Best Neighbourhoods to Live in Taif: 2024 Guide

Taif sits high in the mountains of the Makkah region, offering cooler air, green farms, and a relaxed pace that draws families, retirees, and seasonal visitors alike. Whether you want an upscale central villa, a budget-friendly apartment, or a scenic mountain retreat, the city has a neighbourhood to match. This guide walks you through the best areas to live in Taif, with typical prices and what each district offers.

Upscale central districts

If you want services on your doorstep, Taif's central upscale areas are the most convenient.

• Shihar (شهار): A prestigious central district well supplied with schools, hospitals, shops, and everyday services. Villas are commonly reported at SAR 1.5–3 million, making it one of the pricier choices.
• Al-Qamariyah (القمرية): A quiet, upscale pocket of villas and residential compounds, ideal for families seeking privacy without leaving the city.
• Wadi Waj (وادي وج): A modern residential area with newer apartment buildings and a higher-end housing profile.

Family-friendly residential areas

For settled family living with good schools and parks, these districts are popular.

• Al-Wisam (الوسام): A calm, family-oriented district with modern urban planning. Villas commonly range from SAR 900,000 to 1.5 million.
• Al-Faisaliyah (الفيصلية): A central family area close to schools and parks. Studios and one-bedroom flats typically rent for around SAR 2,500–4,000
• Al-Salamah (السلامة): Central and lively, near commercial zones, traditional markets, hotels, and government offices.

Scenic mountain living

Taif's western highlands are famous for their cool climate and views.

• Al-Hada (الهدا): A cooler mountain area west of the city, excellent for scenic living and seasonal stays. Studios and one-bedroom units rent for roughly SAR 2,000–3,000
• Al-Shafa (الشفا): Known for cool weather, farms, and quiet surroundings, with rents typically around SAR 1,500–2,500

Budget-friendly and outer areas

• Al-Hawiyah (الحوية): An outer northern area with generally lower housing costs and access to services and universities. Some apartment listings run around SAR 24,000–25,000
• Al-Sail Al-Saghir (السيل الصغير): Strategically placed on the Taif–Makkah route, with reported land prices starting near SAR 400 per square metre — worth a look if you plan to build.

What to budget

Costs vary widely by size, furnishing, district, and building quality:

• Apartment rents across Taif commonly fall between roughly SAR 18,000 and SAR 70,000
• One-bedroom rents typically range from SAR 1,500 to SAR 5,000
• Apartments for purchase range from about SAR 550,000 to SAR 1,109,000.

Practical steps before you move

Choosing a neighbourhood and renting an ordinary private home in Taif does not require any government application, permit, fixed fee, or validity period. A few tips to keep things smooth:

• Have your rental contract documented electronically through Ejar — this protects both tenant and landlord.
• Use Balady for property-related municipal services.
• Visit at different times of day, especially in mountain districts, to gauge the climate and traffic.
• Always confirm current prices and any specific fees through the relevant official Saudi portal, as figures shift with demand and season.

---

Stay updated with the latest news, events, sports updates, business insights, real estate and lifestyle stories on Saudi Living — the leading online platform for residents, expats, and visitors in Saudi Arabia.

Follow Saudi Living for daily updates:

• Instagram - @saudiliving
• X - @saudiliving
• Facebook - @saudiliving
• YouTube - @saudiliving