I have to say that if you have a family, compounds are the way to go. There are smaller ones with a few amenities all the way up to ones with very nice clubhouses, pools, gyms, and even small grocery stores. It's not that easy to meet other families here and compounds give the wife and kids instant connections to other moms and kids. Compounds over near the Landmark Mall area are nice and there are several new, nice compounds near Sports City and the new Villagio Mall. Around Sports City is getting very nice with walking paths, playgrounds and even a lake. I can't really help you as far as cost but the amount you listed seems very adequate.