Choosing the right area to live in a new city can be difficult and depends on personal needs and preferences. This guide outlines some of Dubai's desirable residential areas.

Emirates Hills
Emirates Hills is one of the most sought after residential areas of Dubai, offering exceptional standards of living within a luxury gated community. Often referred to as the ‘Beverly Hills’ of the UAE, it continues to be Dubai’s most exclusive residential address, followed closely by Dubai Marina. Largely home to Dubai’s wealthy expatriate community, luxury facilities, manicured surroundings and careful master planning continue to attract global property investors and HNWIs (High Net Worth Individuals) as well as individuals and families seeking an unrivalled standard of ‘ready-made’ living in the UAE.

Emirates Hills has been meticulously built around the lifestyle and convenience needs of its residents. Tree-lined streets house individually designed luxury villas and landscaped gardens, which overlook the world-class Montgomerie 18-hole Championship Golf Course, lake, golf academy, tennis courts and swimming pool as well as various shops and recreation facilities.

Types of property- One of the first freehold properties to be sold in the city, Emirate Hills’ 634 'turn-key' villas vary from 12,000 square feet to 58,000 square feet, providing a wide range of living space to suit individuals and couples through to large families. Clustered in ‘sectors’, many of the detached, 3 -7 bedroom, two-storey villas feature private pools, private roof terraces and manicured gardens.  

Location- Emirates Hills is close to Interchange 5, Sheikh Zayed Road and near Dubai Marina, Dubai Media City, Dubai Internet City and The American University of Dubai. Dubai Airport is a 30 minute drive.

Schools- A number of leading schools can be found in the vicinity, including the Dubai British School at The Springs, Emirates International School at The Meadows, Regent International School at the Greens, and Dubai International Academy at the Lakes.

Families- Emirates Hills offers a number of playgrounds, parks and other facilities which ensure that children are kept occupied in a secure environment.

Shopping- There are four community-style shopping centres in Emirates Hills – Springs Town Centre near the Dubai British School, The Meadows Village, Springs Village in The Springs 7 and The Greens Centre near the mosque in The Greens. Each offers popular fast food outlets, pharmacies, supermarkets, salons, coffee shops and restaurants.
Shopping Malls near Emirates Hills include Dubai Marina Mall, Mall of the Emirates and Ibn Battuta Mall.

Prices-Average buying price: US$4,000,000

RENT 5 bedroom villa with lake view, US$326,000 a year (Nov 2016) (Edwards and Towers)
BUY 5 bedroom villa with luxury fittings and outdoor kitchen US$8,170,000 (Nov 2016) (Crompton Partners) 

Dubai Marina
Dubai Marina is one of the world’s largest, purpose-built waterfront developments made up of over 200 residential high rises including 23 Marina, Princess Tower and Ocean Heights, shopping malls, restaurants, hotels and promenades.

Considered to be ‘New Dubai’ at its best, all properties come equipped with all the mod cons and high specifications you’d expect from luxury Dubai property. Dubai Marina properties range from one-bedroom studio apartments to super luxury penthouses all available to buy or rent. An attraction within itself, the cosmopolitan district is also popular with business executives and tourists thanks to a swag of top end hotels.

The benefits of owning or renting a high rise apartment in Dubai Marina unequivocally lie in the expansive, unobstructed views of the marina and Dubai’s glittering skyline. 
Shopping features heavily in Dubai Marina’s and Dubai’s genetic makeup. Dubai Marina Mall offers a stellar range of retail and dining options as well as a Cineplex. Equally popular is Marina Walk, a pedestrian-friendly walkway lined with restaurants, cafés and retail outlets.

Convenience features heavily across Dubai Marina with supermarkets, pharmacies, nurseries, clinics, salons and dry-cleaners on the residents’ doorstep. Entertainment options include trendy nightclubs and hotels while Dubai Marina Yacht Club, offers a clubhouse and berthing facilities.

Facilities- Most high rises come complete with swimming pools, fitness centres and gyms, games rooms, squash and badminton courts, community lounges, leisure decks, barbecue areas, concierge services, CCTV security and private parking.

Location- Dubai Marina is located near Interchange 5 on Sheikh Zayed Road and is close to business hubs such as Dubai Internet City, Knowledge Village and Dubai Media City.

Families- Dubai Marina offers a number of playgrounds, green spaces and other facilities which ensure that children are kept occupied in a secure environment.

Prices- Dubai Marina continues to offer strong price increases generating substantial gains for investors. Average buying price range: $2,000,000.

RENT 4 bedroom, 4 bathroom villa with sea views, US$218,000 a year (Nov 2016) (Crompton Partners)
BUY 5 bedroom, 6.5 bathroom apartment with private pool and spa US$4,955,000 (Nov 2016) (Better Homes) 

Palm Jumeirah
Palm Jumeriah is the smallest island among all three Palm islands (Palm Jebel Ali and Palm Deira), located on the coastal area of Jumeirah Beach.

A world famous artificial palm-shaped archipelago and one of Dubai’s star attractions, Palm Jumeirah is divided into 16 ‘fronds’ or clusters comprised of luxury beachfront villas, town houses and apartments ranging in setting, size and style. Considered to be prestigious real estate at its best, most of the Palm Jumeirah apartments and villas overlook and offer direct access to the stunning beaches and azure waters of the Persian Gulf, making this a highly sought-after address by expats, locals and tourists.

An unrivalled standard of beachfront living lies at the heart of The Palm Jumeirah and its instantly recognisable design. Residents have access to the world class facilities and amenities which define ‘New Dubai’ and, generally speaking, the city’s standard of living. Cafes and restaurants sit alongside parks, swimming pools, spas, health clubs, gyms and water-sports facilities while luxury hotels, bars and clubs contribute to a vibrant nightlife.

Where to live- The Trunk, much like elsewhere on the island, offers well-appointed high density homes, luxury oceanfront apartments and a large selection of cafes, restaurants and recreation facilities. Among the most popular properties are Tiara Residence, Oceana, Shoreline Apartments, Marina Residence, IGY Anchor Marina and The Golden Mile. Apartments built on the right side (The Shoreline) of the trunk have access to the beach but properties on the left side (The Golden Mile) do not. Swimming pools and gym facilities have been built between every two buildings.

The Palm Fronds, or 'offshoots’, offer luxury, private oceanfront living, an escape from the frenetic pace of Dubai’s city centre. Predominantly made up of villas, Garden Homes (small) and Signature Villas (larger 7 bedroom villas), prices generally rise the higher the villa number.  All properties overlook Dubai’s skyline and the vast expanse of the Persian Gulf and grant easy access to the Monorail and the subsea tunnel, which link all areas of The Palm to the mainland. 

The Crescent creates an 11km breakwater to The Fronds and The Trunk and is home to luxury hotels such as the Kempinski Palm Jumeirah Residence, The Grandeur Residences and the Atlantis Hotel.

Schools- Schools include the Regent International School, The Wellington International School, American School of Dubai, Emirates International School and Dubai National School.

Families- The Palm offers a number of playgrounds, parks and other facilities which ensure that children are kept occupied in a secure environment.

Shopping- Shopping malls in and around The Palm include the Nakheel Mall (currently under construction with completion 2018), Dubai Marina Mall, Ibn Battuta Mall and Mall of Emirates are a few of the shopping hubs located near to The Palm Jumeirah.

Prices- Prices vary considerably depending on the type and location of the property, as does the price range (catering for all price points) with prices from US$400,000 to multi-millions. 

RENT 6 bedroom, 6.5 bath villa with private swimming pool, US$252,000 a year (Nov 2016) (Better Homes)
BUY 2 bedroom, 2 bath apartment with large balcony, US$408,000 (Nov 2016) (Crompton Partners)

Al Barari
Al Barari is an oasis of calm set in manicured gardens just a short drive from the centre of Dubai.

With over 80% of Al Barari flourishing with greenery, this private community offers 325 acres of manicured landscape with impressive villas nestled deep inside. Conveniently located on the E311, access into Dubai takes just minutes and is ideally placed for Abu Dhabi commuters.

Al Barari has been developed with an emphasis on natural living, with small clusters of villas surrounded by greenery, lakes and gardens, with footpaths and running tracks allowing residents to enjoy the serenity of the community at ease.

Location- Al Barari is located opposite Global Village and just past the Arabian Ranches. Dubai International Airport is only 20 minutes away.

Schools- There are a number of schools located close to Al Barari, such as Jumeirah English Speaking School (JESS) in the Arabian Ranches, Repton School in Nad al Sheba and the newly built GEMS Wellington School in Silicon Oasis.

Families- With an emphasis on open plan family living spaces in the villas plus numerous parks and recreation facilities around the community, Al Barari welcomes families in a safe and secure environment.

Shopping-Arabian Ranches Community Centre is the closest stop for necessities to Al Barari, but future development within the community promises an array of shopping facilities, including retail, leisure and restaurants. The Mall of the Emirates is a 10 minute drive away, as is Mirdiff City Centre.

Prices- Average buying price: US$2,000,000 to US$6,000,000

RENT 7 bedroom, 9 bathroom fully furnished apartment with private pool, US$163,300 a year (Nov 2016) (Luxhabitat)
BUY 6 bedroom, 10 bathroom villa with maid’s quarters US$3,540,000 (Nov 2016) (Crompton Partners) 

Downtown
Downtown Dubai is a flourishing hub with a distinctive mix of artistically planned residential towers and commercial zones. A key location for tourism, Downtown Dubai has several world-class hotels including the world’s first Armani Hotel and Emaar’s flagship Address, Vida and Manzil Hotels. Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard, the vibrant thoroughfare dotted with cafes and retail outlets, also hosts colourful events that bring the community together.

Located at its centre is Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, the Dubai Mall, the world’s largest shopping and entertainment destination, and The Dubai Fountain, the world’s tallest performing fountain. The Opera District, highlighted by the majestic Dubai Opera, a 2,000-seat multi-format events venue, luxury hotels and residences, is a brand-new addition.

RENT 2 bedroom duplex apartment with balcony, US$52,000 a year (Nov 2016) (Crompton Partners)
BUY 3 bedroom, 3.5 bathroom apartment in the Opera District US$3,236,000 (Nov 2016) (Better Homes) 

Source: 
Knight Frank

See also:

Obtaining finance in Dubai

Buying property in Dubai

Renting property in Dubai