If you are looking for the best place to live, picking a neighbourhood is as crucial as selecting an apartment or house. Ideally, it must be safe, and home to residents you can imagine making friends with.
Depending on your family’s needs, you can also look for the availability of essential amenities and facilities, including a good school, supermarket, healthcare and dental establishments, leisure services, and more.
If you are checking out apartments for rent in Marsa Plaza, take note that you are not just searching for a new home but investing in a neighbourhood as well. Thus, you must be very careful when picking the area you will be living in.
Here are the seven crucial considerations when choosing the best residential neighbourhood.
1. Basic necessities
When looking for a new place to live, figure out where grocery stores, banks, gas stations, food establishments and other essential places are located. Drive around the community to check out all the available amenities. If it lacks more than two of your basic needs, it is time to look for another property. Having easy access to the necessary facilities will make your lifestyle more convenient and hassle-free.
2. Medical and dental care
Knowing that you have instant access to hospitals, clinics, and dental services is imperative, especially if you are moving with your family. Living close to healthcare facilities will give you that peace of mind that if anything goes awry, you can conveniently drive yourself or your loved ones to the nearest medical and dental centre without dealing with traffic.
3. Good school district
If you have youngsters, or plan to have one, a good school district is something you must consider as well.
The school must provide all pertinent information, including how they can enrich your kids’ lives. Look into the profiles of their teachers, such as where they received their degrees and certification. It would also be good to ask for examples of their class curricula.
Moreover, take note of the location of the school in relation to your new home. Find a way you can drop off and pick up your children safely.
If there is a school within the neighbourhood, you have to check out things beyond the details of the institute. Talk to the residents and ask for a school tour.
4. Public transport and commute time
If you rely on public transportation to get around Dubai, then easy access to transit is an essential consideration. Take time to look into the local transit authorities to learn as much as you can about it and make sure that you can have quick access to places you want to go.
Distance also matters if there is a need for you to commute daily. Remember that time and distance are not always equal. If you want to live in Dubai Festival City and your office is in downtown Dubai, that may translate to less than 20 minutes in the car to get to work or an hour if you choose to commute.
To help figure out if the commute time is doable, perform a test run, preferably on peak times. Visit the neighbourhood and take a drive to work during the morning or afternoon rush hour. That way, you will have an idea of your potential average daily travel time.
5. Walkability
While an easy commute is a great addition to any community, being able to leave your car and walk around is much better. If everything is within proximity to your new home – from supermarkets and dining establishments to schools and workplaces – you can save up on gas.
Walkability also matters if you want a place to live where you can be active. The sidewalks make the community safer by giving passage for pedestrians. It is a must if you have a dog that requires daily walking or if you want a neighbourhood with a kids’ play area and parks within walking distance.
6. Recreational activities
Regardless of what life stage you’re in now, you would want to ensure that the recreational activities offered within the community match your lifestyle.
If you’re health-conscious, find a neighbourhood with different health and fitness options. These can include an aerobic studio, a fully equipped gym, racket sports areas, and swimming pools.
But generally, it would be great to live in an exceptional entertainment and leisure destination for people of all ages. It should also offer dining options serving a variety of cuisines and providing the perfect ambiance for gatherings with your loved ones.
7. Future developments
Whether you plan to live in the community for three years or forever, it is crucial to know what the area would be like in the future. To do this, consider checking with the local planning office, finding out what the upcoming developments are, and deciding if such an outlook can benefit you and your family.
Future developments can have an impact on the overall look and feel of the neighbourhood. Effective improvements can translate to less inequality among citizens, less crime, and fewer overall issues affecting the residents. Without future developments, both business and economic progress may suffer greatly.
Finding a place to call home
Being comfortable and happy where you live goes beyond the walls of your home. Becoming a part of a healthy and growing community can have a positive impact on your overall health and well-being.
So, when renting or buying a property, make sure to have a list of the must-haves and nice-to-haves for your future home and neighbourhood. Ensuring that the place is suitable for you and your loved ones will boost the quality of everyday life and the enjoyment of your new residence.