Welcome to the Blog. I believe there are some readers who are more familiar with Taif. And there is also a book which can be obtained through Jarir Bookstore called Taif: Eden of Arabia which I highly recommend. Although this book may not address day-to-day living as an expat, it does thoroughly illustrate the beauty and diversity of Taif and places to see and go.

Have you and your family ever lived in Saudi Arabia before? Living outside the compound would give you greater exposure to culture and life in Saudi Arabia but also have you likely responsible for interacting with a landlord, negotiating rents and upkeep etc. You might need a better grasp of Arabic than if you were on a compound. And if you have problems with an off-compound residence you deal with the landlord to get repairs, etc. Whereas on a compound the compound management is responsible for any problems and life would likely resemble more of a western type environment with openness. I did write an early post about the pros and cons between compound living and not. I believe it was called Home Sweet Home.