The Marina is generally considered to be amongst the upper end of the residential market in terms of the rental rates. However, rates here do vary from being affordable to exclusively expensive.
Facilities in the Dubai Marina are excellent. There are a plethora of dining options and shops that mean that it is very likely for people to be within walking distance of some restaurants and shops.
Generally, the fashionable end of the Marina is towards the right side of the map above. This is where the Grovenor House Hotel and the Marina Walk are located. Aside from this the Emaar developments, Marina Park and Marina Promenade buildings are large community style developments across the Marina that are favoured in the middle of the Marina.
Dubai Apartments
The most common way to decipher through the many towers in the Marina is the reputation of each tower. Many towers are well regarded and they command higher amounts. This often explains the large price discrepancies in similar size units in the Dubai Marina.
The buildings vary largely. The quality of the interior finishes is possibly the most important aspect in this. The flooring, the finish in the bathrooms and kitchens are the things to look out for.
The large majority of Marina buildings come with gym facilities, swimming pool and a recreation deck. Some do tend to be better than others.
Parking spaces are a key consideration. Ensure that apartments come along with enough car parking spaces. For example, you may find a 3-bed apartment that has only 1 car parking space allotted to it.
The size of the apartments vary in each building. Some buildings have small layouts whereas in a neighbouring building you may find an apartment that has the same number of beds but is almost twice as large. If you are taking a furnished place, decide what furniture is missing that you may need to buy.
Dubai Villas
There are several townhouses, nestled between towers, that can be found on the Dubai Marina. These properties offer spacious multi-storey living with outdoor space and very much have the feel of a detached house, but with the advantage of superb Marina views.
Due to the limited number of such townhouses and the location, they tend to be very expensive as compared to townhouses found in neighbouring villa communities such as the Springs.
The Marina is generally considered to be amongst the upper end of the residential market in terms of the rental rates. However, rates here do vary from being affordable to exclusively expensive. 
Dubai Apartments