Al Waab, Landmark, Westbay, where to live?
Hi.
We are in Doha this weekend to familiarise ourselves and consider a move over there. We have a young daughter (6 months old. We will be new to the ME, and asked to see either established expat compounds or apartment in West Bay. I don't drive... I will have to fix this (I know!) but in the meantime, I was advised West Bay was probably the most accesible area to live going around in cabs etc.
We are being shown Al Waab (which I understand is a brand new development, far from established) and Landmark /Garaffa area, which I know nothing about.
We will receive some advice on West Bay, but not shown anything as apparently they don't deal with estate agents?
Does anyone have any helpful advice?
Do you live in any of the areas, what's good about them?
Do you really dislike either of these areas, and why?
Also - any tips about the Pearl or the Lagoon, we're being shown it... not for properties thoguh (I think). Are there rentals there? Are they good / great?
All feedback very greatfully recieved.
I have only been here for two weeks, but I have really enjoyed West Bay. I find the other areas to be simply too congested. It's a pain to get to the other side of town -- the Villagio Mall, Megamart, etc - -but I'd rather be living here and driving over than living there and, well, being there. There are some terrific places to live out side of West Bay, don't get me wrong. . .they just weren't right for me.
I would not opt for either the Lagoon or an apartment for several reasons. With a 6-month old, you are going to want to meet people, and it is tough in apartments (for obvious reasons).
West Bay Lagoon is very nice, but many/most of the residents have older children so, again, you'll have a tough time. We thought about West Bay Lagoon but opted against it because the access to water would be too tempting for our 3-year old son. The yard was fenced, but with a fairly short fence - it certainly would not have prevented him from scaling the fence and getting into the pool. . .or walking down to the shore.
I am *not* a burbs person. . .very much *not* so. I've lived in the big CA cities, Buenos Aires, Melbourne, Houston, and other places and have never been remotely tempted to set myself up in a tract home in the burbs - even after having kids. In the ME, though, it's a different story. We are in a large compound in the ME and it is fantastic. . .there's a pool, several small playgrounds, a large multi-purpose room (parties, exercise classes, etc.) a gym, a cafe, a convenience store, etc. Not all compounds have *all* of this, but it's great to aim for one that has as much as possible. Doha is a real pain in the butt to drive in because the traffic is horrific, so you're not popping out for milk when you run out - having it right there is priceless.
There are heaps of compounds in West Bay, so I'm sure you'll be able to find something that works for you.
I don't think that you'll find heaps of cabs over here in West Bay unless you are downtown; from what I understand cabs are not easy to come by to begin with, regardless of where you are -- unlike, say, NYC or SF. I think you'll need to learn to drive ASAP (sorry); look at it this way. . .you'll be an excellent driver. . .it's like learning to scuba dive in California (cold and tricky) vs the Caribbean (warm and easy).
I'll send you a PM as well.
You really can't go wrong with anything in West Bay Lagoon. PM if you need specifics.
Mandi