Planning to settle down in Dubai? There are plenty of options in this beautifully luxurious city. When choosing the best area to live in Dubai with family, the city offers a lot of options. But, with so many available options, it can get overwhelming as to which property is ideal for you. This guide highlights the best areas to live in Dubai with family.
Best Area To Live In Dubai With Family?
Buying a home is not as easy a task as it may seem. You need to consider a lot of factors, like:
- Budget for your Home – Whether you’re looking for affordable living or luxury properties.
- Location preference – Do you prefer a lively city area or the quiet suburbs?
- Residential Property Type– Skyline apartments or a house in suburban areas.
- Cultural and traditional values– Finding a neighborhood that aligns with your family’s lifestyle.
Thanks to the steady development of the city, Dubai has almost everything to offer. Dubai City has a lot of family-friendly areas with a lot of parks, recreational activities, schools, hospitals, and other facilities either included in the area or nearby it.
Let’s take a look at some of the best options:
Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC)
Jumeirah Village Circle is a top preference and our recommendation for the best area to live in Dubai with family.
JVC has all options – apartments, townhouses, and villas, catering to your family sizes and budget needs.
Pros:
- Pet Friendly
- High security
- Nearby retail stores
- High-end restaurants
- Parks and playgrounds for kids
- Schools and nurseries nearby
Cons:
- Limited nightlife options
- Noise due to construction
Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR)
For all those beach persons JBR is the perfect community to reside in Dubai.
Located along the shoreline, JBR offers beachfront access. It also has aesthetic Instagrammable cafes, restaurants, and family parks.
Pros:
- Stunning beachfront access with The Walk at JBR offering cafes and shops
- Proximity to international schools like Dubai British School
- Recreational facilities, including family parks and play areas
Cons:
- High rent: AED 110,000 – AED 180,000 for a 2-bedroom apartment
- Congested traffic during weekends and peak hours
Mirdif
Mirdif is a popular choice among families for its peaceful and suburban setting. Away from the city’s hustle and bustle, it offers a perfect environment for families who want a relaxed lifestyle.
Pros:
- Affordable rent: AED 70,000 – AED 90,000 for a 2-bedroom apartment
- Close proximity to top schools like GEMS Royal Dubai School
- Parks and recreational areas for family activities, including Mushrif Park
Cons:
- Far from central Dubai, which may mean longer commute times
- Limited nightlife and entertainment options
Arabian Ranches
Arabian Ranches is a well-planned suburban community known for its spacious villas and lush greenery. It offers a peaceful environment away from the city’s hustle.
Pros:
- Family-oriented community with parks and playgrounds
- Access to top schools like Jumeirah English Speaking School (JESS)
- Sense of belongingness
Cons:
- Located inland, which may mean longer commutes to central Dubai
- Higher property prices starting from AED 4.73M for a 3-bedroom villa, up to AED 15.6M for larger units
Dubai Hills Estates
Dubai Hills Estate is renowned for its expansive green spaces and family-oriented amenities.
Pros:
- Dubai Hills Park as huge as 1.45 million square meters area
- Hosts reputable schools like GEMS Wellington Academy.
- Dining and entertainment options
DAMAC Hills
DAMAC Hills is a relatively new community that offers a mix of villas and townhouses, along with extensive recreational amenities.
Pros:
- Features an 18-hole golf course and various outdoor activities
- Family-friendly amenities, including parks and a petting farm
- Affordable housing options compared to other upscale areas
Cons:
- Located further from the beach and some urban amenities
- May require a longer commute to central Dubai
What Are The Safest Areas In Dubai For Families?
Safety is a top priority when choosing the best area to live in Dubai with family.
No doubt, Dubai is usually the safest place to live and reside due to low-crime rates.
However, some places stand out from others in terms of extended safety, security and family friendly environment. The following are the safest areas in Dubai for families:
Emirates Hills
Emirates Hills is one of the safest places to live in Dubai.
From 3bhk to 5 and 6 BHK villas there are a lot of options suiting your requirements. This gated community comes with 24/7 surveillance and hence is most safest.
Besides, the high-end luxury villas come with private amenities like clubs, play arena, garden, dining area among others.
Al Barsha
If you’re looking for cheap residential areas to live in Dubai then Al Barsha comes under this category.
Starting as low as AED 70,000,you can get a decent 2 bhk apartment in Al Barsha.
Moreover, with plenty of schools, hospitals, and malls nearby, it is a convenient place for families.
Pros:
- Affordable housing.
- Open green space for outdoor activities
- Close to Mall of the Emirates and several parks.
- Good schools in the area.
- Sense of community vibe
Cons:
- Traffic can be heavy during peak hours.
Where Do Most Expat Families Live In Dubai?
Dubai is a hubspot of cultures, and many expat families from around the world choose Dubai. Reason? Openness to diversity and inclusive community.
If you’re looking for the best area to live in Dubai with family, here are some of the most popular neighborhoods for expat families:
- Arabian Ranches – A quiet, suburban area with spacious villas and a strong community feel. Perfect for families seeking privacy and space.
- Dubai Marina – A vibrant area with a mix of high-rise apartments and family-friendly amenities. Popular among young families due to its proximity to the beach and recreational facilities.
- Dubai Silicon Oasis – Known for its affordability, tech hub status, and family-friendly environment.
Where Do Indian Families Live In Dubai?
Indian families living in Dubai often choose neighborhoods with access to Indian schools, cultural centers, and supportive communities. These areas foster a strong sense of belonging.
Popular Neighborhoods For Indian Families:
- Bur Dubai
- Al Nahda
- Mankhool
- Dubai Silicon Oasis
Where Should Families Avoid Staying In Dubai?
Certain areas may not be as suitable for families due to various factors such as:
- High Noise levels
- Limited family amenities (lack of parks, schools, etc.)
- Heavy traffic
- Lack of safety and security
The following are the areas to skip considering for a settling down with family in Dubai:
- Business Bay – More suitable for professionals and singles due to high-rise apartments and fewer family facilities.
- Deira – Although affordable, it can be congested and lacks green spaces. Besides in Deira, blue-collar workers and their camps can be seen. So, it is not much suitable for family residency and can be avoided.
What Is The Cost Of Living In Dubai For Families?
The cost of living in Dubai for families can be a subjective matter. This is because it depends upon your standard of living, lifestyle choices, utilities like school and other personal expenses.
Here’s a brief comparison by us
Neighbourhood | Avg. Rent (2-bedroom) | Schools | Amenities |
JVC | AED 70,000 – AED 100,000 | Yes | Parks, playgrounds |
JBR | AED 110,000 – AED 180,000 | Yes | Beach, cafes |
Mirdif | AED 70,000 – AED 90,000 | Yes | Parks, schools |
Emirates Hills | AED 400,000+ | Yes | High-end amenities |
How To Choose The Best Area To Live In Dubai With Family?
When choosing a family-friendly neighborhood in Dubai, consider the following:
- Proximity to schools – Look for areas with reputable international schools.
- Safety – Gated communities often offer enhanced security.
- Community amenities – Parks, playgrounds, and recreational facilities should be nearby.
Tips For Newcomers:
- Research neighborhoods that align with your family’s lifestyle.
- Visit the area to get a feel of the community.
- Consider access to healthcare and transportation options.
With this guide, finding the best area to live in Dubai with family should now feel much more manageable.
Frequently Asked Questions About Best Area To Live In Dubai With Family
For the best Dubai neighborhoods for families we recommend Jumeirah Village Circle, The Palm, Arabian Ranches, Mirdif, Dubai Silicon Oasis followed by Dubai Marina.
The following neighborhoods stand out as the safest areas in Dubai for families:
- Emirates Hills
- Downtown Dubai
- Palm Jumeirah
- Al Barsha
