All good in the neighbourhood: 7 ways community living can enhance your life

Dubai property prices are on a steady rise on the back of the post-pandemic recovery. This is driven primarily by increasing demand, supported by a low-interest-rate environment. The buying-selling activity can be observed in both primary and secondary markets because many are selling their properties and moving to bigger, value-centric facilities. Their rationale for doing so boils down to the learnings during the pandemic-related lockdowns, which laid bare the gaps in existing housing. While many have moved to single-family homes, a sizable population has opted for communities that are characterized by lifestyle-centric amenities, joint activities, and a burgeoning social scene.

The following are ways in which community living adds value to residents’ life.

Green spaces

Integrated communities accompany gardens and greenery, where residents can pick up their spades and nurture their healthy hobbies. There are usually walkways, too, for casual strolls or runs. Less number of cars in the facility also means less pollution and cleaner air, constituting better liveability.

Amenities at one’s disposal

No more getting stuck in traffic or commuting far just to get groceries. From supermarkets and swimming pools to basketball courts and fitness centres, community living offers exclusive access to value-centric amenities. For example, several sought-after communities also boast a spa, golf course, and tennis courts. Residents often have access to community halls, where they can host gatherings for their friends and families. Even ATM kiosks and machines can be found inside almost every facility in the UAE.

Safety and security

Fixed entrance and exit spots in residential communities are manually secured and electronically surveilled via CCTV cameras. This helps ensure that only verified visitors and residents can enter the community, preventing trespassers and thieves. Round-the-clock security also allows parents to let their kids play within the compound without worrying too much about their safety.

Peer-to-peer support

Sharing communal spaces with people who can understand and empathise with each other helps create strong interpersonal relationships. A community spirit and an opportunity to get to know people and share the joys and sorrows with them are the main selling points of multi-family housing. It creates a peer-to-peer support system, whose value goes beyond what numbers can define.

Volunteering opportunities

Many communities offer an extended range of volunteering opportunities for youngsters and seniors alike. Whether it’s book club activities, craftwork projects, fitness programmes, or health camps, there are many options for community members to socialize and volunteer for. For seniors, volunteering is a great way to remain physically and mentally healthy, while kids have many peers to play with and develop good habits.

Abundant space

Following the pandemic, space has become a determinant for people looking for houses to buy or rent. Increasing work-from-home policies, too, have emphasized the need for more space, with working professionals in the family needing privacy and quietude. In communities, especially hybrid ones, residents can work in designated stations, which are equipped with amenities that one can expect in typical offices.

A sense of unity

Whether a housing community is hosting a festival, or if there are common problems, the residents typically put on a united front. This fosters confidence and a sense of belonging, which are integral to leading a stress-free life in today’s increasingly tumultuous times. In fact, if the pandemic taught us anything, it is that, when times get tough, our sustenance and wellbeing are heavily dependent on our proximity to other people. Therefore, multi-family housing will always retain its innate charm.

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