Sharjah, the cultural capital of the UAE, is a thriving emirate known for its affordable living, family-friendly environment, and strategic location near Dubai. If you’re searching for the best place to live in Sharjah, this guide covers the top 6 residential communities, their real estate prices, rental yields, amenities, and transportation links.
Here you can find Best Areas to Live in Dubai.
Why Choose Sharjah for Living?
- Affordable housing compared to Dubai
- Family-friendly with excellent schools and parks
- Proximity to Dubai (15-30 minutes via Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road), making it easy to explore amazing the amazing Dubai.
- Low crime rate and safe neighborhoods
- Rich cultural heritage with museums, festivals, and beaches
1. Al Nahda – Best for Families & Professionals
Overview
Al Nahda is one of the most popular areas in Sharjah, bordering Dubai. It offers a mix of apartments and villas with easy access to schools, malls, and highways.
Key Features
✔ Proximity to Dubai (5-10 mins drive)
✔ Numerous schools & nurseries (GEMS Millennium School, Sharjah Indian School)
✔ Shopping malls (Safeer Mall, Sahara Centre)
✔ Public transport (Buses & taxis readily available)
Real Estate Prices (2024)
| Property Type | Average Rent (AED/year) | Average Sale Price (AED) | Rental Yield |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-Bed Apartment | 22,000 – 30,000 | 350,000 – 500,000 | 6-7% |
| 2-Bed Apartment | 35,000 – 45,000 | 550,000 – 750,000 | 6.5% |
| 3-Bed Villa | 60,000 – 80,000 | 1.2M – 1.8M | 5-6% |
How to Reach?
- By Car: 10 mins from Dubai via Emirates Road
- By Bus: Sharjah-Dubai intercity buses available
2. Al Majaz – Best for Waterfront Living
Overview
Al Majaz is a luxury waterfront community with stunning views of Khalid Lagoon. It’s ideal for those who enjoy a vibrant lifestyle with parks, cafes, and entertainment.
Key Features
✔ Khalid Lagoon views
✔ Al Majaz Waterfront (Events, restaurants, and jogging tracks)
✔ Near Sharjah’s best attractions (Al Noor Island, Sharjah Aquarium)
Real Estate Prices (2024)
| Property Type | Average Rent (AED/year) | Average Sale Price (AED) | Rental Yield |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-Bed Apartment | 28,000 – 40,000 | 500,000 – 700,000 | 6% |
| 2-Bed Apartment | 45,000 – 60,000 | 800,000 – 1.2M | 5.5-6% |
| 3-Bed Apartment | 70,000 – 90,000 | 1.5M – 2M | 5% |
How to Reach?
- By Metro: Dubai Metro + RTA Bus (approx. 30 mins)
- By Car: 15 mins from Dubai via Sheikh Zayed Road
3. Muwaileh – Best for Budget-Conscious Expats
Overview
Muwaileh is a budget-friendly area with a mix of apartments and villas, popular among middle-income families and bachelors.
Key Features
✔ Affordable rents
✔ Close to industrial & commercial zones
✔ Many supermarkets & restaurants
Real Estate Prices (2024)
| Property Type | Average Rent (AED/year) | Average Sale Price (AED) | Rental Yield |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio Apartment | 12,000 – 18,000 | 200,000 – 300,000 | 7% |
| 1-Bed Apartment | 18,000 – 25,000 | 300,000 – 450,000 | 6.5% |
| 2-Bed Apartment | 30,000 – 40,000 | 500,000 – 700,000 | 6% |
How to Reach?
- By Car: 20 mins from Dubai via Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road
4. Al Khan – Best for Beach Lovers
Overview
Al Khan is a coastal community near Sharjah’s beaches, offering a relaxed lifestyle with sea views.
Key Features
✔ Near Al Khan Beach & Sharjah Aquarium
✔ Luxury high-rises & villas
✔ Family-friendly environment
Real Estate Prices (2024)
| Property Type | Average Rent (AED/year) | Average Sale Price (AED) | Rental Yield |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-Bed Apartment | 30,000 – 45,000 | 600,000 – 900,000 | 5.5% |
| 2-Bed Apartment | 50,000 – 70,000 | 1M – 1.5M | 5% |
| 3-Bed Villa | 80,000 – 120,000 | 2M – 3M | 4.5% |
How to Reach?
- By Car: 25 mins from Dubai via Al Ittihad Road
5. Al Taawun – Best for Luxury Living
Overview
Al Taawun is an upscale area with luxury apartments, malls, and fine dining options.
Key Features
✔ Al Taawun Mall & luxury boutiques
✔ High-end residential towers
✔ Close to University of Sharjah
Real Estate Prices (2024)
| Property Type | Average Rent (AED/year) | Average Sale Price (AED) | Rental Yield |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-Bed Apartment | 35,000 – 50,000 | 700,000 – 1M | 5.5% |
| 2-Bed Apartment | 60,000 – 80,000 | 1.2M – 1.8M | 5% |
| 3-Bed Apartment | 90,000 – 120,000 | 2M – 2.5M | 4.5% |
How to Reach?
- By Metro: 25 mins from Dubai via Metro & Bus
6. Al Qasimia – Best for Traditional Vibes
Overview
Al Qasimia offers a mix of traditional and modern living, with affordable housing and cultural landmarks.
Key Features
✔ Near Sharjah Heritage Area
✔ Affordable rents
✔ Quiet & peaceful environment
Real Estate Prices (2024)
| Property Type | Average Rent (AED/year) | Average Sale Price (AED) | Rental Yield |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio Apartment | 15,000 – 20,000 | 250,000 – 350,000 | 6.5% |
| 1-Bed Apartment | 20,000 – 30,000 | 400,000 – 600,000 | 6% |
| 2-Bed Apartment | 35,000 – 50,000 | 700,000 – 900,000 | 5.5% |
How to Reach?
- By Car: 20 mins from Dubai via E11
Best Place to Live in Sharjah?
- Best for Families: Al Nahda & Al Majaz
- Best for Budget Living: Muwaileh
- Best for Luxury: Al Taawun
- Best for Beach Lovers: Al Khan
Sharjah offers a range of affordable and premium housing options, making it a great alternative to Dubai. Whether you want a vibrant city life or a peaceful beachside home, Sharjah has it all!
Why Sharjah is One of the Best Places to Live in the UAE
Sharjah stands out as an ideal residential destination because of:
✔ Affordable Living – Lower rents compared to Dubai & Abu Dhabi
✔ Family-Friendly Environment – Safe, peaceful, with top schools
✔ Rich Culture & Heritage – Museums, art galleries, and historical sites
✔ Excellent Infrastructure – Well-connected roads, public transport
✔ Green Spaces & Beaches – Parks, corniches, and waterfront communities
✔ Proximity to Dubai – Just 20-30 minutes from key Dubai areas
Whether you’re an expat, a working professional, or a family, Sharjah offers the perfect balance of affordability and quality living.
Final Verdict
| Lifestyle Preference | Recommended Areas | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Luxury Living | Al Taawun, Al Khan | High-end apartments, waterfront views, premium amenities |
| Family-Friendly | Muwaileh, Al Majaz | Spacious villas, parks, good schools, community vibe |
| Budget-Conscious | Al Nahda, University City | Affordable rents, student-friendly, essential amenities |
| Dubai Commuters | Al Nahda | Easy access to Dubai, lower costs than Dubai-side areas |
FAQ
1. Which area in Sharjah is best for families?
Answer: Al Nahda, Al Taawun, and Al Majaz are top choices for families due to their proximity to schools (like Sharjah English School), parks (Al Majaz Waterfront), and family-friendly communities with low traffic and safe environments.
2. What are the most affordable residential areas in Sharjah?
Answer: Areas like Al Qasimia, Al Khan, and Abu Shagara offer budget-friendly apartments (starting from AED 25,000/year for 1-bedroom units), while maintaining good access to amenities.
3. Where do expats prefer to live in Sharjah?
Answer: Expats often choose Al Nahda (near Dubai border), Al Majaz, or Al Taawun for their mix of affordability, amenities, and easy commutes to Dubai via Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road.
4. Which Sharjah communities offer waterfront living?
Answer: Al Khan (near Corniche), Al Majaz (with lagoon views), and Al Montazah (near beaches) are popular for waterfront properties and scenic lifestyles.
5. How does rent in Sharjah compare to Dubai?
Answer: Sharjah rents are 30–50% lower than Dubai. For example, a 1-bedroom apartment in Al Nahda (Sharjah) costs ~AED 30,000/year vs. AED 50,000+ in Dubai’s Al Qusais.
6. Is Sharjah a good place for property investment?
Answer: Yes! Areas like Al Nahda and Al Majaz offer high rental yields (6–8%) due to demand from Dubai workers and students. Off-plan projects in Al Maryam Island also attract investors.
7. What are the best compounds/villas in Sharjah?
Answer: Gated communities like Al Zahia (villas) and Al Rahmaniya (townhouses) are ideal for privacy, while Al Tai offers affordable villas near the city center.
8. How long is the commute from Sharjah to Dubai?
Answer: It takes 20–40 minutes to Dubai’s key areas (DIFC, Deira) via Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road, but morning traffic can extend this. Al Nahda offers the shortest commute.
About Author
With over a decade of hands-on experience in Dubai’s dynamic real estate market, Mohsin Shabbir has established himself as a trusted expert in luxury properties. His in-depth knowledge of the emirate’s property landscape, combined with a sharp understanding of market trends, makes him an invaluable partner for investors and homebuyers alike.
As a leading professional at AG Luxury Properties, Mohsin specializes in matching clients with premium residential and investment opportunities across Dubai. His tailored approach ensures every client receives strategic advice and personalized service to achieve their real estate goals.
Whether you’re looking to buy, sell, or lease property in Dubai, Mohsin provides expert guidance every step of the way. For consultations, reach out via his AG Luxury Properties profile or email contact@agluxuryproperties.com.