I live in The Gardens Apartments, and overall, it’s a mixed experience, good value, but not without frustrations.
The good: Apartments here are surprisingly spacious compared to many newer places in Dubai. Rent is relatively affordable for the size, though it has increased over the past 2 years. The community has lots of greenery and open courtyards, which makes it feel less cramped than many other areas. It’s also conveniently located near Ibn Battuta Mall and the Dubai Metro Red Line, so getting around the city is fairly easy. Lastly, maintenance is a plus, as requests are handled promptly by the building management.
The not-so-good: The buildings are a bit old, and you can see it in the hallways, elevators, tiles, and kitchen fittings. There is also a plan to introduce paid parking for families with 2 cars; this will potentially add extra cost to rising rental costs.
Overall, if you want space, affordability, and a convenient location, The Gardens is a solid option. Just don’t expect luxury and ask about the parking policy for the building you're considering before committing.