Which Dubai neighborhoods are best for buying an apartment?

[Lowson]

I'm planning to buy an apartment in Dubai, but I'm still trying to make sense of the neighborhoods. Some places seem built around nightlife and tourists, while others look better for actually living there year round. I don't need to be right next to the beach, but I'd like grocery stores, restaurants, and everyday services nearby, with a reasonable drive to the main business areas. Which parts of Dubai would you look at first, and where can I find decent listings?