Areas and suburbs in Singapore
Singapore is a small city-state (712 sq. km) made up of a main island surrounded by several smaller islands. The nation is divided into 28 districts, and these districts can be grouped into five main areas: north, south, central, east and west.
Though it’s not the largest location, choosing an area or suburb in Singapore to make home can nonetheless be a daunting task, and the best neighbourhood for one person may not be ideal for another. Keep in mind that your country of origin, your lifestyle priorities, your family makeup, the location of your workplace and your personal preferences will affect your decision.
Factors to Consider
As an expat, you must also have a clear understanding of the housing terminology, and the state in which housing is offered. Accommodation can be selected on a fully furnished, partially furnished or not at all basis. Partially furnished basically implies the inclusion of a stove, an oven, curtains, air conditioners and a washer/dryer.
Types of accommodation
The city, including the main business district (CBD), is at the south point of the island and consists of tall apartment and condo buildings. This is the commercial hub of the city-state, and the lifestyle found here is very different from that of the rest of the island.
The city is ideal for executives, both young and old, who enjoy the hustle and bustle and easy access to primary amenities, like shopping, entertainment and restaurant venues (i.e. Clarke Quay, Marina Bay and Robertson Quay).
Housing is predominantly found in high-rise condos and apartments (some services or fully-furnished) that tend to come with shared amenities, like pools and gyms. Pricing varies from reasonable to very upmarket; though, this is generally considered the most expensive area of Singapore.
►Pro: The city affords a cosmopolitan lifestyle, and great access to everything. Getting around is easy with taxis and free shuttle buses.
►Con: Housing is, however, more costly than accommodation found outside the hub. Also, the general lack of greenery, and the high levels of noise as a result of traffic and on-going construction can have an impact on general living conditions. Construction carries on late into the night, including on Sundays.
The central area, including the districts of Serangoon, Bishan, Ang Mo Kio and Thomson, is a popular location for expats to find a home. Residents can easily access the city via the CTE, main highways, and plenty of MRT entry points; a typical trip to
the city via the MRT takes about 30 minutes.
Furthermore, the Australian school is located in Serangoon, making the area ideal for families.
The housing choices range from HDB flats to apartments clusters, landed houses and bungalows. There are large-scale, older residential estates in Ang Mo Kio, and more upmarket modern estates in Bishan and Thomson. Housing is costlier in these districts.
The area is green with lots of trees, and is much quieter than the districts closer to the city. The population is a blend of expat and local, old and young, and excellent parks, restaurants and shopping facilities abound.
►Pro: Lots of green areas, and still not too far from the city. Local food markets and excellent shopping venues are in the area.
►Con: Travelling during peak hours is, however, a problem with very busy roads and MRT transport system utilised to the full.
Districts 25 to 28, Woodgrove, Woodlands, Sembawang and Seletar, are home to many American expat families due to the presence of the Singapore American School.
The area is considered far from the city, but in truth, is only about 12 miles (18 km) away and is connected by the CTE highway. From the Woodlands district you can actually see Malaysia, and there is a causeway bridge that connects the two countries.
The area is lush with greenery, and features golf courses, plant nurseries and reservoirs.
►Pro: Very green area with estate type living conditions, and the Woodlands area hosts the largest international school. The area is very self-sufficient and has several shopping facilities that cater specifically for expat needs.
►Con: The districts are, however, far from the city, and getting to and from can be very challenging due to traffic.
The eastern area of the island includes the districts of Marine Parade, Bedok, Psir Ris, Tampines and Changi.
The Changi International Airport is situated here, and the neighbourhoods claim a character that marries the old and the new; both HDB Flats and landed properties can be found here. The streets are narrow and lined with angsana and palm trees, and the coast-hugging Marine Parade and East Coast Park make idyllic destinations for family weekend picnics.
The residential areas are mainly populated by people who work in the airline related industries; though, overall there is a diverse population and there is excellent access to amenities, restaurants, schools and shops.
►Pro: Not far from the city with a living at the coast type lifestyle; lots of parks and beach facilities. Condominiums are larger and less expensive than those in the city, and retain a sense of community.
►Con: Having a car is a definite advantage, as access to public transport is not as good as in other areas.
The western area comprises districts 21 to 24, and includes Bukit Batok, Clementi, Jurong, Upper Bukit Timah and Tuas. The neighbourhoods in this greater space vary widely in appearance and nature, but overall, they are densely populated with excellent amenities all around.
Bukit Timah is a district centred on education, and is made up of renowned institutions, lush suburban shopping facilities and rich foliage. On the other hand, Jurong claims large industrial and residential areas, landscape parks and a golf course.
The world famous Singapore Zoo and Jurong Bird Park are also located here. Lush greenery is also in no short supply, with a few remaining farms situated in Lim Chu Kang.
►Pro: Rentals are more affordable and this is a great area for families with kids and pets to live. Properties are more home style with gardens.
►Con: This area is home to the shipyards and docks, which does add some noise.
Though it’s not the largest location, choosing an area or suburb in Singapore to make home can nonetheless be a daunting task, and the best neighbourhood for one person may not be ideal for another. Keep in mind that your country of origin, your lifestyle priorities, your family makeup, the location of your workplace and your personal preferences will affect your decision.Factors to Consider
- Your budget
- The type of dwelling your prefer
- Proximity to schools (for those with kids)
- Pet-friendly environment (for those with furry friends)
As an expat, you must also have a clear understanding of the housing terminology, and the state in which housing is offered. Accommodation can be selected on a fully furnished, partially furnished or not at all basis. Partially furnished basically implies the inclusion of a stove, an oven, curtains, air conditioners and a washer/dryer.
Types of accommodation
- HDB Apartments (Government built and rules that apply)
- Apartments and Condos
- Landed Houses (Predominantly multi storey)
- Bungalows (Traditional houses with gardens).
Areas and suburbs of Singapore
The City
The city, including the main business district (CBD), is at the south point of the island and consists of tall apartment and condo buildings. This is the commercial hub of the city-state, and the lifestyle found here is very different from that of the rest of the island.
The city is ideal for executives, both young and old, who enjoy the hustle and bustle and easy access to primary amenities, like shopping, entertainment and restaurant venues (i.e. Clarke Quay, Marina Bay and Robertson Quay).
Housing is predominantly found in high-rise condos and apartments (some services or fully-furnished) that tend to come with shared amenities, like pools and gyms. Pricing varies from reasonable to very upmarket; though, this is generally considered the most expensive area of Singapore.
►Pro: The city affords a cosmopolitan lifestyle, and great access to everything. Getting around is easy with taxis and free shuttle buses.
►Con: Housing is, however, more costly than accommodation found outside the hub. Also, the general lack of greenery, and the high levels of noise as a result of traffic and on-going construction can have an impact on general living conditions. Construction carries on late into the night, including on Sundays.
Central
The central area, including the districts of Serangoon, Bishan, Ang Mo Kio and Thomson, is a popular location for expats to find a home. Residents can easily access the city via the CTE, main highways, and plenty of MRT entry points; a typical trip to
the city via the MRT takes about 30 minutes.Furthermore, the Australian school is located in Serangoon, making the area ideal for families.
The housing choices range from HDB flats to apartments clusters, landed houses and bungalows. There are large-scale, older residential estates in Ang Mo Kio, and more upmarket modern estates in Bishan and Thomson. Housing is costlier in these districts.
The area is green with lots of trees, and is much quieter than the districts closer to the city. The population is a blend of expat and local, old and young, and excellent parks, restaurants and shopping facilities abound.
►Pro: Lots of green areas, and still not too far from the city. Local food markets and excellent shopping venues are in the area.
►Con: Travelling during peak hours is, however, a problem with very busy roads and MRT transport system utilised to the full.
The North
Districts 25 to 28, Woodgrove, Woodlands, Sembawang and Seletar, are home to many American expat families due to the presence of the Singapore American School.
The area is considered far from the city, but in truth, is only about 12 miles (18 km) away and is connected by the CTE highway. From the Woodlands district you can actually see Malaysia, and there is a causeway bridge that connects the two countries.
The area is lush with greenery, and features golf courses, plant nurseries and reservoirs.
►Pro: Very green area with estate type living conditions, and the Woodlands area hosts the largest international school. The area is very self-sufficient and has several shopping facilities that cater specifically for expat needs.
►Con: The districts are, however, far from the city, and getting to and from can be very challenging due to traffic.
The East
The eastern area of the island includes the districts of Marine Parade, Bedok, Psir Ris, Tampines and Changi.
The Changi International Airport is situated here, and the neighbourhoods claim a character that marries the old and the new; both HDB Flats and landed properties can be found here. The streets are narrow and lined with angsana and palm trees, and the coast-hugging Marine Parade and East Coast Park make idyllic destinations for family weekend picnics.The residential areas are mainly populated by people who work in the airline related industries; though, overall there is a diverse population and there is excellent access to amenities, restaurants, schools and shops.
►Pro: Not far from the city with a living at the coast type lifestyle; lots of parks and beach facilities. Condominiums are larger and less expensive than those in the city, and retain a sense of community.
►Con: Having a car is a definite advantage, as access to public transport is not as good as in other areas.
The West
The western area comprises districts 21 to 24, and includes Bukit Batok, Clementi, Jurong, Upper Bukit Timah and Tuas. The neighbourhoods in this greater space vary widely in appearance and nature, but overall, they are densely populated with excellent amenities all around.
Bukit Timah is a district centred on education, and is made up of renowned institutions, lush suburban shopping facilities and rich foliage. On the other hand, Jurong claims large industrial and residential areas, landscape parks and a golf course.
The world famous Singapore Zoo and Jurong Bird Park are also located here. Lush greenery is also in no short supply, with a few remaining farms situated in Lim Chu Kang.
►Pro: Rentals are more affordable and this is a great area for families with kids and pets to live. Properties are more home style with gardens.
►Con: This area is home to the shipyards and docks, which does add some noise.
