Best places to live in Dubai for families

Are you a family looking to move to Dubai but unsure where to begin? Finding the right neighbourhood is essential when you want to balance convenience, cost, and access to family-friendly features. Dubai has many communities that provide different things, whether you are looking for a place near good schools, parks, or somewhere quieter. Areas like Dubai Marina, Jumeirah, and Mirdif provide spacious homes and are close to shopping, dining, and entertainment. Other areas, such as Dubai Silicon Oasis and Al Barsha, have more affordable options, with good public transport and family-friendly amenities. In this blog, we will look at some of the best neighbourhoods in Dubai for families and help you decide where you should live in Dubai based on your needs and preferences.

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.

With wide walkways and parks, Dubai Marina maintains a family-friendly vibe. You can spend time at playgrounds, take a walk along the paths, or visit the beach nearby. If you rely on public transport, the area’s well-connected Metro and bus system make getting around easy.

Now, let’s get into the amenities you can enjoy in the area, such as the 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

Here’s a look at the rental prices and sale prices in Dubai Marina:

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 give families easy access to some of the best schools, hospitals, and outdoor spaces in Dubai.

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

Here’s a breakdown of the property types, rental prices, and sale prices in Jumeirah:

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

Here’s the breakdown of the rental and sale prices for villas and apartments in Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC):

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 area features several parks, walking paths, and recreational areas. Convenient amenities, such as supermarkets, clinics, and pharmacies, are all located nearby.

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. Schools like Dubai British School and Emirates International School are within reach. 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.

Now, let’s explore the nearby schools, parks, and healthcare facilities that make living in The Springs convenient for families:

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

Here’s a breakdown of the rental and sale prices for villas and townhouses 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 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.

Al Barsha offers essential services like schools, healthcare facilities, and recreational areas. Families can access reputable schools, healthcare facilities and parks that add to the community’s family-friendly appeal. The area is also well connected with transport links, including the Dubai Metro and major roads. 

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-bedroom apartments range from 1,100 to 1,400 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

Now, let’s explore the rental and sale prices for apartments and villas in Al Barsha:

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:

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 features a range of family-friendly communities that cater to different needs. Areas like Dubai Marina, Jumeirah, Arabian Ranches, and Mirdif provide spacious homes, amenities, and proximity to schools, parks, and recreational areas. Communities such as Dubai Silicon Oasis and Al Barsha provide affordability while maintaining a family-oriented environment. Whether you prefer waterfront living, a suburban lifestyle, or an affordable area, Dubai has neighbourhoods that suit various family requirements. With easy access to transportation, schools, shopping, and outdoor activities, these communities are ideal for families looking to settle in Dubai.

Invest in your family’s future by choosing a home in Dubai’s top communities. Contact us now for a personalised property search.