Where to Live in Riyadh: Schools & Compounds Mapped Out
- Sarah Green
- May 18, 2025
- 5 min read
Updated: Mar 16
You’ve asked, I’ve mapped.
One of the most common questions I get—usually around midnight from frazzled parents about to uproot their lives—is: “Where should we live in Riyadh?”
Choosing where to live in a new city is a huge decision, especially when schools, commutes and budgets are all competing for attention. In Riyadh, those decisions are even more important because distances can be large and traffic can be… character building.
So to make things easier, I’ve created something I wish I had when we first arrived: a curated Google Map showing international schools and popular expat compounds in Riyadh.
Whether you’re relocating for the first time or simply moving across the city, this guide should help you visualise how the pieces of your new life might fit together.
Download the Saudi Relocation Checklist for Families — a practical guide to schools, housing, visas and settling into life in Riyadh.
How to Use the Riyadh Schools & Compounds Map
This is not just a pin-drop free-for-all. I’ve only included compounds that expats frequently recommend and schools that follow a British, American, or IB curriculum.
Each pin is colour-coded and comes with short notes so you can get a feel for the place—without falling down a three-hour Reddit rabbit hole.
What you’ll find on the map
Well-known international schools in Riyadh
Popular family compounds in Riyadh
Locations near major roads and commuting routes
Notes on location, pricing and general “vibe”
The goal is simple: to help families connect schools and housing options visually, which is often the hardest part of planning a move.
Best Areas to Live in Riyadh for Expats
Most expat families in Riyadh choose to live in gated compounds, particularly when they first arrive.
Compounds offer:
Security and controlled access
Swimming pools and gyms
Community activities
Playgrounds and green spaces
They can feel a bit like small villages, which can make settling into life in Saudi Arabia much easier — especially if you’re arriving with children.
Different compounds attract slightly different communities. Some feel very social and lively, while others are quieter and more private.
That’s why proximity to schools and work often ends up being the deciding factor.
Tips for Choosing the Right Compound in Riyadh
1. Start with the school run
In Riyadh, traffic is not for the faint-hearted. School buses help, but if you're doing drop-offs yourself, aim to live within 15–20 minutes of your school. That might mean compromising on compound size or amenities, but trust me—your future self in rush hour will thank you.
Handy tip: Some compounds have school buses only for certain schools, so always check what’s offered.
2. Think about your lifestyle
Do you want a quiet leafy place with yoga classes and a coffee morning crew? Or a lively hub with a gym, dance classes, and a community feel? Some compounds feel like villages; others are more private.
Ask yourself:
Do I want to walk to a shop or café inside the compound?
Do I need a gym or pool?
Am I looking for a strong community vibe or peace and privacy?
3. Match your budget to your priorities
Riyadh rental prices can vary wildly. In 2024 prices really jumped too. There was lots of movement of families moving because they had been priced out of where they were living. At the top end, you’ll find spacious villas with modern interiors, multiple pools, and events calendars. At the more affordable end, you might need to be a little more flexible—but there are still gems out there.
Price guide (2025 rough estimates):
Top-end: 3-bed villa in a premium compound – 180,000+ SAR/year
Mid-range: 2–3 bed in a well-located compound – 120,000–150,000 SAR/year
Lower budget: 1–2 bed apartment in a smaller or older compound – under 100,000 SAR/year
People Also Ask
Is it better to live near the Diplomatic Quarter or further out?
It really depends on where you work and which school your children attend.
For example, many embassy families live in or near the Diplomatic Quarter (DQ), so schools on that side of the city — such as King’s College Riyadh, BISR DQ or the American-Lebanese School (ALS) — can make daily life much easier.
However, if your children attend schools like AIS-R, the French School (Lycée Français International de Riyad) or SEK International School, compounds in the north of Riyadh often make more sense.
Riyadh is a large city and traffic can be heavy, so most families end up choosing housing based on school location and commuting time, rather than a particular neighbourhood.
What’s the safest area in Riyadh for families?
Riyadh is generally considered a very safe city for families, particularly compared with many large international capitals. Violent crime is rare, and most residential neighbourhoods feel secure.
For many expat families, the question isn’t so much which area is safest, but which lifestyle suits them best.
Most newcomers choose to live in gated residential compounds, which offer:
24/7 security and controlled access
Family facilities such as pools, gyms and playgrounds
A strong community atmosphere with other expat families
Compounds like those around Ghirnatah, Qurtuba & the Diplomatic Quarter, and the northern suburbs of Riyadh are particularly popular with families relocating to the city.
That said, an increasing number of families are also choosing modern apartment developments outside traditional compounds, especially in areas such as Hittin, Al Malqa and Al Narjis, where new residential projects are opening alongside cafés, parks and retail spaces.
In reality, safety tends to be consistent across most residential parts of Riyadh but some areas are more international that others. Families usually choose where to live based on proximity to schools, commuting time, and the type of community they want, rather than security concerns.
For most expats, the bigger challenge isn’t safety — it’s deciding which school, compound and commute combination will make everyday life run smoothly.
Can I live outside a compound?
Yes, of course. There are more and more apartments and quasi compounds being developed and opening by the day. And there are trade offs like anything. Some people feel that compounds offer a social safety net, facilities, and cultural ease that make the transition smoother. Especially if you have children and/or pets. I haven’t included all the accommodation options on the map…yet!
Check out these useful article if you are planning your move to Riyadh
International Schools in Riyadh Explained
Saudi Relocation Starter Pack
Coming Soon: New International Schools in Riyadh (2025–2026)
While most of the schools on the map are already up and running, a few exciting new openings are just around the corner:
EtonHouse International Education Arabia is launching a new preschool and primary school in Granada, opening September 2025. They’ll offer inquiry-led learning for children from Pre-Nursery up to Grade 4 — a great option for families with younger children. Their address is on their website but Google Maps didnt recognise it.. so not on the map...
BISR Al Waha Campus is also opening in August 2025 and is already marked on the map. It will become a key site in the BISR family, with brand new facilities and a strong British curriculum offering.
If you’re relocating for the 2025–26 academic year, keep these on your radar — even if you can’t tour them just yet.
Plot Your Life In Riyadh With Less Guesswork
Relocating to Riyadh can feel overwhelming at first. But once you start connecting the dots — schools, compounds, commutes — the picture becomes much clearer. With the right map (ahem), a bit of research, and some honest conversations about your family’s needs, you can land in a home that feels right—without burning out before you even unpack a suitcase.
And if you know someone preparing for a move to Saudi Arabia, feel free to share it. It might save them a few late-night WhatsApp voice notes.
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