Pros and Cons of Living in the Lakes Dubai to Consider

Residents are drawn to Dubai’s distinct community choices, allowing them to choose that best fits their preference and lifestyle. Among a limitless cluster of both vibrant and tranquil neighborhoods, The Lakes is one of the most established options.
What inspires living in The Lakes Dubai is its lush, lake-surrounded environment and gated access.

Moreover, the community is developed as a part of Emirates Living and is favored by families who value space but are concerned about connectivity. While The Lakes Dubai offers a premium lifestyle, it is essential to weigh both advantages and drawbacks. So, let’s dive in to explore what makes this neighborhood ideal and where it may fall short to make a smart decision before moving!

The Pros of Living in The Lakes

1. Quiet, Family-Focused Environment & Green Spaces

The Lakes’ suburban vibe and serenity at its apex make it an unquestionable option for families and professionals. Its master plan revolves around manicured landscaping and glassy lakes. The streets are wide, safe, and face parks or lakes.

These design elements create ample options for children to play without the stress of safety concerns, and adults can enjoy a casual stroll. Also, the mature planting provides immediate shade and privacy, with a low-rise skyline creating a sense of community and intimacy.

2. High-End Villa & Townhouse Stock

The Lakes in Dubai features a mix of villas and townhouses. These large properties are available in varied layouts, typically from three to seven bedrooms, drawing a major appeal among both growing and large families.

Besides palatial floor plans and private gardens, most properties in The Lakes either face lakes or community parks. The invigorating setting, combined with multi-car garages, makes the neighborhood a perfect fit. Furthermore, different pricing brackets across its six sub-zones elevate the buyer profile and attract mid- to high-range buyers.

To understand the average property prices, here’s a breakdown:

Sales Trend in The Lakes Dubai

Rental Trends in The Lakes Dubai

3. Convenient Location

Although The Lakes is a suburban, gated neighborhood, its short driving distance to prominent attractions and community is a major draw.

• Only 7 minutes away from JLT
• 12-minute away from Dubai Marina
• 9 minutes far from Dubai Media City.
• Top-tier attractions at Bluewaters Island are reachable within 11 minutes
• Spectacular shopping giants, Ibn Battuta Mall and Mall of the Emirates, lie within an 11-12 minute proximity.

The community is served well by key thoroughfares of Dubai, including E11. Public commute is also easily accessible in nearby communities, close proximity to employment centers, and international educational facilities benefit families, specifically working parents.

4. Community Facilities and Sports Links

Community facilities in The Lakes are ample. It has a sprawling community center, The Lakes Club, which spans 30,000 square feet and encircles gymnasiums, supermarkets, and beauty salons. Also, a football field, a basketball court, swimming pools, and two spacious tennis courts cater to sports enthusiasts and provide an active lifestyle.

Furthermore, The Lakes sits between two world-class golf courses, including Emirates Golf Club and Montgomerie Golf Club, which is a notable advantage for golf fans.

5. Strong Appreciation Potential

As a mature gated community, property values in The Lakes consistently surge and maintain an appealing resilience in resale markets. According to Property Finder, the prices per square foot surged by 29.01%, with a 35.30% increase seen in overall property values. This adds a considerable benefit for owner-occupiers as well as investors looking for an upgrade lifestyle and capital preservation.

The Cons of Living in The Lakes

1. Costly Properties and High Maintenance Costs

The Lakes in Dubai is not a budget-friendly community. Asking prices and rental values for villas are quite above the average compared to other suburban regions in Dubai. Owning a villa in The Lakes requires a substantial financial investment.

Moreover, running costs, including utilities and community fees, are relatively higher than in denser developments. It is significant for tenants and buyers to include these factors in the budget before considering a move.

2. Limited Public Transit Facilities

While The Lakes in Dubai sits well-connected to major roads and metro stations, the community itself lacks bus routes and transit stops within walking distance. Non-car owners often find it hassling to reach nearby metro stations or bus nodes, and rely on taxi service, which can be costly.

3. Ageing Inventory & Large-Scale Renovation Needs

Many clusters in The Lakes, comprising villas and townhouses, were built years ago. While the established inventory and mature landscaping are a benefit on one side, it is a drawback on the other side.

Some properties in the area require significant restoration, while others do not match contemporary interior standards like modern kitchens and smart home systems. Buyers drawn to its original charm are advised to budget for regular refurbishments to integrate more energy-efficient and upscale finishing.

4. Fewer On-Site Retail & Nightlife Attractions

The Lakes’ supermarkets have a limited stock and do not entirely meet the modern needs and essentials. Residents typically drive to nearby communities (JLT or Dubai Marina) for a wider stock, imported products, and top-tier dining options.

Also, the nightlife is stagnant in the area, reflecting its suburban ecosystem. This ultimately pushes socialites away who value hassle-free adjacency to vibrant cafés, evening destinations, and lively promenades.

5. Relative Distance from Dubai International Airport & Central Dubai

Although reaching Media City, Dubai Marina, or Jumeirah Beach Residence is easy when living in The Lakes, the commute to central districts and Dubai International Airport requires 22 to 34 kilometers of driving. The travel time may extend during peak hours, making residency difficult for professionals working in Business Bay or frequent flyers.

Practical Considerations before Moving to The Lakes Dubai

1. Community Rules & Guest Access

Gated communities like The Lakes typically operate with community rules, which revolve around landscaping, noise, external changes, and guest parking. While these rules help sustain the community character, it may also impose restrictions to lifestyle. Reviewing community regulations is advisable, especially if you host guests regularly or anticipate running a home-based business.

2. Healthcare and Schools

Although many international schools, for instance, Regent International School and Dubai International Academy – Emirates Hills, lie within a 7-8-minute drive and the city’s established healthcare network is also feasibly navigable. It is advised to verify accurate travel time, typically for rush hours, rather than relying on off-peak estimates.

Closing In!

If you are looking for an enthralling escape from Dubai’s urban buzz, choose The Lakes in Dubai. This classic neighborhood offers a picturesque villa lifestyle, with leafy streets and lakefront homes creating an unrivaled charm. Also, the community fits well for the well-established facilities and stress-free proximity to leisure and business hubs.

However, the quieter pace and relaxed atmosphere at The Lakes commands a premium cost, with further restrictions of public transit unavailability and smaller retail presence. Weighing lifestyle priorities against maintenance and lifestyle costs before moving to The Lakes can help residents avoid future inconveniences.