The Best Budget Areas to Live In Qatar
by Salkh Zlyh Property Finder in QatarIt is important to have some insider info when choosing
where to live in Qatar. After all, finding the right area will allow you to
have the best experience. This helpful guide offers some valuable insight.
Qatar’s booming economy attracts many expats who mostly
choose to live in the capital, Doha. As such, this guide will largely focus on
areas and neighborhoods in this city. It includes the following information:
- The most popular cities in Qatar
- Where to live in Qatar as a family
- Where to live if you are single
- Retiring in Qatar
- Where to live in Qatar on a budget
- Places to avoid in Qatar
- Useful resources
The most popular cities in Qatar
For most expats, Doha is the only city they think of when it
comes to where to live in Qatar. However, if you are willing to travel, or are
involved in industries such as oil or export, you may want to consider other
cities.
Generally speaking, you won’t go too far wrong when choosing
where to live in Qatar. In fact, crime and violent crime is very low, and there
is a large police presence throughout the country. That said, common sense
still applies. Women, in particular, shouldn’t venture out alone late at night,
especially around the souqs. In addition, it is important to remember that this
is an Islamic country and therefore, a conservative dress code applies.
Doha
The capital is certainly one of the most popular cities in
Qatar. Here, you will find everything from architecturally arresting
skyscrapers and palm-fringed beaches to luxurious malls and the blue waters of
the Gulf Sea. In addition, the city hosts the country’s best museums, dining,
and events. In fact, you will be able to attend major concerts (Latin superstar
Maluma just performed), run marathons like the Color Run, and catch the Qatar
Open Tennis Tournament.
Al Rayyan
If you want a little peace and quiet without straying too
far from the action, Al Rayyan could be a good choice. Just 10km outside of
Doha, this was once home to nomadic farmers. Nowadays, the city functions as a
quiet suburb of Qatar’s capital. Several top-notch international universities
in Qatar such as Georgetown and Carnegie Mellon have Qatar campuses at the
Education City in Al Rayyan. However, the city is also known for housing the Al
Wajbah Fort and an equestrian foundation that hosts the National Arabian Horse
Show.
Umm Said
Located on Qatar’s east coast peninsula, Umm Said is just
45km from Doha. The heart of the country’s industry is found in this city. It
specializes in both oil and commercial exports and has refineries and complexes
producing everything from steel and petrochemicals to fertilizers.
Surprisingly, this industrial town also has some great beaches. However, this
isn’t the best option for families.
Where to live in Qatar as a family
When deciding where to live, it is important to know what
you are looking for. Do you need schools nearby? Is cost a big factor? Or do
you want the convenience of having everything on your doorstep? Most expats in
Qatar are based in Doha. For that reason, this guide will focus on that city.
For families choosing where to live in Qatar, good schools
are important, whether they’re international schools or public ones. You will
also want easily accessible healthcare and plenty of facilities and activities
to keep the kids busy. Similarly, you will probably be looking for spacious,
well-maintained housing.
Al Waab
Al Waab is one of the best places to live in Qatar for
families. Part of Doha, this area is near the Villaggio Mall and Aspire Park
and has several schools and nurseries. In addition, a new Al Waab City is under
construction. When it is ready, it will have a host of facilities including
shops, restaurants, and parks. Furthermore, this area is a good option for
families to consider when deciding where to live in Qatar because it has plenty
of stand-alone villas in compounds. On average, you can expect to pay
QAR15,000–20,000 per month for a four-bedroom villa in a compound with
facilities.
Madinat Khalifa
Also located in Doha, Madinat Khalifa is an upscale area
that is popular with families. Madinat Khalifa is considered to be one of the
best places to live in Qatar, especially for those with school-age children.
That is because there are plenty of schools around, such as Compass School,
Doha English Speaking School, and Blyth Academy. The area also has the Landmark
Mall, along with a Carrefour and a new Lulu Hypermarket. If you choose to move
here, you should consider Riviera Gardens. This sought-after compound has
numerous, spacious villas. You will pay around QAR16,000 per month for a
three-bedroom villa here.
West Bay
Families looking for fancy quarters find West Bay to be one
of the best places to live in Qatar. There are plenty of nurseries,
kindergartens, and schools here, therefore education is not a problem. In
addition, the best of Doha is within easy reach. If you will have family and
friends visiting while you live in Qatar, the area also has a range of
five-star hotels including the Ritz-Carlton, W Hotel, and the Four Seasons. The
best accommodation can be found in Zig Zag Towers. A two-bedroom apartment
starts at QAR13,000. Meanwhile, a large stand-alone villa will set you back
anywhere from QAR30,000 to QAR50,000/month.
Abu Hamour
For families on a budget, Abu Hamour could be one of the
best cities in Qatar. Although technically part of Doha, this area has so many
facilities that it almost operates independently. There are several schools,
such as Park House English School, Doha British School, and Doha College.
Similarly, there are many nurseries and kindergartens in the area.
Additionally, there are food markets, along with the Safari Mall and a
Carrefour. Perhaps best of all, Abu Hamour has plenty of new compounds and
stand-alone villas. You can easily find a four-bedroom villa here for QAR14,000/month.
Where to live in Qatar if you’re single
When it comes to choosing where to live in Qatar as a single
person, a few important factors come into play. Firstly, you probably want to
be in a downtown location. Secondly, you might need amenities like shops,
restaurants, and entertainment in close range. However, you may consider things
such as prices and schools less important.
Al Sadd
Doha’s oldest and most popular area is a big contender for
expats in Qatar. Most residents consider this the center of the city, and it
offers easy access to most other areas of the city and country. For single
expats, this is a great choice because the commercial area has plenty of malls,
restaurants, cafés, and boutiques. Additionally, it is reasonably affordable
for a single-income household. You can find a two-bedroom apartment here for
around QAR8,000-QAR10,000 per month. The only drawback of living in Al Sadd is
that there is limited parking and heavy traffic jams. If you are driving, you
would do well to avoid Al Mirqad Street.
The Pearl
If you know anything about Doha, you have probably already
heard of The Pearl. This establishment occupies 985 acres of reclaimed land
north of the Corniche. Residents here have access to an array of high-end
stores, as well as dining options. However, there aren’t many schools here.
Coupled with the fact that rent is considerably more expensive than other
areas, The Pearl tends to be popular with couples and singles. Apartments start
at QAR13,000/month, however, you can find a three-bedroom townhouse for
QAR25,000.
Retiring in Qatar
If you are retiring, you will be looking for different
things when it comes to where to live in Qatar. Chances are you will want
somewhere with a strong community, good weather, and decent healthcare. In addition,
a slower pace of life will probably be welcome after decades in the rat race.
Al Wakra
If you are thinking about where to live in Qatar when you
retire, you may want to consider Al Wakra. This small town offers a community
feel and slow pace of life. However, it is also just a 30-minute drive from
Doha, so you can still access the airport and everything the city has to offer.
In addition, the town has plenty of history to explore, so
you could spend time around the Al Wakrah Heritage Village and souq. Similarly,
if you want to stay active, you can stroll along the soothing Corniche or
perhaps even volunteer at the many schools there. Furthermore, Al Wakrah
Hospital offers a full range of modern facilities and manages different
specialties. One thing to note, however, is that the population is
overwhelmingly male and still working. If you think this may be where you want
to live in Qatar, you can get a two-bedroom apartment for as little as
QAR8,000.
Where to live in Qatar on a budget
If you are on a budget, money will obviously be your main
consideration when choosing where to live in Qatar. To that end, you will want
to find areas with reasonably cheap housing. Luckily, that doesn’t necessarily
mean you have to sacrifice decent accommodation.
Old Airport Area
Another older part of Doha, this area has very busy main
roads. Although it is near the airport, however, you won’t have to worry about
noisy planes as the neighborhood is not in the flight path. Similarly, there is
no green space around it, so if you want relaxed, back-to-nature surroundings,
this is not the place. Rentals here are usually stand-alone villas, although
there are some compounds such as Al Fardan 1 and La Mirage. Because many of
these buildings are older, you can get good deals on housing. This means you
can find an unfurnished four-bedroom villa for QAR13,000/month or a two-bedroom
apartment for QAR6,000/month.
Al Thumama
Next to the Old Airport Area, this lovely neighborhood is
also popular with expats on a budget. One of Doha’s newest districts, Al
Thumama has great infrastructure, including well-connected transport links. In
addition, there are a number of schools, and the state-of-the-art Kahramaa Park
is a great educational resource that encourages green living. If you choose to
live here, a two-bedroom apartment averages QAR8,500/month.
Places to avoid in Qatar
Choosing the best places to live in Qatar largely comes down
to personal preferences. However, if you have children, you may want to choose
a quieter area. Because drivers in Qatar are notoriously lax about road safety,
you will not want your kids in areas where there are a lot of cars all the
time. Additionally, you might want to avoid anywhere close to slums or
industrial areas. Because these areas have either high incidences of crime or
industrial accidents, you would do best to stay away.
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Created on Dec 10th 2021 08:05. Viewed 131 times.