Singapore Expats

Having been in Singapore a week we have narrowed down our search for an apartment to either Newton or Novena area (ease of access to public transport is important to us), but have also recieved recommendations re: balmoral road area. Does anyone have strong feelings either way regarding either of these places? How important is access to MRT - is reliance upon taxis and buses problematic? I work near somerset.
Thanks for help!!!
Mike

Short walk to Newton MRT.Balmoral Plaza,Newton Food Centre.
No problems in getting transportation.
Newton MRT is just 2 stops to where you work.

and if you fancy, you can even walk to work! My workplace is at Ngee Ann City and it takes me about 30 mins or so, though I think I was strolling rather than brisk walking!

Wish I could do that - walk to work that is. Not the distance but unless there were shower facilities and a complete wardrobe I'd be drenched after the 1st kilometer. The morning humidity to me is terrible and while I'm used to it, I'm only used to sweating. Haven't stopped in all these years. I lived about 3 minutes walk from the novena mrt years ago and worked in IP.

The novena area is good and there are a variety of bus services as well as mrt & taxi. The only problem is on sundays when the novena church has a procession or whathaveyou. Lot's of facilities withing walking distance including TTSH if needed, petro kiosks, shopping centres & restuarants.

I live close to Balmoral Rd although not on Balmoral Rd. It is very quite and nice area. Bus # 190 from the bus stop at the corner of Bamoral and Stevens Rd will take you will drop you right in front of Sommerset at Orchard and you can take the same bus back from Orchard Blvd on the other sude of Sommerset st. The frequency of this bus # is very good.. you won't have to wait more then 5-6 mins. I know because I take this bus almost everyday.
Good Luck

I live on newton Road and I feel it is always good to have access to both MRT and bus if given a choice.But I think u shd also see which house is better and decide coz that's where u will spend a lot of time and both these areas are not far away from your work place and connected by public transport.

I am currently staying at Somerset and was considering moving to Novena. However, beside very kids oriented UE Square and another mall Velocity (neither of them have cinema), proximity of MRT, I struggle to find some nightlife there or places / parks for a nice stroll. I understand everything is within driving minutes or 2-3 MRT stations away, but I am not sure if trading Somerset for Novena make sense for young couple without kids.

Perhaps I am missing something and someone familiar with Novena area can share some hints?

stiwi wrote:I am currently staying at Somerset and was considering moving to Novena. However, beside very kids oriented UE Square and another mall Velocity (neither of them have cinema), proximity of MRT, I struggle to find some nightlife there or places / parks for a nice stroll. I understand everything is within driving minutes or 2-3 MRT stations away, but I am not sure if trading Somerset for Novena make sense for young couple without kids.

Perhaps I am missing something and someone familiar with Novena area can share some hints?

Last post was 7 years ago.

Anyway, there's not much in Novena when the sun sets as it's condos and hospitals. Orchard, however, is a short bus ride away so there's your nightlife and cinemas. For parks, you can go north to Upper Thomson road to either Macritchie Reservoir and further north would be Bishan Park. Like I said, the area is mostly condos so those places are assumed to have their own mini-parks.