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 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.