Where to live in Singapore

Posted by Mel1220 (289 days ago)

We might be moving to Singapore from HK and am wondering where are the best places to live for families. We currently live on the southside in HK in a high-rise with facilities etc...Are there equivalent places in Singapore? Are there areas that are predominately ex-pats?

Any advice would be greatly appreciate!

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Posted by phia (282 days ago)

anyone with any suggestions for someone working in Hougang area? We too are heading Singapore way! and having to rely on public transport as cars are pricy over there.

Posted by rugby (280 days ago)

it depends on whether you are looking for condos or houses and where is school or work. most expats are in bukit timah, ulu pandan (older flats), or east coast (close to the beach). there are newer more up and coming areas such as the west coast, pasir pajang although i hear mixed reviews of the west because tankers/containers pass by.
the rent was moving up very quickly last year so some people relocated to Upper Bukit Timah, and west coast to avoid paying hefty rent.
bukit timah is popular because it nestles between some of the major school districts and has decent houses. black and whites are also popular, they can only be rented, as they were army housing i think.
cars are generally expensive. although considering the current economy you might be able to pick up something decent. foreigners buy second hand cars so that the first buyer effectively takes the hit on the import tax (which is what makes the car so expensive). another option is buy a second hand foreign import (ie second hand car imported from say japan). it's becoming popular. because you did not buy the car from the sole distributor in singapore (such as toyota singapore) but rather it is imported as s second hand toyota from abroad, you will need to take the car to private garages for service and this warranty is generally included when you buy the car from the dealer. there is no problem getting insurance on these cars, infact some of the insurers now encourage this practice.
singapore is slowing down considerably due to the fact that it imports everything and relies heavily on other economies so bargain and you might find good deals.

Posted by 83.giggles (273 days ago)

phia, if you are working in hougang and would like to live somewhere near there you try either the HDB or the condominiums.

so far i know there is afew condominiums in the hougang area. the kovan melody, kovan 81, kovan primera etc

Posted by anonfire (263 days ago)

area where expats are mostly located is bukit timah, holland village, changi, orchard..

Posted by tf_7 (239 days ago)

Hi Mel1220,

I assume you now live in / near Stanley in HK (Southside?)?

some popular expat areas:

1. Orchard Rd area, eg Grange Rd/ River Valley Rd/ Stevens Rd (area near the Shangri La Hotel)

2. Holland Village area

(1 and 2 are in the city areas. Extremely convenient if you work in the CBD area. Easy access and close proximity.)

3. East Coast is also a popular expat area, with a choice of high rise condo, low rise small development, and landed properties. Examples are Tanjong Rhu, Pebble Bay. There is a good transport network available from the East Coast area into the CBD area.

4. Bukit Timah area - another expat enclave.

Depending on which part of bukit timah, possessing own transport would be better as the public transport infrastructure in bukit timah have alot of room for improvement.