What neighbourhood is right 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. 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? This guide will help you choose the right neighbourhood in Singapore.
Woodlands
Located in Singapore’s northern region, Woodlands is a neighbourhood popular with families who enjoy living in suburbia, away from the bustle of the city 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.
In Woodlands, there is a large American expat community due to the presence of the Singapore American School. The Singapore American School is known for hosting fun events, especially during Halloween. This can be an excellent opportunity to meet your 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.
Tanglin
Tanglin is excellent for families looking to live in low-rise condominiums or houses with gardens. Located between Holland Village and Orchard, the neighbourhood is sufficiently removed from the din of busy roads, yet mere minutes away from Orchard Road, Singapore’s prime shopping belt. 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. Finally, Tanglin also encompasses Dempsey Hill, a former army barracks turned dining enclave known for its superb range of restaurants and bars (and free parking – a rare luxury in Singapore).
Serangoon
The central Serangoon neighborhood is located in the northeastern part of Singapore. It has something to offer 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
Do you love living near nature? Bukit Timah is not only known for its great cafes and restaurants but also offers an array 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
Another neighbourhood popular among nature lovers is Bedok, which stretches from Bedok Reservoir in the north to East Coast Park in the south. 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. To the west, there are more natural areas to explore including the Chinese and Japanese Gardens as well as the Pandan Reservoir and Jurong Eco Garden.
Read more about: Terra Hill
Holland Village
Holland Village, founded in the early 20th Century by the Dutch community of Singapore, has grown into a vibrant hub for great food and nightlife. Its quaint shophouses house everything from bakeries and noodle shops to wine bars and pubs with live music. Chip Bee Gardens is a private estate bordered by cafes and restaurants.
Holland Village is located near the Orchard area, Downtown, and Dempsey. It offers a variety of housing options, including bungalows, condominiums, and terraced homes.
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.
This neighbourhood is known as a foodie paradise. As one of four districts under the Chinatown area, Tanjong Pagar boasts many beloved hawker centres, such as Maxwell Food Centre, alongside world-class restaurants. Many dining establishments have ranked on international best-of lists, including Jigger & Pony at the Amara hotel, No Sleep Club on Keong Saik Road, and Tippling Club on Tanjong Pagar Road.
This area has undergone a significant amount of redevelopment. Most condominiums have pools, gyms, and panoramic views. If you’re interested in more unique accommodation, here’s also where you’ll find 18th-century shophouses available for rent.
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 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.
The area is also home to several hidden gems if you know where to find them. 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 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. To the south is Robertson Quay, by the Singapore River, which offers a classy array of dining options and is especially lively at night.
ProsYou can also find out more about Cons Centrally located Very high rental prices Vibrant dining and nightlifeCongestion on Weekends Bustling shopping district
The conclusion of the article is:
The right neighborhood can make a big difference in your quality of living. By exploring these family-friendly neighborhoods in Singapore, you can find the perfect place to call home – a place where laughter, love and memories are made. 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.
