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 a beautiful island-state, renowned for its safety, high standards of living, world-class infrastructure, and mouth-watering food. Singapore’s central location in Southeast Asia means it is a place of history, culture and art.
Where should you live on this island? This guide will help you choose the right neighbourhood in Singapore.
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. Here, you’ll be able to take your family (and furkids) out for strolls, cycling or skating at verdant spaces such as Marsiling Park, Admiralty Park and Treehaus Park.
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 children and/or pets may enjoy the extra space as an alternative to apartment living.
Read more about: Lentor Hills Residences
Tanglin
Tanglin is excellent for families looking to live in low-rise condominiums or houses with gardens. The neighbourhood, located between Holland Village, Orchard and the prime shopping belt of Singapore, Orchard Road is just minutes away. Tanglin Trust School is a British International School located in this neighbourhood.
Just a stone’s throw away is the Singapore Botanic Gardens, a magnificent UNESCO World Heritage site where you can go jogging, lay out a picnic, or enjoy musical performances at 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
The central Serangoon neighborhood is located in the northeastern part of Singapore. It has something to offer everyone. The housing ranges from HDB flats to new condos to terraced homes, and residents include a mix of locals, expatriates, especially Australians and French.
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? Besides its excellent cafes and restaurants, Bukit Timah offers a variety of outdoor activities. Explore the hiking trails and summit Singapore’s highest natural peak in Bukit Timah Nature Reserve, or take up horseriding at Horsecity, located at the former racecourse.
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. Fitness enthusiasts run, cycle or kayak in the former, which also has a treetop adventure park and four giant ziplines that cross 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. Bedok, Singapore’s largest residential estate, is a great place to meet new people.
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. Chip Bee Gardens is a private estate bordered by 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
Located downtown, Tanjong Pagar is a great option if you’re commuting to the Central Business District (CBD) for work, which is just a 10-minute cab ride or one MRT stop away.
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.
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
With Art Deco walk-up apartments that date back to the 1930s, Tiong Bahru is one of Singapore’s oldest housing estates. This hipster area is characterized by heritage hawkers and chic cafes. It also has stylish boutiques as well as a juxtaposition of low-rise historic apartments with condominiums.
If you know how to look, there are many hidden gems in the area. The contemporary yakitori joint Bincho can be found in a heritage café. An art residency studio and gallery Grey Projects can be found on the 2nd floor of a shophouse.
River Valley/ Orchard
Welcome to Singapore’s most flashy and fashionable neighbourhood. You can live your Crazy Rich Asians dream here, as you have a wide range of upscale retail and dining options right on your doorstep.
Premium condominiums dominate the affluent River Valley area, which is bordered by the Orchard shopping district 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.
Conclusion
The right neighborhood can make a big difference in your quality of living. Explore these family-friendly neighbourhoods in Singapore to find your perfect home, a place of laughter, love, and lasting memories. These neighborhoods offer everything you need for a happy, fulfilling family life. They have top-rated schools and family-friendly amenities. So, why wait? Start your search for the perfect family-friendly neighborhood today and make your home where the heart truly is.
