xty
Bur Dubai (Golden Sands area) could be an alternative. mid-up class, lots of shops, coffee shops, supermarket, bars, hotels, restaurants, almost anything you can find by walk.
Marina is a big area. Some buildings may not be close to those places as you might think. Except the original/first Dubai Marina buildings (DM1s in your map), where located the Marina Walk (just by the water next to DM1 villas).
nuzbim
as far as i know, there's no bars in marina walk, there's no hotels there for them to serve drinks. i think you'd be better off in JBR, groceries, pharmacies, a dozen coffee shops and more places to eat, plus you've got 3 hotels to find bars at, plus oasis towers with mai tai lounge.
Sean2008
I'm thinking of living in Dubai Marina because it's very important for me to be able to walk to stores, coffee shops and bars which I understand are on Marina Walk. Can you please click on the map link below and point out where Marina Walk is? Also, which apartment buildings do you suggest? Thanks folks!
http://img221.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dubaimarinafa2.jpg (click on the map to enlarge it)