Your insider's guide to life in different UAE neighbourhoods

It's not difficult to see why residents are attracted to The Springs, an Emirates Living gated community. The villas and the surrounding areas fit the image most people have about what they would like to call home. Developed by Emaar Properties, The Springs welcomed its first inhabitants in 2006. With an unrivalled location, lush green spaces, scenic lakes and a cosmopolitan atmosphere, it makes for a perfect neighbourhood. The development has a suburban feel to it, and features villas with two- to four-bedroom options that are comfortable for small families and young couples.
This well-planned community is just off Shaikh Zayed Road and minutes from Dubai Marina. It is also close to business hubs such as Dubai Internet City and Dubai Media City — not to mention the fine schools and nurseries in the vicinity.
A feature of this exclusive freehold development is the emphasis on town planning and community spirit that brings its residents together on weekends. Residents can also participate in events such as market days, garden competitions or clean-up campaigns.
Positives
Negatives
Average sale prices
Two-bedroom Dh1.15 million - Dh1.35 million
Three-bedroom Dh1.5million - Dh2.5million
Average rental prices (per annum)
Two-bedroom Dh80,000 - Dh90,000
Three-bedroom Dh110,000 - Dh170,000
How to get there
From Dubai, drive along Shaikh Zayed Road, take Exit 32 (Dubai Marina/Emirates Hills). Turn right at Interchange 5 and enter Emirates Hills. Once inside, drive along until you come to a roundabout. Turn right onto Meadows Drive and into the Springs community
Your say...
Sales and leasing Expert
The demand for homes in The Springs has always been strong, with rents declining across Dubai. The development has seen a steady migration of tenants from apartments, attracted by the lifestyle the community has to offer. For many tenants, the chance to reside here was once just a dream with rentals at their peak around Dh150,000 for a two-bed villa. Now it has become much more affordable and a very desirable choice for middle-income families. The area has also seen a jump in end-user sales, attracting prices in the range of Dh500 to Dh600 per square foot. The Type 4E villas with reasonable [size] plots and lake views can be purchased for less than a million dirhams. However, it's important to note that there can be some disparity in pricing. With a number of properties poorly maintained, it's the location and condition of the villa that determine higher prices.
Matthew Turner, sales manager, Link Up International Real Estate
Residents
A safe community for families. There are schools in the vicinity. However, you need a car as the shops and recreational facilities at the Town Centre are not within walking distance. For kids, this place is ideal with several activities, including Shiamak Davar's dance classes that are held at the Dubai British School twice a week.
Sunita Sharma, Indian, homeowner
[The Springs] is one of the best areas to live in Dubai due to its green spaces and the clean and safe environment for kids. However, you need to set aside at least Dh400 from your monthly expenses to maintain your private garden. Local dining options include Wendy's and Arby's among others, while Spinneys at the Town Centre offers some brilliant grills and hot dogs at its takeaway counter.
Gautam Kanjilal, Indian, tenant
Area watch: The Springs
Your quick guide to residential, retail and services available in this neighbourhood.
What The Springs features two to four-bedroom villas complete with a private garden and dual car ports, while some come with pools.
Amenities and facilities From swimming pools, parks, nurseries, spas, gymnasiums, mosques and schools to supermarkets that include Spinneys and Choitram and community centres for recreational facilities, The Springs caters to virtually all your needs. Additionally, all 14 entrances are manned by security personnel round-the-clock.
Rentals
Type 4; 2-bedroom Dh80,000 - Dh90,000
Type 3; 3-bedroom Dh110,000 - Dh125,000
Type 2; 3-bedroom Dh140,000 - Dh150,000
Type 1; 3-bedroom Dh150,000 - Dh170,000
Source: Hamptons Mena
Sales (in millions)
Type 4; 2-bedroom Dh1.15m – Dh1.35m
Type 3; 3-bedroom Dh1.5m – Dh1.6m
Type 2; 3-bedroom Dh1.8m – Dh2m
Type 1; 3-bedroom Dh2.1 – Dh2.5m
Source: Hamptons Mena
Property's verdict Ideal for families to spend time outdoors, The Springs features landscaped gardens, cycle paths and parks. Although all homes look identical, only Type 1 and 2 come with a maid's room. If you prefer an open kitchen layout, then go for the corner units. The private garden in these homes could serve as a perfect venue to share quality time with family and friends. It's also advisable to check the condition of the villas before buying or renting, as most homes are old and may require maintenance. However, you may require approval/a no-objection certificate (NoC) from Emaar to install any major improvements to the property. For foodies, there's plenty of choice, including the Copper Chimney or the Nineteen restaurant at The Address Montgomerie. Dubai Marina is also nearby. For those looking for a villa lifestyle at an affordable price, we feel this could be a perfect abode with its convenient location and facilities.
Property recommends: Shakespeare & Co, a popular hang-out with residents. Try the chocolate mousse and praline cake, simply delicious!
Guide to amenities and facilities
Schools and nurseries
Dubai British School
Where: Springs 3
How: 04 361 9361
What: National Curriculum for England
Springs Nursery
Where: Springs 7 Village, Opp Choithram Shopping Centre
How: 04 427 1466
What: Montessori programme
Town Centre Nursery
Where: Springs 14, Opp Spinneys
How: 04 427 1458
What: Early Years curriculum promoting learning through fun
Health care
Rosary Pharmacy
Where: Springs Village
When: Sat to Thu, 9am - 10pm, Fri 12pm - 10pm
How: 04 368 4098
Rosary Medical Centre
Where: Springs Village
When: Daily, 24 hours
How: 04 363 8080
What: From general medicine to orthopaedic and dentistry, the clinic has a range of medical facilities under one roof
Supermarkets
Choithram
Where: Springs Village 7
When: 7.30am - 11.30pm daily
How: 04 360 6626
Spinneys
Where: Town Centre, Near Dubai British School
When: 7am - 11pm daily
How: 04 360 6511
Shopping
Bookplus
Where: Springs 7, Opp Choithram
When: 10am -10pm daily
How: 04 360 5703
Bookworm
Where: Spinneys Town Centre
When: Sun to Wed, 9am - 9pm, Thu and Fri, 8am - 9pm
How: 04 360 5703
What: A one-stop shop for tots and teens, the store offers toys, CDs and colourful books
Early Learning Centre (ELC)
Where: Springs 14
When: 9am - 10pm
How: 04 367 4846
What: A toy store with a difference, ELC products for children focus on development, while you learn as you play
Heritage Touch Trading
Where: Springs Village
When: Sat to Thu 10am - 9.30pm
How: 04 360 5786
What: Accessories, home furnishing, furniture and antiques
Restaurants
La Forneria Café
Where: Springs 7
When: Daily, 10.30 - 10pm
How: 04 361 4441
What: Italian cuisine
Copper Chimney
Where: Town Centre, Near Dubai British School
When: Sat to Thu, 11.30am - 11pm, Fri, 11.30am - 11.30pm
How: 04 363 9948
What: Indian cuisine
Nineteen
Where: The Address Montgomerie
When: 12pm - 3.30pm; 7pm - 10.30 pm daily
How: 04 390 5600
What: European cuisine
Royal Bakery
Where: Town Centre, near Dubai British School
When: 7.30am - midnight daily
How: 04 422 7970
What: Lebanese cuisine
Shakespeare & Co
Where: Opp Springs 14, Spinneys Town Centre
When: 7am - 1am daily
How: 04 360 8886
What: Café cuisine with patisserie
Services
Champion Cleaners
Where: Springs 7 Village
When: Sat - Thu, 10am - 10pm, Fri 2pm - 10pm
How: 04 360 7783
Leisure
Hayya!
Where: Springs 14, Town Centre
When: 6am - 10pm daily
How: 04 362 7784
What: Stay in shape at Hayya!, a health club featuring tennis and squash courts, gym, swimming pool and spa as well as a range of fitness and dance classes. The summer promotional membership fees (three months and one month free) range from Dh1,345 (single), Dh1,845 (couple) and Dh2,345 (family). Rates subject to change without notice. Terms and conditions apply.
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