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Real rental data, school proximity, and the things you won't find on property portals.
Dubai has dozens of communities, but not all of them are right for families. After living here and helping families find their home, I've put together this honest guide to 33 of Dubai's best neighbourhoods — with real rental data, school proximity, and the things you won't find on property portals.
33
Neighbourhoods
Affordable (2), Budget (2), Emerging (2), Lifestyle (3), Mid market (10), Premium (5), Upper mid (7), Value (2)
Segments
Up to 35 within 20 min
School Access
10/10
Top Family Score
| Neighbourhood | Segment | Price Range | Family Score | Schools ≤20 min | Walkability |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arabian Ranches 2 | mid market | AED 120,000 - AED 350,000/year | 10/10 | 18 | 4/10 |
| Arabian Ranches | mid market | AED 75,000 - AED 400,000/year | 10/10 | 19 | 4/10 |
| The Springs | upper mid | AED 78,000 - AED 205,000+/year | 10/10 | 18 | 5/10 |
| Villanova | mid market | AED 150k - 220k+ | 10/10 | 5 | 5/10 |
| Arabian Ranches 3 | mid market | AED 100,000 - AED 280,000/year | 9/10 | 10 | 3/10 |
| Damac Hills 2 | budget | AED 50,000 - AED 150,000/year | 9/10 | 6 | 3/10 |
| Dubai Hills Estate | upper mid | AED 100,000 - AED 500,000/year | 9/10 | 35 | 6/10 |
| Jumeirah | premium | AED 120,000 - AED 500,000/year | 9/10 | 14 | 7/10 |
| Mirdif | value | AED 50,000 - AED 203,000/year | 9/10 | 5 | 4/10 |
| Mudon | mid market | AED 80,000 - AED 200,000/year | 9/10 | 6 | 4/10 |
| Sobha Hartland | upper mid | AED 85,000 - AED 200,000/year | 9/10 | 16 | 7/10 |
| The Sustainable City | lifestyle | AED 80,000 - AED 450,000/year | 9/10 | 6 | 8/10 |
| The Valley | mid market | AED 100,000 - AED 220,000/year | 9/10 | 0 | 6/10 |
| The Villa | mid market | AED 100,000 - AED 250,000/year | 9/10 | 4 | 4/10 |
| Tilal Al Ghaf | lifestyle | AED 120,000 - AED 400,000+/year | 9/10 | 20 | 6/10 |
| Al Barari | premium | AED 200,000 - AED 700,000+/year | 8/10 | 11 | 3/10 |
| Al Barsha | mid market | AED 45,000 - AED 180,000/year | 8/10 | 32 | 6/10 |
| Green Community | lifestyle | AED 33,000 - AED 203,000/year | 8/10 | 11 | 5/10 |
| JVC - Jumeirah Village Circle | mid market | AED 36,000 - AED 200,000/year | 8/10 | 26 | 6/10 |
| DAMAC Hills | emerging | AED 45,000 - AED 350,000/year | 7/10 | 18 | 4/10 |
| Motor City | affordable | AED 35,000 - AED 120,000/year | 7/10 | 23 | 5/10 |
| Dubai Silicon Oasis | affordable | AED 35,000 - AED 130,000/year | 7/10 | 7 | 5/10 |
| Town Square | budget | AED 40,000 - AED 120,000/year | 7/10 | 8 | 8/10 |
| Jumeirah Lake Towers (JLT) | upper mid | AED 50,000 - AED 220,000/year | 6/10 | 23 | 8/10 |
| Palm Jumeirah | premium | AED 153,000 - AED 700,000+/year | 6/10 | 20 | 4/10 |
| Bluewaters Island | premium | AED 220,000 - AED 600,000/year | 5/10 | 17 | 8/10 |
| Dubai Creek Harbour | mid market | AED 105,000 - AED 285,000/year | 5/10 | 11 | 7/10 |
| Dubai South | emerging | AED 50,000 - AED 120,000/year | 5/10 | 0 | 4/10 |
| Business Bay | upper mid | AED 50,000 - AED 200,000/year | 4/10 | 21 | 7/10 |
| Downtown Dubai | premium | AED 130,000 - AED 550,000/year | 4/10 | 19 | 8/10 |
| Dubai Marina | upper mid | AED 55,000 - AED 350,000/year | 4/10 | 23 | 9/10 |
| JBR - Jumeirah Beach Residence | upper mid | AED 60,000 - AED 600,000/year | 4/10 | 22 | 9/10 |
| International City | value | AED 25,000 - AED 50,000/year | 3/10 | 10 | 4/10 |
AED 120,000 - AED 350,000/year
AED 75,000 - AED 400,000/year
AED 78,000 - AED 205,000+/year
AED 150k - 220k+
AED 100,000 - AED 280,000/year
AED 50,000 - AED 150,000/year
AED 100,000 - AED 500,000/year
AED 120,000 - AED 500,000/year
AED 50,000 - AED 203,000/year
AED 80,000 - AED 200,000/year
AED 85,000 - AED 200,000/year
AED 80,000 - AED 450,000/year
AED 100,000 - AED 220,000/year
AED 100,000 - AED 250,000/year
AED 120,000 - AED 400,000+/year
AED 200,000 - AED 700,000+/year
AED 45,000 - AED 180,000/year
AED 33,000 - AED 203,000/year
AED 36,000 - AED 200,000/year
AED 45,000 - AED 350,000/year
AED 35,000 - AED 120,000/year
AED 35,000 - AED 130,000/year
AED 40,000 - AED 120,000/year
AED 50,000 - AED 220,000/year
AED 153,000 - AED 700,000+/year
AED 220,000 - AED 600,000/year
AED 105,000 - AED 285,000/year
AED 50,000 - AED 120,000/year
AED 50,000 - AED 200,000/year
AED 130,000 - AED 550,000/year
AED 55,000 - AED 350,000/year
AED 60,000 - AED 600,000/year
AED 25,000 - AED 50,000/year
Torn between two neighbourhoods? These side-by-side comparisons cover prices, schools, lifestyle, and what makes each area unique.
“We did everything via WhatsApp including the contract signatures and payments. But I probably couldn't have done it if we hadn't seen the apartment and known the building previously.”
“Non-Muslims can go to Iftar. Everyone is welcome. It's a community thing – so inclusive. I find it beautiful.”
“I feel a little bit sad. When we moved here, it was like wow – we've done it. Our dreams came true. We moved to Dubai, we got the apartment we wanted. And now we're moving out.”
The best area depends on your priorities. Arabian Ranches, Dubai Hills Estate, and The Springs consistently rank highest for families thanks to excellent schools, green spaces, and community feel. For families wanting a more urban lifestyle, Jumeirah and JBR offer beach access and walkability. My neighbourhood quiz helps you find the right fit based on what matters most to your family.
Family-sized homes (3+ bedrooms) in Dubai range from around AED 60,000/year in areas like Dubai South and International City to over AED 500,000/year in premium communities like Palm Jumeirah and Al Barari. Mid-range family communities like Arabian Ranches, Dubai Hills, and JVC typically cost AED 100,000–250,000/year for a villa or townhouse.
I always recommend choosing your school first, then finding a neighbourhood nearby. School fees are fixed and the school run is daily, so living close to your child's school saves time, money, and stress. Once you have 2-3 schools shortlisted, look at neighbourhoods within a 15-20 minute drive of each one.
Compare 47 schools with KHDA ratings, fees, and curriculum options.
✈️Everything you need to know about relocating — visas, timeline, and honest advice.
💰Real numbers on rent, school fees, groceries, and what families actually spend.
Take my free neighbourhood quiz to find the areas that match your family's lifestyle, or work with me directly for a personalised recommendation.