Moving to Singapore: Which Neighbourhood is for You
If you’re thinking about where to live in Singapore, we’ve got you covered.
Singapore is an island state that’s known for its high-quality infrastructure, safety, and delicious food. The island’s position at the heart of Southeast Asia also means that it’s a place where history, art and culture intersect – everything you could ask for in a new home
Where should you live on this island? Here’s a guide to the neighbourhoods of Singapore to help you decide.
Woodlands
Woodlands, located in Singapore’s north, is a popular neighbourhood for families who prefer to live in the suburbs, far from the hustle and bustle of the centre. You can take your family and pets for a stroll, a bike ride or ice skating in the verdant parks of Marsiling Park. Admiralty Park is also nearby.
The Singapore American School is the reason for the large American community in Woodlands. They’re known to host fun events – particularly during Halloween – which can be a wonderful opportunity to connect with the neighbours.
As for housing options, in addition to the usual flats, you’ll find plenty of landed houses with gardens at reasonable prices. Families with pets and/or children may prefer the extra space to living in an apartment.
Tanglin
Tanglin offers low-rise condos and houses with gardens that are perfect for families. The neighbourhood, located between Holland Village, Orchard and the prime shopping belt of Singapore, Orchard Road is just minutes away. This is also where you’ll find Tanglin Trust School, a British International School.
The Singapore Botanic Garden is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you can jog, picnic or listen to musical performances on the Shaw Foundation Symphony Stage. Tanglin includes Dempsey Hills, an ex-army barracks that has been transformed into a dining enclave. Parking is free, which is a rarity in Singapore.
Serangoon
Located in the northeast of Singapore, the fairly central Serangoon neighbourhood has something for everyone. Housing ranges from HDB apartments to new condominiums to terraced houses, and residents are a good mix of locals and expatriates – particularly Australian and French, since the Australian International School and the International French School are right around the corner.
Serangoon Gardens, a charming area, is organised around a cluster of dining establishments including Italian restaurants and the Chomp Chomp Hawker Centre.
Bukit Timah
Love living close to nature? Bukit Timah is not only known for its great cafes and restaurants but also offers an array of outdoor activities. Explore the trails in Bukit Timah and climb Singapore’s highest peak. Or, take up horseriding, located on the site of the former racecourse, at horsecity.
The recently restored colonial-era Bukit Timah Railway Station is worth exploring as well. It lies along the 24km Railway Corridor, which is popular with hikers and cyclists. There are also several Singaporean top schools in the area, including Chatsworth International School and Swiss School Singapore.
Bedok
Bedok is another neighbourhood that’s popular with nature lovers. It stretches from Bedok Reservoir to East Coast Park. The former is a regular spot for fitness enthusiasts who run, cycle, kayak or dragon boat, and features a tree-top adventure park with four giant zip lines running across the water.
At East Coast Park, you can fish at the jetty, visit famed seafood restaurants, or simply enjoy the sea breeze by the beach. As Singapore’s most populous residential estate, Bedok is also ideal for making friends with new neighbours!
West Coast/ Clementi
West Coast, along with Clementi District adjacent to it, is the perfect neighbourhood if you are looking for a peaceful respite. The East Coast counterpart is less congested, but still offers beautiful open spaces for relaxation. A number of Japanese schools are located in the area, which has led to a large Japanese expat community.
West Coast Park is home to a variety of amenities, including a dog park, an adventure playground and areas for kite-flying, waterfront cycling and archery. Further to the west are even more natural spaces to explore, including the Chinese and Japanese Gardens, Pandan Reservoir, and Jurong Eco Garden.
Holland Village
Established in the early 20th century by the Dutch community, Holland Village has evolved into a buzzy hub of great food and vibrant nightlife. The quaint shops in Holland Village house everything from noodle and bakeries to pubs and wine bars with live music. Across the road is Chip Bee Gardens, a private housing estate fringed by a stretch of cafes and restaurants.
Situated close to the Orchard, Downtown and Dempsey areas, Holland Village offers varied housing options including condominiums, bungalows and terraced houses.
Tanjong Pagar
Tanjong Pagar, located downtown, is an excellent option for commuters to the Central Business District. The CBD is only a 10-minute taxi ride away or one MRT station.
The neighbourhood is a well-known food haven. Tanjong Pagar, one of the four districts that make up Chinatown, is home to many hawker centres like Maxwell Food Centre and world-class restaurants. Many restaurants have been ranked in international best-of lists. These include Jigger & Pony, located at the Amara Hotel, No Sleep Club, on Keong Saik Road and Tippling Club, on Tanjong Pagar Road.
The area has also undergone significant redevelopment, and most condominiums come with pools, gym facilities and views of the skyline. You can also rent 18th-century shops if you want a more unique experience.
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Katong
Katong, a district with a rich Peranakan heritage and Eurasian culture, is full of personality. Its main artery, Joo Chiat Road, is lined with trendy shops and cafes that make the area a favourite hangout on weekends, plus bars and restaurants that make it ideal for a fun night out. Housing is available to suit different needs. From terraced houses to high-rise apartment with an ocean view, there are many options.
Tiong Bahru
Tiong Bahru, with its Art Deco walkup apartments dating back to 1930s is one of Singapore’s oldest housing estates. This eclectic hipster neighbourhood is characterised by heritage hawkers, chic cafes, stylish boutiques, as well as the juxtaposition of historic low-rise apartments with newer condominiums.
If you know how to look, there are many hidden gems in the area. For instance, contemporary yakitori joint Bincho is concealed within a heritage coffee shop; art residency studio and gallery Grey Projects may be found on the second storey of a shophouse; and a World War II air raid shelter opens to the public only for official guided tours.
River Valley / Orchard
Welcome to the Singapore’s flashiest and most fashionable neighbourhood. Here, you can live out your Crazy Rich Asians dreams, with swanky retail and dining establishments right at your doorstep.
River Valley is a wealthy area dominated by luxury condominiums. The Orchard district borders it to the north. Robertson Quay is located south of the Singapore River and offers a variety of fine dining restaurants. It is particularly lively at night.
The conclusion of the article is:
Choosing the right neighborhood for your family is an important decision that can have a lasting impact on your quality of life. Explore these family-friendly neighbourhoods in Singapore to find your perfect home, a place of laughter, love, and lasting memories. From top-rated schools to family-friendly amenities, these neighborhoods have everything you need to create a happy and fulfilling family life. Why wait? Start your search for the perfect family-friendly neighborhood today and make your home where the heart truly is.