Singapore Expats

I am moving from the US to Singapore in Jan 09. We have 2 kids - age 5 and 2. I wanted to know which coast is better to live in?

Also, any suggestions on International Schools that are in the SGD 12,000-15,000 range per annum? How is Emmar International School?

Any advise/suggestions are highly appreciated.

where you live is going to depends on where your kids school location. so decide on the school first.

Singapore has a West Coast

Definitely sort out school first, and of course where you'll be working. If everything is in the East it wouldn't be wise to live in the West or vice-versa.

Saint wrote:Singapore has a West Coast

GOT. jurong refinery mah. nice and slick.

I disagree.

My son goes to school on portsdown road and we live in the east. it takes about 30 mins on the school bus. It used to take 20 mins on the school bus that used to pick him up for his old school on the east and that was only 4km away but he was the first pick up...

Quidsin, Portsdown Rd isn't really in the West, is it? I mean, I understand that on a map it is in the western half, but then Orchard might be seen as in the East by the same standard. I just think of it as being more centrally located.

Rajushah, I was referring more to Jurong vs. Tampines commute, something like that. Bottom line is that you want to live close to where there are a lot of playmates, this will make everyone's life easier and make their transition a little easier. Once you pick a school, call their bus office and ask about commute times to specific locations you are interested in.

i concur with RNT. why waste your kids time on the school bus (or on public/private transport) ferrying from one end to another. there are tons of property all around any school so it make sense to plan where you want to stay on the location of the school.

East Coast Better lah! More activities and more popular!

ksl wrote:....... and more popular!

The best reason ever for staying on the West.

I would suggest east coast as there are many schools here. The further out you live the cheaper the rent gets also. We chose to live upper east coast as it is cheaper than the east coast and there is a school very close by (One World) my husband also works near Bedok so perfect for us.
A 20 - 30 minute bus ride on a 5 year old at the end of a long school day with a bunch of excited and tired (some grumpy) children is not always going to be a nice trip.
For us very close to the school is essential!

i really don't think there are any schools out west - are there?

splat wrote: i really don't think there are any schools out west - are there?

Seriously?

which International Schools are west?

Just live in the middle and you dont have to choose between west or east!

I will be in Singapore next year, too. A friend told me it is better to live on the East coast but I haven't decided yet.