Apartments can be literally anywhere south of the creek. Just depends on which ones are free at the time. It seems at the moment that the newer buildings are being filled, maybe to keep transport costs down as they can put 2 pilots with similar report times in transport together.
The newest buildings are the new Manazel next to Mall of the Emirates (not to be confused with the older but grander Manazel in Bur Dubai), and TECOM near The Greens (Marina end of city).
Manazel is only 2 bed apartments and is for single / unmarried FO's.
TECOM is mostly 3-bed, for married FO's and admin management etc.
Both very nice locations.
If you're extremely unlucky you may end up in 21st Century which are small apartments with the world's smallest kitchens, albeit with the worlds wildest cabin crew parties. (If that's your thang)...
All the villas are generally very nice now, albeit some locations are a bit remote. AL Waha villas are big but in an area that will be still be relatively undeveloped for a few years. The Cedre Villas in Silicon Oasis are excellently finished and the location is slightly better.
If you're very lucky you may get a older villa in a small development by the beach in a traditional leafy neighbourhood, of which there are a few. Just don't boast about it or there'll be a contract out on your head
