Living in Khalifa City: Ideal suburb or too isolated?
Khalifa City is gaining popularity as one of the preferred residential areas in Abu Dhabi. Spacious, affordable apartments and villas surrounded by abundant nearby amenities add to the area’s appeal as a residential hub. Are you considering moving to this popular suburb? We’ve outlined the advantages and disadvantages of living in Khalifa City to aid your decision-making process.
PROS OF LIVING IN KHALIFA CITY
Wonder what are the pros and cons of living in Khalifa City? Let’s find out.
MASSIVE PROPERTY PORTFOLIO
Opting for living in Khalifa City means having a diverse range of properties to choose from. Residents can conveniently upgrade to a bigger house or downsize to a smaller apartment without leaving the community.
According to Bayut’s Abu Dhabi H1 2024 Rental Market Report 2024, Khalifa City is popular among tenants on a budget looking to rent affordable apartments and villas in Abu Dhabi.
Those interested in living in Khalifa City apartments for rent will find various layouts, from studios to 3-bedroom flats. On the other hand, villas for rent in Khalifa City offer more spacious living options and range from 3 to 7-bedroom units. Families looking for even more space can also find villas with eight bedrooms or more.
So, the neighbourhood would have the right property if it’s a family seeking ample space in independent villas or a couple desiring a community-centric lifestyle in apartments.
SUBURBAN LIFESTYLE
Khalifa City offers a peaceful lifestyle, free from the chaos and commotion of the city. Plenty of landscaped parks, kids’ play areas, swimming pools, cycling, walking and running tracks and sports courts help residents maintain an active lifestyle.
Residents can access various amenities, including supermarkets, hospitals, mosques and restaurants in Khalifa City. The NMC Royal Hospital and Mediclinic, located in Khalifa City’s heart, provides residents with top-notch healthcare services. Additionally, numerous pharmacies are conveniently situated throughout the neighbourhood.
If you’re living in Khalifa City, you’ll be happy to know about the popular ‘Pink Shops.’ These outlets include grocery stores, cafes, launderettes and more.
Over time, many retail outlets have popped up near the area. For example, Etihad Plaza has great cafes and a small supermarket. Towards the back of Raha Gardens, you’ll spot Garden Plaza. This convenient shopping centre has a Carrefour supermarket, exciting eateries like Jones The Grocer, a store for your furry friends, Boots and Life pharmacy and Mothercare – a shop for kids’ clothing.
Forsan Central Mall is another shopping and dining destination in Khalifa City, Abu Dhabi. It has a Lulu Hypermarket, car rentals, pharmacies and eateries besides retail outlets.
CHOICE OF NURSERIES AND SCHOOLS
Many families also decide to move to Khalifa City due to the area’s proximity to top-rated schools and nurseries. In fact, the neighbourhood is one of the popular areas to rent apartments near colleges in Abu Dhabi.
One of the biggest advantages of living in Khalifa City is that there are many different schools and nurseries to choose from. It makes finding the perfect fit for your child’s needs easy!
Top-tier schools in Khalifa City offer diverse curricula.
- GEMS American Academy – International Baccalaureate (IB) and American curriculums
- Raha International School – IB curriculum
- Al Yasmina School – British curriculum
- The International School of Choueifat, Khalifa City – Sabis curriculum
- Al Shohub Private School – British curriculum
If you are a parent with younger children, Khalifa City has a good selection of preschools and nurseries. Some reputable nurseries within a 10-minute drive are Treehouse Nursery, Odyssey Nursery and Kids Academy.
ACCESSIBILITY
Strategic location is one of the key advantages of living in Khalifa City.
Zayed International Airport Abu Dhabi is 15 minutes away by car, while the popular Yas Island is only 20 minutes away. Living in Khalifa City is also a popular choice for those who commute to Dubai frequently, with Jebel Ali being just an hour away by car.
PROXIMITY TO RECREATIONAL ATTRACTIONS
Finally, one of the biggest benefits of living in Khalifa City is the many activities and things to do nearby. Aside from the community parks, residents can enjoy outdoor activities at the Al Forsan International Sports Resort or head to the Abu Dhabi Golf Club for a round of golf! Famous theme parks on Yas Island, including Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi, SeaWorld Abu Dhabi and Ferrari World, are only 15 to 20 minutes away by car.
CONS OF LIVING IN KHALIFA CITY
While residents enjoy many benefits when living in Khalifa City, Abu Dhabi, there are certain things to consider before moving to this suburban community.
HAVING A CAR IS A MUST
While regular bus services are operated from the area to the city centre and Yas Mall, one of the challenges of living in Khalifa City is the limited access to public transportation. Residents prefer to use personal cars when living in Khalifa City, Abu Dhabi.
NON-FREEHOLD AREA
For expats looking to buy their dream home in Abu Dhabi, this will affect their decision about living in Khalifa City Abu Dhabi. While Abu Dhabi has opened its freehold market to foreign investors, Khalifa City has not been designated as one of the investment zones with freehold properties. Only UAE and GCC Nationals can purchase property in Khalifa City on a freehold basis.
FAQs about life in Khalifa City
Where do most expats live in Abu Dhabi?
Al Khalidiya, Mohammed Bin Zayed City, Al Muroor and Al Reem Island are popular communities where expats live.
Which are the affordable areas to live in Abu Dhabi?
MBZ City is another area in Abu Dhabi that has grown popular due to its affordably-priced homes. If you’re confused about living in Khalifa City vs MBZ City, read our guide comparing the two locations regarding properties, amenities and lifestyle.
I’m interested in moving to Khalifa City. Where should I live?
Khalifa City has villas dotted across Al Forsan Village, Al Raha Gardens and Golf Gardens. The Al Rayyana Complex offers 1 to 3-bedroom flats and is often the preferred choice for smaller families. To learn more, check out the top areas for renting in Khalifa City.
That concludes our guide to lifestyle in Khalifa City. While there may be certain disadvantages of residing in Khalifa City for residents who don’t have private transport, the benefits of this neighbourhood far outweigh the cons.
Follow MyBayut to learn more about Abu Dhabi’s popular residential areas.
