New and Moving to Bahrain - where shall I live!?

Hello!
Good luck finding something soon, I am hoping to move out there within the next month too (still waiting on my contract!). I was looking at Saar and Janabiya as potential areas to live in.

Depends if you are single or have a family.

Most single guys in my team prefer to live in Juffair.  The family ones are scattered all over but areas of preference are Saar, Budaiya, Hamala and Riffa Views (where I live and it's close to Riffa).  Outside of Juffair, most of these places are not close to the night life of Bahrain.  Which is clustered in.....Juffair!! .  Restaurants and shops no problem.

Thanks guys, XTang, how far (time wise) is Juffair from East Riffa in a Car? The areas I were thinking of checking out included Juffair but also maybe Adliya or Amwaj (but heard it is quiet) I won't be out partying every night but we be good to be close to places to have a beer and socialise! 

I am living in Juffair and moving to Riffa Views tomorrow.  I do the drive to my office in Askar everyday (next to Riffa).  It takes me anywhere from 20 to 35 minutes one way depending on traffic.

Amwaj is quiet but you can have a beer there; much longer drive to Riffa though.  Adilya is also an option; personally I don't like it much. When I was searching for temporary accommodation; I saw places there but the quality is higher in Juffair.  I especially didn't like the streets, the traffic snarls and the general down market feel of the place.  Don't get me wrong, the restaurants and out door places in Adilya are quite nice; referring only to the living areas that I saw.

The downside of Juffair is the Saudi invasion on the weekends.  The crazy drunk drivers and weirdos on the roads.  But I have survived for a few months so doable

Hi Adam, depends on your family status and where your going to be working. We live near work in Saar, so easy 15 minute journey on the crazy roads in the morning. Then we have a driver who takes us to Adliya/Juffair at the weekends which is cheaper than a taxi. In Saar there is the Rugby Club and the Dilmun Club which are fine for relaxing, meeting people, watching the footy and having a beer. Plenty of shops for supplies and some decent restaurants. Most single people live Juffair way, just bear in mind your daily work journey. Overall its not that big a place, just the traffic can be bad a rush hour, during the day, night time and the morning, ha ha. I've been here for just over a year now and its a good quality of living with some ruff edges, like anywhere. Let me know if you need anything else.

Adam,

I think you'd be happier in an area of Manama and commute to work, as XTang says its not far and you'll have more social options.

If you move to Riffa, for a night out you'd expect to spend 6-8bd in a taxi (dep on driver) central Manama each way. I believe there aren't that many pubs/bars etc in Riffa, aside from the Royal Golf Club.

The main party area is Juffair, it's close to the US base so more social things have been built up to capitalize on them, but you need a car to go anywhere when it's hot.

I've been living in Adliya for the last 3 years - love my flat, not sure what places XTang saw but there are a range of places for all budgets. We've got about 20 expats working in our company and the younger ones seem to love what Juffair has to offer. Many of us who don't want to party every night are in Gudaibiya, Adliya. Mahooz and Um Al Hassan - which border Adliya.

Adliya's 'Kebab alley' and the main road gets a lot of traffic at night its true, but that's not all of Adliya! The same can be said of Juffair - which has limited access in and out, making commuting problematic and the traffic on American Alley most times of the day is bad. Amway also has access problems - one road on and off of the island and a lot noise from drag racing up the main roads at the weekend. I had a good friend who was there for 2 years.

I like the Adliya area because I can actually walk around, there are places to go and I don't need a car. There's a pedestrian block with art displays and TREES, so it feels a lot more European. Many restaurants sell alcohol and there's also JJ's Irish Pub, and a couple of small night clubs attached to the Meat Company and Brazils restaurants. There's also the British Club - which has cheap food and drink and sports facilities.

Also look at other areas south of Adliya; Mahooz & Um Al Hassan - easy access to the southern highway and less traffic. Friends regularly walk from there into Adliya.

Some workers with families are out Saar way, it's nice but more rural and a car is needed to go anyway as it is more spread out. But it has good access to the highways. I go horse riding over there and it's about 10-20minutes from Juffair on a good traffic day. As another member says there are options with the Dilmun club etc.

A car (or driver) is a necessity, which is crazy seeing how small Bahrain is. I bought my first car in 15 years here and it's the smallest place I've lived in! Driving is initially a bit strange compared to the UK, but you adjust and it's not as bad as Cairo or Amman in Jordan.

I hope some of that was helpful, is your company putting you up at first? We had 2 weeks in a hotel, which was great to get the feel of places and check out places to live.

Good luck

Michelle

Wow, Thanks dazzadarule and Michelle, I appreciate you taking the time to reply, it's really helpful. Guess I'm trying to get the balance between a sensible commute to work and being in an area with things to do. I'm not coming over with a family so during the week I'll be busy with work and will gym/play sport on a nighttime probably so won't have a huge amount of spare time. At weekends I'll want to go out and socialise, have a few beers etc.

I will have 2-4 weeks in a hotel/flat when I get there so will have chance to look around a few places. Think I've short listed Saar, Adliya and Juffair. Mahooz and Um Al Assan prob also. Someone mentioned Amwaj to me but it seems a bit out of huge way.

So would you guys recommend visiting the clubs (rugby, british, dilmun) for meeting people or are bars like JJ's the best way to go? When I arrive I'll fire a post on here and if any of you guys are available we can meet for a beer

Adam,

No worries.

I'm sure you'll won't find meeting people a problem, everyone is in the same expat 'boat'. It's more about making the effort and being open.

It's good you've got some time to settle in and decide too.

Hope all goes well in the next few weeks and see you soon...or 'inshallah' as they'd say over here

Dear Adam,

First of all welcome to expat-blog and to this beautiful country! our esteemed forum members have put up a post mentioned below, which gives you a very detailed information about living/working/having fun in and around Bahrain!

https://www.expat.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=231960

good luck!

T&R
Arjun

Why don't you come here and stay in a serviced apartment in Seef until you decide where you want to live. There are 2 bed fully furnished, classy apartments in Saar for around BD350 max a month. Very close to the highway and close to the expat clubs where it's nice to meet people without music blaring. Also the expat clubs are about the only place you can escape to during Ramadan if you want a meal and a drink during the day. The Brit Club is in Adliya (Umm Al Hassam) so you can go there too of course. Best to come here with options open and search then.

Juffair is full of Saudi's and "ladies of the night" so choose carefully

Gimme a shout when you arrive, I'll come and take you for a spin round if you like.

Hi Adam,

Would you like to stay in near British Club we have one 2BR apartment. Fully furnished, pool,well equipped gym, sauna,steam, high speed internet, Osn channels and house keeping. Rent BD 550/- per month.

Thanks,

Thanks again for the help guys, really appreciate it.

I'm keeping an open mind and will have a look around various places eg. Saar, Adliya, Juffair (not interested in the ladies of the night however!

Josnuggles what is the best way to get accommodation, go through an agent or privately?

Dazza, that would be a great help mate if you had time! Pm me your contact details and I'll give you a shout nearer the time, I'll shout you a few beers!

Burj Sameer, can you send me anymore details, a link to some photos? Either that or send me you contact details and I can get in touch when I arrive?

Cheers