Dubai is home to a multitude of excellent communities offering excellent residential options. But the plentiful choice ensures there are several factors to consider before zeroing in on your dream home. These include school runs, work commutes, local amenities and, of course, the all-important budget. With these factors in mind, we’ve compiled a list of the most popular places to live in Dubai for families. Let’s take a look.

FAMILY-FRIENDLY AREAS TO LIVE IN DUBAI
POPULAR RESIDENTIAL AREAS IN DUBAI WITH VILLAS
The city features a number of well designed villa communities that are perfect for families seeking greater living space and privacy.

- 3 BEDS
- |
- 4 BATHS
- |
- 4480 SQFT
These communities also offer proximity to family-friendly attractions and other amenities. Let’s take you through some of the best residential areas in Dubai that boast an impressive range of villas.
ARABIAN RANCHES
The rental villas in Arabian Ranches are one of the best options for those looking for a property in any of the family-friendly areas in Dubai. The large, spacious homes come with plenty of room for the whole family.
This suburb offers an escape from city life, with periodic Market Days, community barbecues and other activities.

There are also an array of educational institutions in Arabian Ranches conveniently located in the gated community. Ranches Primary School and Jumeirah English Speaking School are two of the most popular ones among parents.
Tenants looking to move to this family-friendly area can expect to pay rent of AED 175k for 3-bedroom villas. Rent for 4-bed villas is around AED 199k, and for a more spacious 5-bedroom villa, it is AED 335k.
Considering investing in Arabian Ranches? The average price for a 3-bedroom villa in Arabian Ranches is AED 2.07M. It goes up to AED 3.10M and AED 3.40M for 4 and 5-bedroom houses, respectively.
JUMEIRAH
Jumeirah features a collection of villas that are a stone’s throw away from the iconic Jumeirah beach. It is also home to premier schools, including the prestigious Jumeirah College, King College and GEMS Jumeirah Primary School.

The Jumeirah rental villas are beautifully designed with large gardens and pools. The starting price for renting a 3-bedroom house in Jumeirah is AED 150k. If you are keen on larger units, the prices for 4-bedroom villas start at AED 250k to AED 1.30M. Whereas AED 200k is the starting price of 5-bed houses.
AL BARARI
Al Barari is a green sanctuary, providing the ideal space for your kids to have some outdoor fun.

The area is popular for its villas available in 3 to 6-bedroom configurations. All these factors make Al Barari one of the best places to live in Dubai for families.

- 5 BEDS
- |
- 4 BATHS
- |
- 8623 SQFT

- 4 BEDS
- |
- 4 BATHS
- |
- 1706 SQFT
MIRDIF
The elegant European-style Mirdif villas for rent offer an ideal environment for families. The modest price tag and upscale lifestyle have made it one of the most preferred areas for families in Dubai.

Mirdif is among the most well-connected residential areas, close to Dubai Festival City, Academic City, and Deira City Center.
There are many top nurseries in Mirdif, such as Small Steps Nursery. The Mirdif City Centre, Arabian Centre, Etihad Mall and Park Centre Mirdif are perfect for all your shopping needs.
The starting rent for a 3-bedroom house in Mirdif is AED 78k. The more spacious 4 and 5-bedroom villas are available for AED 110k and AED 105k, respectively.
EMIRATES HILLS
Emirates Hills, a part of Emirates Living, is predictably one of the top places to live in Dubai for families.
Easy access to retail centres, parks and offices makes it a firm favourite with families in Dubai. This gated community boasts some of the best schools, including Dubai International Academy and Emirates International School. You can even bring in a furry friend, as this is one of the most pet-friendly communities in Dubai. The starting rent for 4-bedroom villas is AED 2.80M per year.

MUDON
One of the prime locations for families living in Dubai, Mudon is a prestigious project by Dubai Properties. It has a good selection of townhouses and villas. However, this tranquil gated community in the centre of Dubai is most popular for renting villas.

Mudon is close to attractions like The Trump International Golf Course and Dubai Polo and Equestrian Club.
It is a serene gated community with several luxury villas for rent. Based on the current rent trends, tenants are primarily interested in 3, 4 and 5-bedroom villas for rent in Mudon.

The tranquil neighbourhood has several schools, making it a popular choice for families to rent or buy properties. One of the most popular schools in the area is Jebel Ali School. Jumeirah English Speaking School is another top-tier school located in the nearby community of Arabian Ranches.
Mudon also has some of the best early childhood education centres or nurseries, such as Blossom Nursery.
The starting yearly rent for a 3-bedroom villa in Mudon is AED 160k per annum. Families interested in a 4-bedroom rental villa can expect to pay up to AED 200k per year.
As for the villas to buy in Mudon, the starting sales price is AED 1.7M for 3-bedroom units. You have to pay AED 2.24M for 4-bedroom houses and AED 4M for villas with 5 bedrooms.

- 1 BED
- |
- 1 BATH
- |
- 476 SQFT

- 1 BED
- |
- 2 BATHS
- |
- 1249 SQFT
JUMEIRAH VILLAGE TRIANGLE
Another popular community for family-friendly villas in Dubai is Jumeirah Village Triangle, also known as JVT. The area offers plenty of amenities such as schools, supermarkets and hospitals.

JVT is home to Jumeirah International Nursery, counted as one of the best British nurseries in Dubai. Sunmarke School and Arcadia Preparatory School are the other excellent educational institutions in JVT.

Jumeirah Village Triangle offers many helpful amenities for residents, such as easy access to salons, supermarkets and gyms. The serene and tranquil gated community offers a safe and secure environment for homeowners and tenants alike.
The community is a stone’s throw away from Dubai Production City, Jumeirah Village Circle, The Springs and Jumeirah Park.

The rent for a 3-bed villa in JVT is AED 223k, while the 3-bedroom villa for sale in JVT is available for AED 2.65M. The starting price for 4 and 5-bedroom villas in JVT is AED 4.30M and AED 4.70M, respectively.
DUBAI RESIDENTIAL AREAS WITH FAMILY-FRIENDLY APARTMENTS IN DUBAI
While we all enjoy the space and luxury of a villa, some people prefer apartments. There are several areas with family-friendly apartments in Dubai to cater to those looking for a fuss-free home!

- 2 BEDS
- |
- 2 BATHS
- |
- 1172 SQFT

- 1 BED
- |
- 2 BATHS
- |
- 801 SQFT

- 1 BED
- |
- 2 BATHS
- |
- 749 SQFT

- 1 BED
- |
- 2 BATHS
- |
- 899 SQFT

- 3 BEDS
- |
- 4 BATHS
- |
- 1676 SQFT

- 2 BEDS
- |
- 2 BATHS
- |
- 1207 SQFT

- STUDIO
- |
- 1 BATH
- |
- 371 SQFT
JUMEIRAH BEACH RESIDENCE (JBR)
The high-rise apartments for rent in JBR are the perfect beachfront property for families in Dubai. An exciting array of restaurants, cinemas and cafes makes JBR the best area in Dubai for families.

When it comes to rent, a tenant can expect to pay AED 88k annually for a 1BHK flat. A 2-bedroom flat in JBR is around AED 120k. The starting price for 1BHK apartments for sale in Jumeirah Beach Residence is AED 1.30M.
JUMEIRAH LAKE TOWERS (JLT)
The swanky apartment rentals in JLT are popular with families. There is no shortage of entertainment options, with a range of eateries and cinemas a short distance away. Dubai Knowledge Park is also fairly close, offering an easy commute for university students.

The starting rent for a 1BHK flat is AED 55k per year. A family-friendly 2-bedroom apartment in JLT goes for AED 70k, making it one of Dubai’s more affordable areas for families. If you are planning to invest in JLT apartments, the asking price for a 1-bedroom flat averages AED 1.49M.
PALM JUMEIRAH
One of the iconic developments in Dubai, Palm Jumeirah is home to many family-friendly apartments in the city. With its own monorail, massive malls and prestigious schools, The Palm is a perfect combination of luxury and convenience.

The island’s wide spectrum of activities ensures there’s never a dull moment for families living in the area. Who wouldn’t love a swim with the dolphins in Atlantis or a spectacular performance at the Cirque du Soleil?
There are various luxury apartments for rent in Palm Jumeirah, making this community one of the best residential areas in Dubai.
The starting price for a 2-bedroom unit for rent in Plam Jumeirah is AED 160k as per current listings.
When it comes to flats for sale in Palm Jumeirah, the starting prices of family-friendly 2-bedroom apartments average at AED 2.55M.
MOTOR CITY
One of the latest development with a range of family-friendly apartments in Dubai is Motor City. The apartments for rent in Motor City are known to be large and airy. The is one of the reasons why this area is considered one of the best places to live in Dubai for families.
The price of renting a 1 and 2-bedroom apartment in Motor City ranges from AED 53 to AED 71k, respectively. If you want to buy a flat in Motor City, starting price for a 2-bedroom unit is around AED 1.05M.

FAQs about Family Friendly areas in Dubai
WHAT ARE SOME OF THE PET-FRIENDLY AREAS IN DUBAI?
If you have a fur baby, you’ll be on the lookout for a pet-friendly building or a villa. The most popular pet-friendly areas in Dubai are JLT, JVC, Dubai Sports City, Dubai Hills Estate and Downtown Dubai.
WHICH IS THE BEST AREA TO LIVE IN DUBAI?
Dubai is a melting pot of cultures. There’s plenty to do and the job market is lucrative as well. Ample public transport and world-class healthcare facilities are a plus! But the choice of which is the best area to live in is subjective to budget, preference and requirements. Everyone will have their own preference, whether a waterfront suburban community or a skyscraper.
We hope this article answers your question of ‘where to live in Dubai?’ and gives you an idea of which community suits your needs best.
