I don't think that where you live has that much of an impact on getting to know people. Dubai is pretty easy to get around - taxis are cheap, driving takes a bit of getting used to but is completely manageable, and depending on where you decide to live you might have metro access too. Dubai is also not that big a place, and doesn't really have a single central "hub" - even places that seem "far away" like Arabian Ranches are only about 25 minutes away from Downtown Burj Khalifa or the Marina, and have their own community areas with coffee shops, restaurants etc so no hindrance to meeting people.
My view? Pick an area to live which meets your needs on budget/commute/access to schools (if needed) and amenities, then put some effort into getting to know people (plenty of threads on here about how to do that). New friends are not going to spontaneously knock on your door regardless of where your apartment/villa is.
To add to Toon's comments - the quality and maintenance of the villas in Jumeirah and Umm Suqeim varies massively, some are quite old and tatty so if a newer build like the Ranches appeals then there is a development near Safa Park that you might want to take a look at. I can't for the life of me remember what it's called but it's near Medcare Hospital.
