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High-Rise Living vs. Gated Community Living in Dubai: What to Consider
Dubai has become famous worldwide for its modern skyline, opulence, luxurious high-rise and mortgages. Whether you are moving for a job opportunity, purchasing a property as an investment, or just upgrading your current living situation, you are going to face one of the more significant housing decisions: going high-rise or going gated community. Both High-rise living and gated communities have their pros, cons, and overall lifestyle implications.
In order to assist you in making a decision we will discuss some of the main determinants for making a decision about high-rise versus gated community living in Dubai, while considering concerns that match your location criteria, such as:
- Lifestyle & Environment
- Space & Amenities
- Suitability & What’s Important
Before we delve deeper into it, here’s a table providing you with a quick breakdown of this comparison:
| Factor | High-Rise Living | Gated Community Living |
| Lifestyle | Urban, fast-paced, cosmopolitan | Suburban, relaxed, family-friendly |
| Space | Compact units, limited outdoor space | Spacious homes with gardens/outdoor areas |
| Amenities | Pools, gyms, concierge, minimal open space | Parks, sports courts, family facilities |
| Location | Central (Downtown, Marina) | Suburban (Ranches, Meadows, Mudon) |
| Connectivity | Great access, shorter commutes | Longer commutes, less traffic |
| Security | Shared security, less private | Gated access, high privacy |
| Noise | Noisier, city sounds | Quiet, greener environment |
| Maintenance | Higher fees, low effort | More upkeep, better space-to-cost ratio |
| Investment | Strong rental yield, high demand | Stable, family-driven demand |
| For Families | Moderate; less kid-friendly | Ideal for kids and pets |
Recommended Read: Real Estate Rules and Regulations in Dubai (You Should Know Before Buying)
1. Lifestyle and Community Safety
Lifestyle in High-Rise Living
High-rise apartments (apartments located much higher up in the Building/environment as well) such as those in Downtown Dubai, Dubai Marina, Business Bay communities, and others are meant for the lifestyle or benefits of living in the city in a proximity that takes away traveling issues and is designed for convenience specifically to engage with your life destination (Dubai).
These vertical communities are diverse with many owners and tenants being professionals and entrepreneurs along with others (single or couples) who enjoy amenity-rich environments in a fast-paced lifestyle amongst active liveliness in the street environment.
The vibe for living is cosmopolitan and lively. The people are usually career-oriented individuals who are engaged with their career, and a vibrant life while also setting up a popular culture for life in urban strong-living systems involving location, amenities, and proximity for living conditions that engage restaurants and after-hours events and activities such as nightlife cafes, lounges, and other enjoyable amenities.
Lifestyle in Gated Community Living
Gated communities such as Arabian Ranches, The Meadows, and Mudon offer a lifestyle of living that is meant more for a private lifestyle on a considerable suburban living condition, primarily meant for families with an appreciation for green landscapes.
The attachment to the community is at a much stronger level and can enhance privacy too. Frequently neighbors will know each other, children will play with other neighborhood kids, and community events are not unusual. If you prefer family living values and a slower living pace, this lifestyle could be right for you.
2. Space and Layout
Space Aspect of High-Rise Living
Apartments in high-rise buildings come in varying sizes; however, you can expect smaller living spaces. Even in luxury apartments in towers like Burj Khalifa or Address Residences, the focus is on smart use of space when considering layouts instead of spaciousness.
Many apartments are open-concept and might have modern finishes with a staggering view or breathable space, but being a high-rise apartment, the only outdoor space to enjoy is the balcony area.
Space Aspect of Gated Community Living
Both villas and townhouses in gated communities offer substantial space, especially vertically but also horizontally living indoors and outdoors.
These homes will include sizeable grassed areas, patios, and sometimes even pools in the private outdoor spaces. Larger families or those who enjoy entertaining friends outdoors will appreciate this lifestyle better.
3. Amenities and Facilities
Facilities in High-Rise Living
Amenities are often designed to create attrition in urban living and enhance the upscale living experience. However, access to parks, open green spaces, or children’s play areas may be limited.
Facilities in Gated Community Living
Gated communities may be less vertical but feature more expansive shared amenities. Think parks, pathways to ride bikes, community centers, sport and recreation facilities, shopping, and schools, all within walking or quick driving distance.
The facilities are more of a day-to-day nature, particularly for families with children and pets.
4. Location and Connectivity
Connectivity in High-Rise Living
Most high rises are located in central areas or waterfront areas so commuting is easy. However, given the benefits of a central location, you have traffic congestion and short-term or limited options for parking.
Connectivity in Gated Community Living
These most often end up further away from the city center so the commuting periods are often longer, particularly in peak hours but this is often compensated by a more peaceful environment and lower levels of noise pollution.
Many of the newer communities these days are better connected via arterial roads and will likely be utilizing the upcoming public transport developments.
5. Security and Privacy
Security in Living in High-Rise
High-rises provide good security characteristics, for example, visible security, access controls, and front-desk monitoring features, but you may be limited in privacy. You may feel a little less isolated and alone because walls are thin, and hallways and elevators are shared spaces.
Security in Living in a Gated Community
Gated communities translate into safety and privacy. They usually have multiple levels of security, such as a guard; controlled entrances, and CCTV coverage.
Apartments with villa configurations, either detached or semi-detached, maintain a greater level of privacy than apartment living.
6. Noise and Environment
Environment of High-Rise Communities
You will experience ambient and environmental noise, but the level of noise will vary due to the height of the high-rise and its location.
Most high-rises are situated in busy areas. Living in the heart of the city’s downtown places you better to traffic and nightlife (good and disruptive). A building’s sound insulation abilities will also vary depending on the quality of the building.
Environment of Gated Communities
Gated communities are typically quiet and leafy. Dedicated pet areas; tree-lined streets, and less traffic result in a more peaceful setting. If you desire fresh air and minimal ambient noise then gated properties are ideal environments.
7. Maintenance and Costs
Maintenance of High-Rise Living
According to the recent market trends in the Dubai real estate, low maintenance living is highly emphasized by the builders.
Service Charges can be high for high-rise living, particularly for apartment buildings marketed as luxury buildings. Service Costs generally include maintenance, amenities, and the cost of building management but can increase your monthly expenses significantly.
Dealing with repairs inside the apartment is usually less cumbersome as it only means dealing with your apartment.
Maintenance of Gated Community Living
Similar to high-rise offerings, gated communities charge service charges to your establishment. But often gated service charges reflect the cost of maintaining well-measured space.
Generally, if you own a villa (garden, AC units, or pool), you will have to incur the frequency and cost directly (unless you are managing through a community association).
8. Investment and Rental Yield
High-Rise Rental Yield
High-rise apartments in prime locations can deliver a high rental yield and offer more liquidity. Rental markets for high rises are broad: expats, professionals traveling for business, short-term tourists, etc., which makes it an appealing investment.
That said, in some markets, high-rise living can become saturated, and long-term capital appreciation can be affected.
Gated Community Rental Yield
Villas in gated communities are normally appraised consistently over the long term as there tends to be good demand by long-term renters (especially families).
However, if you own a villa in a gated community, you may have to wait a little longer to sell or rent it, but it is regarded as an asset that provides stability.
9. Family Friendliness
High-Rise Option for Families
While there are some high-rises that are considered family-friendly, on the whole, high-rises are generally better suited for singles or couples.
In addition to limited outdoor play areas, waiting for an elevator, not to mention living in a traffic-heavy area can be highly stressful with small children.
Gated Community for Families
There is no doubt that gated community living is the better option for families. Safe streets, schools and nurseries, and access to open spaces means daily living is easier for parents and children.
Wrap it up:
All in all, when it comes time to decide to live in a high-rise versus in a gated community in Dubai, the choice you make will depend on your lifestyle, family size, location at work, and long-term goals.
Choose High-Rise Living if:
- You value convenience, city views, and modern facilities.
- You are a professional or couple looking for excitement.
- You place a priority on short commutes and being in the middle of everything.
Choose Gated Community Living if:
- You have a family or want extra privacy and room.
- You enjoy peace and quiet in a green environment.
- You plan on staying long-term and want to be involved in the community.
For more information on investing in Dubai real estate, get in touch with our highly experienced professionals at TAQ Global Properties:
- Location: Office 1003, Dusseldorf Business Center, Al Barsha, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
- Contact: +971 44561405
- Email: info@taqproperties.ae
