Singapore Expats

I'm flying into Singapore next week to do some house/apartment/condo hunting. I've got an agent I'm working with that my company goes through, but i'm having trouble deciding on an area/district to live in.

Background, i'm a white guy from the US, mid-late twenties, single. I'm going to be working mostly up at Paya Lebar but distance isnt really an issue to me. I've found from some of my previous trips that at worst case, most places are a 10-15 minute cab ride away, sometimes worse during traffic. Of course MRT/Bus is more likely, but like I said, worst case.

Anyways, I originally was looking at living somewhere around orchard, or maybe off Stevens road, you know, city center area. But as I've looked on this website and a few others, I'm really leaning towards either living out on Sentosa, living off Keppel Bay or living near Marina Bay. I know these places are a bit pricey but I've got a budget of roughly $5500 SGD a month. I really like the views of the condos I've seen looking out over the ocean, but I wanted to stop by here and get some thoughts.

If I chose any of those areas, would I be living near other expats? is there some kind of, I dont know, singles area that people congregate to? I'm going to be spending a few years here and I want to pick somewhere i'm going to enjoy.

Any advice would be great I'm hoping to be able to look at several places when i'm in town next week

Best advise I can give is to realize that a budget of S$5500 doesnt get you a "pricey" place in those areas, maybe not much of a place at all

If you want the ocean view, look in the East Coast / Tanjong Katong/Siglap areas. Your dollar will go much farther, you can probably find a decent place for that budget. They have a lot more condo options. You have all of the food and shopping options you can want, not so many bars/night clubs though. IMO , the view is nicer. (Here is view from 13th floor: http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7060/6861 ... 7045_z.jpg) Plus, you're a 5-10 minute bus or $5-8 cab ride from Paya Lebar MRT/Singpost.

Other tips: Sentosa is dead, especially for someone your age. The only expats there are those buying S$15million+ beach houses or retirees. Keppel bay is slightly less remote, but still far from Singpost. Orchard/Scotts rd isn't really "city center", unless you mean shopping/tourist center. Based on your age and other things you've said, I'd suspect you might like River Valley or one of the Quays. (Robertson or Clarke Quay) areas. Maybe also Club St off China town. Those only if you can give up the sea-view.

Exactly why I came here, thanks!

I'm familiar with Robertson/Clarke Quay area. I'll have to do some looking into what places are available in the area. Not too familiar with River Valley but will do some looking. Likewise with East Coast/Tanjong/Siglap. The only experience I have on the eastern coast is eating at the East Coast Seafood Park.

I think a lot of it is going to depend on what I like when I visit, it's so hard to tell from photos. I'm not wildly picky but I definitely want to much sure i'm happy.

Robertson Quay would be my first choice as well.

scottaz2003 wrote:Exactly why I came here, thanks!

I'm familiar with Robertson/Clarke Quay area. I'll have to do some looking into what places are available in the area. Not too familiar with River Valley but will do some looking. Likewise with East Coast/Tanjong/Siglap. The only experience I have on the eastern coast is eating at the East Coast Seafood Park.

I think a lot of it is going to depend on what I like when I visit, it's so hard to tell from photos. I'm not wildly picky but I definitely want to much sure i'm happy.

You mention Paya Lebar, and there isn't a lot of major offices there. Are you working right next to it, in Singpost? Perhaps for a four letter MNC? If so, and if they're giving you Service Apartments for your first month or two, then Somerset near Robertson Quay should be an option. Ask about it if they don't present it.

zzm9980 wrote:
You mention Paya Lebar, and there isn't a lot of major offices there. Are you working right next to it, in Singpost? Perhaps for a four letter MNC? If so, and if they're giving you Service Apartments for your first month or two, then Somerset near Robertson Quay should be an option. Ask about it if they don't present it.

Not quite, i'm working near/with ST Aerospace, so i'll be right in the middle of Paya Lebar.

scottaz2003 wrote:

zzm9980 wrote:
You mention Paya Lebar, and there isn't a lot of major offices there. Are you working right next to it, in Singpost? Perhaps for a four letter MNC? If so, and if they're giving you Service Apartments for your first month or two, then Somerset near Robertson Quay should be an option. Ask about it if they don't present it.

Not quite, i'm working near/with ST Aerospace, so i'll be right in the middle of Paya Lebar.

ST Aero is technically NOT in Paya Lebar

It is more closer to Eunos / Bartley

I meant relatively, since Singapore is so small but split into many townships ..

Edited: You may have to shuttle to Changi as well, if you are into MRO for wide-bodies ... ST's spare capacity is / was at Changi !

I shouldn't need to shuttle to Changi, everything I'm involved with is over near ST on airport road.

Two more days till I leave for my house hunting trip and i'm nervous/excited. Really hoping I find a great place to live

scottaz2003 wrote:I shouldn't need to shuttle to Changi, everything I'm involved with is over near ST on airport road.

Two more days till I leave for my house hunting trip and i'm nervous/excited. Really hoping I find a great place to live

That's great ..

with the Circle line, prices have shot through the roof, for properties near there .. though you maybe able to find some good deals

Good Luck

I'm hoping to look for places around Robertson Quay, the East Coast and maybe take a peek at Keppel Bay

You have been here long enough to know better than that. - moderator

Tanjong Katong area will be a good option for you. You can check out several condos at Butterworth Lane, Ipoh Lane, Tanjong Katong Road, Haig Road, etc. Downtown is just 10 min by cab from there and Paya Lebar MRT is a few minutes walk. Circle line station is also nearby. Even though this area does not overlook the sea, it is a short distance from East Coast Park.