Suitable neighbourhood to live

[tmac2323]

My husband and I are moving to Singapore next month. I've been given varying advice on what are the 'best' areas and couldn't find an existing post that suits our requirements. I really apprecite advice, taking into consideration the below.
+ Married Australian couple, no kids yet (planning to have one ASAP)
+ Budget $4.5 - $5k per month
+ Office is near Raffles MRT so looking for a max. 30 commute
+ Like to exercise outdoors so prefer near park or water
+ Don't need to (or want to) live with all the other Aussie expats, happy to live in a neighbourhood with some local flavour
+ A village feel, or some sense of liveliness would br great (NOT shopping centres or department stores)
+ Walking/cycling distance to cafes, bars, restaurants would be great

Appreciate all and any suggestions!

[Saint]

Siglap on the East Coast probably ticks all the boxes!

[zzm9980]

Agree with Saint. Also look at Telok Kurau, and Joo Chiat.

Joo Chiat is about 2-3km west/northwest of Siglap. Both areas have the village feel you like with plenty of places to eat and bars. Joo Chiat has more bars, is a bit less expat-y feeling, but some of the night life might feel a bit seedier. (A few of the bars have 'working girls', nothing that will negatively impact your quality of life though unless you go into one looking to be morally outraged).

Telok Kurau is very quiet and right on a 'park connector' (bike trail/walking path) along a small canal that connects to the beach. It doesn't have too much of its own in terms of bars and restaurants, but is right smack between Joo Chiat and Siglap. You can bike to either one in under 10 minutes.

All three locations are a small distance from the train, but will have decent bus connectivity to the train. Siglap will have good bus connectivity directly to CBD.

All my opinion of course.

[Girl_Next_Door]

Another option is Pasir Panjang. Mt Faber is not far and you can reach Sentosa within a reasonable amount of time. There are more condo and apartments around there and train access is a good option for your husband to work.

Siglap/East Coast area, your husband will need to catch a bus. Transportation in Singapore is great in Singapore minus the occasional hipcups. Another thing I noticed is, many properties in Siglap/East Coast area have small rooms. Coming from Australia, if you are looking for space, you might need to manage your expectations.

[tmac2323]

Thanks zzm9980, your suggestions are really helpful. The seedier nightlife doesn't bother us. I really like the idea of a landed house but also think a pool is crucial. I guess there's no chance of getting a pool in a landed house for $5 in this area?

[Saint]

Thanks zzm9980, your suggestions are really helpful. The seedier nightlife doesn't bother us. I really like the idea of a landed house but also think a pool is crucial. I guess there's no chance of getting a pool in a landed house for $5 in this area?

You'll be very lucky to get any landed property for $5k a month especially with a pool. Any Land properties for around $5k will be in what's called "Original Condition"

You could look at Cluster Houses which are basically groups of landed properties with communal facilities.

[darpy]

I would recommend Siglap, I live there, but the only issue is the commute. There is no way you will get to Raffles MRT from siglap in 30 mins. You would need 45, there is a direct bus.

But the place is 5-10 mins walk to the ECP (East Coast Park).


Personally, I am not keen on the expat crowd in Singapore either, and the longer you stay here, you will come to realise you are probably not so keen on an excessive dose of locals either. Siglap I find unique in this respect, it feels like you are somewhere in between, a happy medium