Community Overview
This area of Dubai probably stands out due to its variety of affordable homes in a pleasant environment. Not identical, but similar in concept, the younger ‘Discovery Gardens’ follows the success of ‘The Gardens’ project, developed before freehold became the word of the day. True to its name, The Gardens became popular because of its tree-lined streets and parks offering a quiet and inexpensive outdoor lifestyle away from the buzz of the city.
Discovery Gardens emulated the idea, but has a more built-up feel with higher buildings and more units. However there is plenty of greenery and space around the buildings which are set in a courtyard style. Discovery Gardens comes in clusters of communities each with a different design adding colour and variety to the area.
Those who prefer villas to apartments should look at the Garden View Villas which are within the same district but set on a hill overlooking the other two developments.
Situated Ibn Battuta Mall this area has all its shopping and entertainment needs covered in pretty much one place. Which brings us to the latest addition to the area, Ibn Battuta Gate, featuring residential, offices and a five-star hotel, great for enjoying an evening out right on the doorstep.
Location
Just off Sheikh Zayed Road, this residential area is the last one before heading out towards Abu Dhabi via Jebel Ali. This shortens the trip to the capital but makes it a longer trek to the centre of Dubai.
Who lives here?
Both apartment developments offer an affordable opportunity to live in a tranquil suburban setting, attracting smaller families but also plenty of singles and a mix of nationalities, like elsewhere in Dubai. The Garden View Villas meanwhile are more suitable to executives and their families, due to their larger size.
Amenities & facilities
The Gardens is perfect for those who love the outdoors; whether it’s lazing on the lawns and by the pools, or for the more active; jogging, playing tennis or volleyball. There is even a football and cricket pitch. Discovery Gardens has been around for a few years now but leisure facilities like the pools are still a ‘work in progress’ . A lot of the properties in Garden View Villas benefit from their own pool. Parents will be happy to know there’s a school and nurseries in the area, as well as medical facilities.
Property choices
Developed in the early days, The Gardens and Garden View Villas, can only be leased directly from Nakheel. Discovery Gardens was built during boom times; many apartments were sold to individuals and whole buildings to companies, although the developer kept some for leasing.
Discovery Gardens offers studios to two-bedrooms, whilst The Gardens has three bedrooms as well. The Garden View Villas come in three -and four -bedroom villas, as well as three-bed townhouses. The latter faced a bit of a turbulent history, the houses suffered subsidence and were therefore not handed over to buyers who were given alternative homes elsewhere. The homes have have since been repaired and are offered for rent only.
Ibn Battuta Gate is the closest option to the metro station. Apartments here are on the more luxurious side with additional services, including use of the hotel and come in one to two bedrooms
Pros
Mature green environment
Community spirit
Closeness to Ibn Battuta Mall
Great for Abu Dhabi commute
Affordable rents from private owners or Nakheel
Metro station at the mall, not always in walking distance, but there are bus services
Cons
At one far end of Dubai
Discovery Gardens – lack of facilities (pools at time of writing – March 2012 – still not in use after more than three years, disputes with developer over services fees, indicating a pool fee)
Rents are cheap but services fees, district cooling charges have to be calculated on top of the rent and they can suddenly rise
Traffic heading in and out during rush hour
RESIDENTIAL KING 
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