Best places to live in Dubai for families
Best Places to Live in Dubai for Families
Explore the top family-friendly communities in Dubai, offering spacious homes, excellent amenities, and easy access to schools, parks, and shopping. Find the perfect place for your family today.
Are you a family planning a move to Dubai and unsure where to start? Choosing the right neighbourhood plays a major role when daily life involves schools, parks, safe surroundings, and a comfortable lifestyle. Families often look for areas that support routine, offer nearby amenities, and suit long-term living rather than short stays. Dubai has several communities designed with families in mind, each catering to different needs and budgets. This blog explores the most family-friendly areas and helps you decide where you should live in Dubai based on your priorities, whether that involves education access, outdoor spaces, or a quieter residential environment.
Which Communities Work Best for Families in Dubai?
Families in Dubai usually choose communities that fit everyday life and long-term living. Areas with schools nearby, clinics, parks, and quieter streets work better for households with children. Property trends also point toward townhouses and villas, as these homes offer more space, extra bedrooms, and private outdoor areas. Planned communities with local shops, walking paths, and community parks help reduce daily travel and add comfort. The communities listed below stand out due to their home sizes, access to schools and healthcare, green spaces, and price levels that suit family living:
Dubai Marina
Dubai Marina is a popular waterfront community, ideal for families who want to live close to the water. It presents a lively atmosphere with beautiful canals, wide promenades, and easy access to shops, restaurants, and entertainment at Dubai Marina Mall. Families can enjoy parks, playgrounds, and the nearby beach, all within walking distance. The area is well connected by the Dubai Metro and buses for a convenient commute.
The community has a variety of properties to suit different family needs. Studio apartments range from 360 to 650 sq. ft., 1-bedroom apartments from 640 to 1,000 sq. ft., and 2-bedroom apartments from 1,100 to 1,800 sq. ft. Three-bedroom apartments range from 1,600 to 2,000 sq. ft., while larger apartments, including penthouses, are 3,300 to 11,000 sq. ft.
Here are some of the key amenities in the area, including schools, hospitals, and parks. This will help you get a better sense of what makes Dubai Marina such a great place for families like yours.
Schools within the community:
- Blossom Marina Nursery
- Raffles Nursery
- Jebel Ali Village Childhood Nursery
Nearby schools:
- Emirates International School in The Meadows: 10 minutes by car
- Dubai British School in Emirates Hills: 15 minutes by car
Healthcare within the community:
- King’s Marina Medical Centre
- Medcare Medical Centre
- Novomed
- MBF Healthcare
Nearby hospitals:
- Al Zahra Hospital in Al Barsha: 15 minutes by car
- King’s College Hospital London in Dubai Hills: 10 minutes by car
Parks within the community:
- JBR Dog Park
- Dubai Marina Walk
- Sparkle Park
Parks Nearby:
- JLT Dog Park in Jumeirah Lake Towers: 10 minutes by car
- Umm Suqeim Park in Umm Suqeim Street: 15 minutes by car
Rental and sale prices in Dubai Marina fall within these ranges:
Source: Property Monitor
Jumeirah
Jumeirah feels like a calm place for a family. You get to live near the beach with quiet mornings by the water or weekends if you enjoy sunshine and sea breeze. Homes sit inside secure communities where privacy matters. Many villas and townhouses are surrounded by green spaces with safe places for children to play and areas for families to walk or relax outdoors. Parks are also close by, so you can enjoy outdoor outings or simple strolls any day.
Properties in Jumeirah tend toward spacious villas and apartments. 1-bedroom apartments range from 700 to 900 square feet, while 2-bedroom apartments range from 1,100 to 1,400 square feet. 3-bedroom apartments vary from 1,600 to 2,000 square feet. Villas in Jumeirah have even more space, with 3-bedroom villas ranging from 2,600 to 4,200 square feet, 4-bedroom villas ranging from 3,500 to 7,500 square feet, and 5-bedroom villas often exceeding 4,500 square feet.
Jumeirah gives families easy access to some of the best schools, hospitals, and outdoor spaces in Dubai, which are:
Schools within the community:
- Jumeirah English Speaking School (JESS)
- Jumeirah Baccalaureate School
- JSS Private School
- The American School of Dubai
Nearby schools:
- Ambassador International School in Al Quoz: 15 minutes by car
Healthcare within the community:
- Mediclinic Parkview Hospital
- Dubai London Hospital
- Al Zahra Hospital
Nearby hospitals:
- Gargash Hospital on Umm Suqeim Street: 15 minutes by car
Parks within the community:
- Burj Park
- Jumeirah Beach Park
- Praia Bia Park
A quick overview of Jumeirah rental and sale prices is below:
Source: Property Monitor
Jumeirah Village Circle
Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC) presents a suburban lifestyle with a strong community-focused atmosphere. The community is known for its green spaces, with over 30 landscaped parks, playgrounds, walking paths, and cycling tracks that create a family-friendly environment. The community is well connected to major roads like Al Khail Road and Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road, which ensures easy commuting to other parts of Dubai. It has essential amenities such as schools, supermarkets, healthcare centres, and retail options, along with convenient access to malls and dining. Security is a priority at JVC, with gated communities and a well-planned layout that reduces traffic congestion and enhances privacy.
JVC offers a variety of residential options like apartments, townhouses, and villas, which cater to families of different sizes. Studio apartments range from 370 to 600 sq. ft. 1- and 2-bedroom apartments range from 700 to 1,400 sq. ft., and 3- and 4-bedroom apartments have more space, from 1,500 to 2,500 sq. ft. Villas in JVC range from 2,500 to 4,500 sq. ft., with larger luxury villas available but less common. These properties provide ample living space for families, with options to suit various needs.
JVC provides a family-friendly environment with a variety of amenities and residential options.
Schools within the community:
- Green Roots Nursery
- JSS International School
Nearby schools:
- GEMS Founder School in Al Barsha: 15 minutes by car
Parks within the community:
- Remram Community Park
- JVC Halfa Park
- Roolh Park
Nearby parks:
- Dubai Miracle Garden in Arjan: 15 minutes by car
Healthcare within the community:
- Aster Clinic JVC
Nearby hospitals:
- Saudi German Hospital in Al Barsha 3: 15 minutes by car
- Mediclinic Parkview Hospital in Al Barsha South: 13 minutes by car
Rental and sale price ranges in Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC) are outlined below:
Source: Property Monitor
The Springs
The Springs is a family-friendly community designed for comfort and security. It offers spacious homes, landscaped gardens, lakes, and large green spaces, ideal for outdoor activities. The Springs is well-connected, situated close to Dubai Marina, Dubai Internet City, and Downtown Dubai. This offers easy access to work and leisure spots. The community is secure, with 24-hour surveillance, gated entrances, and regular patrols. It is also among the Dubai communities with good schools, with Dubai British School and Emirates International School just minutes away. The area also provides direct access to Sheikh Zayed Road and Al Khail Road, which makes travel to other parts of Dubai convenient.
Properties in The Springs feature villas and townhouses with 2 to 4 bedrooms. Villa sizes range from 1,600 to 1,800 sq. ft. for 2-bedroom units, 2,200 to 3,500 sq. ft. for 3-bedroom units, and 2,200 sq. ft. to over 5,700 sq. ft. for 4-bedroom villas, especially with extensions. These homes feature private gardens, spacious interiors, and easy access to the community’s green areas.
Below are the nearby schools, parks, and healthcare facilities in The Springs.
Schools within the community:
- Dubai British School (DBS)
- Raffles Nursery
- Emirates International School
Nearby schools:
- GEMS World Academy in Al Barsha South: 15 minutes by car
- Regent International School in The Greens: 12 minutes by car
- Sunmarke School in JVT: 15 minutes by car
Parks within the community:
- Lakes and landscaped gardens
- Children’s playgrounds
- Community parks for residents
Nearby parks:
- Dubai Miracle Garden in Arjan: 10 minutes by car
- Al Barsha Pond Park in Al Barsha: 15 minutes by car
Healthcare within the community:
- Aster Clinic
- Mediclinic Springs
Nearby hospitals:
- Saudi German Hospital in Al Barsha: 10 minutes by car
- Al Zahra Hospital in Al Barsha: 12 minutes by car
To give you an idea of what you can expect in terms of rental and purchase prices, here’s a breakdown of the available properties:
Source: Property Monitor
Dubai Hills Estate
Dubai Hills Estate is a well-planned community designed for family living. The area is centred around an 18-hole golf course, complemented by numerous green spaces and landscaped parks. There are jogging tracks, cycling lanes, and outdoor playgrounds for residents. Dubai Hills Mall, located within the community, provides retail shops, restaurants, and entertainment options. The community is well connected to major roads like Al Marabea St, which makes it easy to reach key areas such as Downtown Dubai, Dubai Marina, and Business Bay.
Properties in Dubai Hills Estate include apartments and villas in various sizes. Apartments range from studio units at 450 sq. ft. to 1-bedroom units between 700 and 1,000 sq. ft. Two-bedroom units range from 950 to 1,400 sq. ft., and 3-bedroom units are 1,400 to 2,000 sq. ft. Villas range from 2,000 to 3,500 sq. ft. for smaller 3-bedroom homes, 3,300 to 6,400 sq. ft. for 4- and 5-bedroom homes, and over 8,000 sq. ft. for luxury 6- and 7-bedroom villas, with some mansions exceeding 13,000 sq. ft.
Here’s an overview of the schools, parks, and healthcare facilities available in Dubai Hills Estate and the surrounding area:
Schools within the community:
- Blossom Nursery
- GEMS International School
- GEMS Wellington Academy
Nearby schools:
- Kings School in Al Barsha: 10 minutes by car
- Sunmarke School in Jumeirah Village Triangle: 20 minutes by car
- Dubai British School in Emirates Hill: 15 minutes by car
Parks within the community:
- Dubai Hills Park
- Adventure Park
Nearby parks:
- Dubai Miracle Garden in Arjan: 10 minutes by car
- Al Quoz Park in JVC: 15-20 minutes by car
- Al Barsha Pond Park in Al Barsha: 15 minutes by car
- Al Khail Park
Healthcare within the community:
- King's College Hospital
- Mediclinic Dubai Hills
- Aster Clinic
Nearby hospitals:
- Mediclinic City Hospital in Dubai Healthcare City: 15 minutes by car
- Al Zahra in Al Barsha: 15 minutes by car
To help you better understand the market, here’s a detailed view of the rental and sales prices for apartments, villas, and townhouses:
Source: Property Monitor
Arabian Ranches
Arabian Ranches provides a peaceful living environment, perfect for families. The community includes villas and townhouses in gated neighbourhoods. With wide streets and green spaces, there’s plenty of room for outdoor activities. It gives you a quiet retreat from the city’s hustle while staying close to key locations in Dubai, like Downtown and Dubai Marina.
The community offers a wide range of properties, from smaller 2-bedroom townhouses ranging from 1,600 to 1,900 sq. ft. to larger 3- and 4-bedroom townhouses that range from 2,200 to over 3,000 sq. ft. Villas in the area also vary greatly, with 3-bedroom villas starting around 3,000 sq. ft. and going up to 5,000 sq. ft. Larger 4-bedroom villas range from 3,400 sq. ft. to over 5,000 sq. ft., while 5-bedroom villas can average 4,900 sq. ft., with some reaching up to 8,300 sq. ft. The largest luxury villas, 6- to 7-bedrooms, can exceed 18,000 sq. ft.
The community is well connected to major roads, such as Sheikh Zayed Road, which makes travel around the city easy. Families can enjoy convenience and comfort with all essential amenities nearby.
Schools within the community:
- Jumeirah English Speaking School (JESS)
- Ranches Primary School
Nearby schools:
- Dewvale School in Al Quoz: 20 minutes by car
Healthcare within the community:
- Mediclinic Arabian Ranches
- Aster Clinic
Nearby hospitals:
- International Modern Hospital in Al Mankhool: 25-30 minutes by car
Parks within the community:
- Ranches Park
- Central Park
- Al Reem 3 Park
These are the rental and sale prices in Arabian Ranches:
Source: Property Monitor
Mirdif
Mirdif is a family-friendly community with a relaxed atmosphere and affordable housing options. It offers villas, townhouses, and apartments in gated neighbourhoods that focus on safety and privacy. Many homes are surrounded by green spaces where children can play. The area is peaceful yet well-connected to key parts of Dubai. It has parks like Mushrif Park and shopping centres such as City Centre Mirdif and Uptown Mirdif. Supermarkets, schools, and healthcare services are nearby, and the community’s location near the airport and major roads makes commuting easy.
Properties in Mirdif range from 800 sq. ft. for apartments to 2,500–5,000 sq. ft. for villas and townhouses. Studios range from 450 to 800 sq. ft., while 1 to 3-bedroom apartments range from 900 sq. ft. to over 2,000 sq. ft., with some duplexes reaching nearly 3,000 sq. ft. Smaller 3-bedroom townhouses and villas fall between 1,650 and 3,000 sq. ft., while standard 4- to 5-bedroom villas range from 3,000 to 5,000 sq. ft. Luxury villas exceed 10,000 sq. ft. in built-up area.
Mirdif has suburban charm with easy access to essential amenities for families, as mentioned below:
Schools within the community:
- Mirdif American School
- GEMS Royal Dubai School
Nearby schools:
- Dubai International Academy in Emirates Hills: 25 minutes by car
Healthcare within the community:
- Mediclinic Mirdif
- Aster Clinic Mirdif
Nearby hospitals:
- HMS Al Garhoud Hospital in Al Garhoud: 15 minutes by car
Parks within the community:
- Mushrif Park
- Al Khawaneej Park
Here’s the rental and sales information for each apartment type:
Source: Property Monitor
Al Barsha
Al Barsha is a well-established community in Dubai with apartments and villas that suit different family needs. It provides more affordable living options compared to upscale areas, which makes it an ideal choice for families who seek convenience. The community is close to key business districts and shopping centres, such as the Mall of the Emirates, with easy access to work, retail, and entertainment. Despite its proximity to commercial areas, Al Barsha features tree-lined streets, green spaces, and parks that create a peaceful environment for families.
Studios in Al Barsha range from approximately 370 to 600 sq. ft. 1-bedroom apartments commonly range from 700 to 1,000 sq. ft., though some are larger. 2 and 3-bedroom apartments range from 1,100 to 1,800 sq. ft. For villas, smaller 3-bedroom units start from 2,600 to 3,500 sq. ft., with some larger units available. Larger 5- to 7-bedroom villas often exceed 10,000 sq. ft., with some luxury properties reaching 15,000 sq. ft. or more.
Al Barsha has a practical and convenient lifestyle for families. Here’s a look at the nearby amenities that make life easier:
Schools within the community:
- GEMS Dubai American Academy
- American School of Dubai
- Kings’ School Al Barsha
- Al Mawakeb School
Nearby schools:
- Fairgreen International School in Sustainable City: 20 minutes by car
Healthcare within the community:
- Saudi German Hospital
- Al Zahra Hospital
- Mediclinic Parkview Hospital
Nearby hospitals:
- King's College Hospital London at Dubai Hills Estate: 15 minutes by car
Parks within the community:
- Al Barsha Pond Park
- Dubai Butterfly Garden
Rental and sale prices for apartments and villas in Al Barsha are listed below:
Source: Property Monitor
Dubai Silicon Oasis
Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO) is a well-planned community that blends technology with family living. It features a variety of housing options like apartments, townhouses, and villas, making it suitable for families of all sizes. While DSO is home to many tech companies and startups, it maintains a family-friendly atmosphere.
What sets DSO apart is its safe environment. The community features green spaces, parks, and recreational facilities. Essential services such as healthcare centres, shopping malls, and dining options are easily accessible in the area. DSO also benefits from excellent connectivity, with easy access to Emirates Road, Dubai-Al Ain Road, and the Dubai Metro.
The community has a range of residential options. Apartments include studios (370–600 sq. ft.), 1-bedroom units (700–1,000 sq. ft.), 2-bedroom units (1,100–1,400 sq. ft.), and 3-bedroom apartments (1,600–2,000 sq. ft.), with some duplexes exceeding 4,000 sq. ft. Villas in gated communities such as Cedre Villas and Semmer Villas start at 3,300 sq. ft. for 3-bedroom homes, with 4-bedroom villas reaching up to 7,280 sq. ft. and 5-bedroom villas surpassing 10,000 sq. ft.
DSO has great access to schools, healthcare facilities, and parks for active families, which are:
Schools within the community:
- International School of Dubai
- GEMS Wellington Academy
Nearby schools:
- The International School of Choueifat in Dubai Investment Park: 20 minutes by car
Healthcare within the community:
- Mediclinic Dubai Silicon Oasis
- Aster Clinic
- Fakeeh University Hospital
Nearby hospitals:
- Al Zahra Hospital in Al Barsha: 20 minutes by car
Parks within the community:
- Dubai Silicon Oasis Park
Here is a breakdown of the rental and sale prices for apartments and villas in Dubai Silicon Oasis:
Source: Property Monitor
Conclusion
Dubai offers a wide choice of family-friendly communities that suit different budgets, routines, and lifestyle priorities. The correct location depends on how closely daily life needs to align with schools, outdoor space, travel time, and long-term comfort. Each area offers a distinct way of life, from quieter residential settings to more connected urban areas. A clear view of household needs helps determine where you should live in Dubai and supports a confident relocation decision.
Invest in your family’s future by choosing a home in Dubai’s top communities. Contact us now for a personalised property search.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best family-friendly neighbourhoods in Dubai?
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Dubai Marina, Jumeirah, Arabian Ranches, The Springs, DSO, JVC and Mirdif are some of the best neighbourhoods for families. These areas offer spacious homes, green spaces, and easy access to schools, parks, and essential amenities.
What amenities are available in Mirdif for families?
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Mirdif features community parks, playgrounds, recreational facilities, shopping malls, cafés, and family-friendly dining options. It also has schools, healthcare centres, and quick access to major roads.
What is the ROI for rental properties in Dubai?
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Rental yields in family-friendly areas like Dubai Marina, Jumeirah, and Mirdif range from 4% to 7%. These areas offer steady rental returns despite variations in property prices.
Can families find good rental deals in Dubai’s family-friendly areas?
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Yes, families can find affordable rental deals in areas like Mirdif, Al Barsha, and Dubai Silicon Oasis, where rents are lower compared to premium neighbourhoods.
Which is the safest area in Dubai?
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Dubai is very safe, with neighbourhoods like Arabian Ranches, Jumeirah, Mirdif, and Dubai Marina offering gated communities, low crime rates, and strong security measures.
Is Dubai actually safe for families and children?
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Yes, safety is one of Dubai's major selling points. It boasts very low crime rates, and most family communities feature gated entrances and 24/7 security.
How does the summer heat affect family life?
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Summer heat can limit outdoor activities, but Dubai offers many indoor attractions, including shopping malls, theme parks, and aquariums to keep families entertained year-round.
Do most families need a car to get around?
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In most suburban communities, a car is necessary since public transport may not reach all areas. A car provides more convenience and ease for commuting.
Is Mirdif a good option for families on a budget?
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Yes, Mirdif is one of the more affordable family-friendly areas in Dubai. It offers villas and low-rise apartments at lower prices than many other areas.
What makes a neighbourhood family-friendly in Dubai?
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A family-friendly neighbourhood includes safety, proximity to schools, parks, healthcare, and recreational facilities for a convenient and comfortable living environment for families.
