, if your workplace is near the city centre and you have a bigger family, it might mean you have to live some distance away from your office in order to save on rent. One would have to weigh up the cost of extra rent vs the cost of commuting plus the extra travelling time. Do you own a car or are you dependent entirely on public transport? That is another important deliberation when choosing an area.

Another vital factor for married couples with young kids is the presence of reputable schools in the locality. Most Dubai areas have well-performing schools. However, one has to consider the curriculums at times. Naturally, the availability of other amenities including supermarkets, retail outlets, availability of health care facilities and distance from your place of worship are some other things people generally evaluate before making the final decision.

List of the Best Places to Live in Dubai for Families

Wondering which is the best place to live in Dubai for families? Following is the list of sub-communities that are considered to be the best for raising families.

Communities with Luxurious Villas

Emirates Hills

                         

Known as the Beverly Hills of Dubai, Emirates offers a premium lifestyle. This is one of the communities in Dubai where you can buy land and build a house as per your personal preferences. However, one thing you have to consider is the high pricing of properties in the area. It is perhaps amongst the most expensive communities in the emirate.

And for good reason. Overlooking golf courses and serene lakes, those who prefer a more relaxed lifestyle opt for Emirates Hills. For families, there is plenty to do. For instance, there are three parks within the community. Other amenities include children’s playgrounds, swimming pools, BBQ areas, sports courts and 24-hour security.

Importantly, there are a number of excellent educational institutes nearby. The list includes DIA Emirates Hills, Dubai British School Emirates Hills, Dubai International Academy, Raffles Nursery, Raffles Lake Nursery and Dewdrops Nursery. Something you have to factor in is that since it is a gated community, to find a metro station you have to drive about 15 minutes. Generally, people who reside here own private cars.
The starting rent for a villa in this glorious community is AED 100k.

Arabian Ranches

Another top villa community, Arabian Ranches is one of the best places to live in Dubai. The spacious villas have top-notch facilities for the whole family. Similar, to Emirates Hill, this area is also located away from the city centre. Hence, the pace of life is not as frantic here. Community barbecues, market days and other such activities give you the chance to relax a bit and let your hair down.

In terms of schooling, the choices for your child include Jumeirah English School, Ranches Primary School and Raffles Nursery. If your ward is about to start his tertiary education, the nearby Dubai International Academic City has campuses of some of the most reputable universities in the world.

It is home to Dubai Polo Equestrian and Club and a pet-friendly community. So, for families which are incomplete without their four-legged friend, this might be the best place to live in Dubai for families.
Wish to rent a villa in Arabian Ranches? The starting rent for a villa in Arabian Ranches is AED 130k.

Communities with Modern Apartments

Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR)

If you prefer the more communal experience of apartments, Jumeirah Beach Residence could be your preferred option. The waterfront community has six clusters with elegantly designed Arabic design-inspired spacious flats. You can also enjoy a wide variety of amenities including outdoor pools, Jacuzzis, sunbeds, play areas, sporting facilities and more.

If you have a small family, this place is ideal. There are some top nurseries and schools in and nearby JBR including Toddler Town British Nursery, Kidville Nursery, Orchard Nursery, GEMS Wellington International School and Dubai British School.

You can enjoy family events year-round. Residents have quick access to AquaFun, Ain Dubai and Caesars Palace. Of course, quick access to the beach presents plenty of opportunities for water sports activities including water sports activities fly-boarding and jet-skiing.
To rent an apartment in this beautiful community, you will have to pay on average AED 70k.

DAMAC Hills 2

On the other end of the spectrum in terms of pricing, there is DAMAC Hills 2. Formerly known as Akoya Oxygen. If you have a limited budget, this community should be on the top of your list. Rents here are generally economical but at the same time, amenities don’t lag behind. Apartments are designed to meet the requirements of the modern-day home dweller.

If the presence of educational institutes nearby is your primary concern, you can bank on reputable ones like Shining Stars Early Childhood Centre, Jebel Ali School and South View School. In due course, new schools are expected to open.

Another thing which makes this community stand out is that it was the first eco-friendly community in the emirate. So if you are conscious of your carbon footprint, this is the area you should choose. It has an international golf course, water fountains, stunning landscaped gardens, family parks and much more.
To rent a flat in the area, you can prepare to pay a minimum of AED 27k for a year.
This concludes our analysis of the best places to live in Dubai for families. With some research, you can find a home that is suited to the needs of your family members. Whether it is the larger villas you are looking for or a cosy one-bed flat, your options are plentiful.