OrchardOrchard
Why expats love it: The heart of the city that is accessible from any part of Singapore, which is no wonder that it is always bustling with activity. Nonetheless, the area around the housing estates is filled with greenery and serenity. Orchard offers all that you need, from shopping malls to quality healthcare services to International schools – all which are pretty much within walking distance. Most who work in the Central Business District would love this prime location even more, since the workplace would just be a stone’s throw away.
What’s good to eat: With the myriad of malls and hotels housing food places with a multitude of international cuisines along Orchard Road, one would simply be spoilt for choice at almost every meal.
How you can get around: The Orchard area stretches across 3 MRT stations – from Orchard to Somerset to Dhoby Ghaut – and there are also several bus services accessible to all parts of Singapore.
Popular condos in the district: Skyline @ Orchard Boulevard, Richmond Park and Four Seasons Park are some of the condominiums that are closer to Orchard MRT.
Holland VillageHolland Village
Why expats love it: As the name suggests, it is indeed a cosy and almost self-sufficient village offering all that a resident needs, with The Holland Village Shopping Centre or shops at Jalan Merah Saga in close proximity, as well as a food haven for the foodies.
What’s good to eat: Holland Village happens to be a hot favourite among the local café-hoppers, as it hosts a large assortment of restaurants, cafés and bars that boast both local and Western flavours. Residents of this area are probably the most envied by our food-loving Singaporeans.
How you can get around: One can easily access to the Holland Village MRT station, and getting to Orchard Road is also convenient due to the numerous bus services going towards that area.
Popular condos in the district: The Ford, The Merasaga and Holland Residences.
Central Bukit TimahCentral Bukit Timah
Why expats love it: Bukit Timah is renowned for its availability of large green spaces, such as Botanic Gardens, Bukit Timah Nature Reserve, and Watten Estate Playground that the kids would certainly love. It is also within close proximity to Orchard Road and several international schools, as well as the Japanese Association and British Club.
What’s good to eat: Residents can visit Coronation Plaza and Cluny Court Mall – just a 5-minute drive away – for a wide selection of restaurants and cafés. You can also do some grocery shopping after dinner at FairPrice or Cold Storage at these malls.
How you can get around: Many buses run services along Dunearn Road, and Botanic Gardens MRT is just a 15-minute walk away.
Popular condos in the district: The Hillside, Springdale, Hume Park, Southhaven and Hillview Green.
River ValleyRiver Valley
Why expats love it: This district is rather densely packed with modern high-rise condominiums, as well as some conservation houses. Sitting comfortably between Orchard Road and the Singapore River, it is a popular area among expats.. Another plus point would be the closeness to the river, which the sports enthusiasts can jog or cycle along. The path leads all the way to Marina Bay, providing an extremely scenic view along the way.
What’s good to eat: Several well-known cafés, bars and restaurants can be found along the river, with Kith Café and Wine Connection Tapas Bar & Bistro being the more noteworthy places – the ambience at these food places are bound to be pretty romantic!
How you can get around: The housing estates are mostly just a short 10-minute walk to Somerset MRT station. You could also take one of the several buses that have bus feeder services along River Valley Road.
Popular condos in the district: Valley Park, Grange Residences and River Valley Residences. Apartments above 10th floor tend to boast great skyline views!
NovenaNovena / NewtonNewton
Why expats love it: Novena and Newton are neighbourhoods with a mixture of houses, high-rise condos and HDB flats. They are located right next to Orchard, and also have 5 heartland malls around the area – talk about a spectrum of shopping options! It houses several new and sleek modern buildings, and what residents appreciate would be its location, which is adjacent to Orchard, but without the same exorbitant prices of goods and services. It is also a quiet area, as it happens to be a hotspot for hospitals (quality healthcare facilities aplenty!).
What’s good to eat: The proximity to Balestier Road enables residents to enjoy an array of scrumptious local food. Newton also has a hawker centre that is home to some renowned barbecued seafood stalls, though they may be a bit on the pricier side (it is seafood, after all).
How you can get around: The closest station would be Novena MRT, and there are also plenty of bus services that you can take along Balestier Road.
Popular condos in the district: Novelis, Soleil @ Sinaran , Novena Court and Trilight.
SerangoonSerangoon
Why expats love it: With the French School as well as the Australian International School nearby, the residences are popular with families. There are numerous gardens at the condominiums and spacious houses, suitable for large families.
What’s good to eat: One of Singapore’s most famous hawker centre, the Chomp Chomp Food Centre, can be found at Serangoon Village, and is reputable for serving the best of many local delights. For more options, residents can also head down to Nex Mall, that has excellent retail outlets and cinemas.
How you can get around: Serangoon and Lorong Chuan are the nearest MRT stations, while CTE is the closest expressway.
Popular condos in the district: The Minton, Cherryhill and Amaranda Gardens.
East Coast
East Coast
Why expats love it: As its name suggests, this district is far east of Singapore, where most landed property can be found, and is of course, the closest to the Changi Airport. Its spacious and breezy yet affordably priced property have drawn many expats to live there. Residents of East Coast are blessed with the East Coast Park – a popular hangout for families and friends, with beaches, playgrounds, parks areas, cycling/skating paths, barbecue pits, and plenty of good seafood restaurants.
What’s good to eat: The East is known for having the best cafés in Singapore, and East Coast Road offers restaurants of international cuisines ranging from Italian to Thai food – not forgetting our local delicacies as well, which are mostly of affordable prices.
How you can get around: Bus stops are aplenty along the roads, and the ECP/KPE and PIE motorways ensure accessibility of the areas in the city.
Popular condos in the district: Enjoy great sea views at Bayshore Park or Costa De Sol, and amazing waterfront river views at Pebble Bay or Costa Rhu.
As with the descriptions, Singapore is generally an accessible island with all the necessary facilities within close proximity to most residences, making them desirable living places. Happy house hunting in Singapore!
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