International City: Comfortable lifestyle or too far away?
Thinking of moving to International City? The area was designed to reflect the cosmopolitan nature of Dubai with country-themed architecture that sets it apart from other residential neighbourhoods. But before you plan your move, let’s find out the pros and cons of living in International City Dubai to help you make a well-informed decision.
PROS OF LIVING IN INTERNATIONAL CITY DUBAI
DIVERSITY
International City embraces Dubai’s cultural diversity. The area caters to people from various places, representing different cultures and backgrounds in the best possible way. This diversity has resulted in the emergence of many regional stores in the area, making procuring authentic ingredients from around the world easier.
ACCESSIBILITY
International City might be located on the outskirts of Dubai, but it is still accessible from all the city’s key areas. Its proximity to the Academic City also makes it highly convenient for university students.
AVAILABILITY OF PUBLIC TRANSPORT
The public bus network within International City offers an affordable commuting solution for those who don’t own a car. Currently, the area is not directly linked to the metro station but has a few bus routes that can take residents to prominent stations.
Residents can easily take the bus to Al Nahda Metro Station, Etisalat Metro Station and Centrepoint Station to board the metro and reach their desired destinations. The newly proposed Dubai Metro Blue Line, which will be completed in 2029, will make things convenient for metro users.
AFFORDABILITY
Affordability is a major concern when renting an apartment in Dubai. In this regard, International City is an excellent option, with several units available at reasonable rates.
Let’s look at the starting rental and sales prices of properties in the area.
- According to the rental transactions for apartments in International City, asking rates range from AED 20k to AED 23k per annum for a studio and AED 28k per year for a 1-bedroom flat.
- 1 BED
- |
- 2 BATHS
- |
- 717 SQFT
- 1 BED
- |
- 2 BATHS
- |
- 765 SQFT
- 3 BEDS
- |
- 3 BATHS
- |
- 2364 SQFT
- 1 BED
- |
- 2 BATHS
- |
- 769 SQFT
- 1 BED
- |
- 2 BATHS
- |
- 839 SQFT
- 1 BED
- |
- 2 BATHS
- |
- 761 SQFT
- 1 BED
- |
- 2 BATHS
- |
- 1612 SQFT
- Those who want to buy apartments in International City can expect to pay a starting price of AED 234k for a studio.
- The villas for rent in International City cost a minimum of AED 74.9k annually.
- Looking to buy villas? The sales transactions for villas in International City range from AED 1.39M to AED 4.60M.
- 3 BEDS
- |
- 3 BATHS
- |
- 1999 SQFT
- 3 BEDS
- |
- 4 BATHS
- |
- 1656 SQFT
- 3 BEDS
- |
- 4 BATHS
- |
- 2012 SQFT
- 3 BEDS
- |
- 4 BATHS
- |
- 1656 SQFT
SHOPPING, DINING AND LEISURE
One of the biggest benefits of living in International City is that its home to Dragon Mart, a popular hub for Chinese products in Dubai. This is where you can find budget-friendly products to spruce up your home, affordable kitchen essentials, and thousands of other products.
There are several authentic restaurants in International City, such as the highly-rated Chinese hotpot restaurant Nine Squares Restaurant and the local favourite Dyar Al Sham.
Sports enthusiasts will also be happy to know that the city’s popular equestrian centres, like the Desert Equestrian Club and Desert Palm Polo Club, are located near International City.
HEALTHCARE FACILITIES
One of the biggest benefits of living in Dubai International City is the easy availability of healthcare facilities. The area offers access to some of the most popular clinics in Dubai, including German Medical Centre and Aster Clinic, to cater to your medical needs.
CONS OF LIVING IN INTERNATIONAL CITY
MINOR SANITATION CHALLENGES
Over the past, the community has faced some maintenance issues, due to which residents complained of sanitation problems and the strong odour from the sewerage plant in the area. However, the situation has improved significantly in recent years. Still, you must want to know this before moving to the area.
TRAFFIC AND PARKING
Although the neighbourhood is well-connected by buses and taxis, the lack of metro access at this point means residents may get stuck in traffic. This is one of the things to consider when planning a move to International City.
LACK OF SCHOOLS
One of the demerits of living in International City is the lack of primary and secondary schools. However, some good options are nearby, such as Cedar School in Al Warqa and Repton School in Nad Al Sheba 1.
FAQs About Living in International City
WHAT ARE THE POPULAR AREAS TO RENT APARTMENTS IN INTERNATIONAL CITY?
Lawz by Danube, Phase 2 and Spain Cluster are some of the most popular areas to rent flats in International City.
WHAT ARE SOME OF THE MOST POPULAR NURSERIES AND SCHOOLS NEAR INTERNATIONAL CITY?
There are several nurseries in International City, such as Kids World Nursery, Chubby Cheeks, Little Sprouts Learning Centre and Kidosity Recreational Play Group. Moreover, schools are located in nearby districts, such as Kings School and International School of Creative Science in Nad al Sheba.
WHAT IS THE RENT OF APARTMENTS IN INTERNATIONAL CITY?
The rental cost of flats in International City starts from AED 28k, as per Bayut’s current listings.
That brings us to the end of our list of pros and cons of living in International City. It is one of the most affordable areas to rent a flat in Dubai based on salary.
If you’re interested in investing in real estate, consider these areas for buying properties in International City.
Looking for more ‘greener’ options? The environment-friendly community of Jumeirah Park might be good for you. But before making the final decision, consider the pros and cons of living in Jumeirah Park.
For more information and updates about UAE’s real estate sector, stay tuned to MyBayut.