Where is the best area to live in Mumbai?

Bombay Jules (from London):  Research very carefully which area you want to live in.  For expats, these usually fall into three camps – Bandra, Powai or Malabar Hill. A lot of people with children tend to live in Powai with its towering new apartment blocks and access to good schools.  But it is quite a way out of central Mumbai so you can end up feeling cut off unless you are prepared to travel in Mumbai traffic to get south.  Bandra (where I live) has a younger vibe and is close to lots of trendy restaurants and shops and only an hour from south Bombay via the Sealink.  It is very popular with expats.  Malabar Hill is the most refined part of Bombay with its clean, leafy streets and colonial buildings.  But in my opinion, there is less choice of restaurants and things to do and tends to suit older couples or people who have been living in the city for a long time.   If you have children, where they go to school will be a deciding factor on where you live.  

Mathilde (from France): All depends on where your office is located. In the south the expat districts (for residential and life quality) are Breach Candy, Malabar Hill, Kemps Corner. And in the north Worli, Lower Parel, Bandra West, Khar West. However, there are also the most expensive ones. If you cannot afford such rent, Andheri and Powai are two areas which are expending and have good quality flats for the price.

Rakhee (from Australia): Bandra is certainly a good place for an expat with a diverse population, both local and expats.  Mumbai is a big city and there are many new pockets that I am still exploring.

Lindsey (from England): Most expats live in Bandra, Juhu or Powai. We used to live in Bandra but decided to move to a new building in Andheri West where you get a lot more for your money. The nicest place to live is South Mumbai as there is a very different feel to the old city. The architecture is fabulous and the streets are clean and wide. However, most international schools are in the northern suburbs.

You can see the full interviews with expats living in Mumbai

PLEASE add your own comments and experiences on the best areas to live in Mumbai...