Expat-Friendly Neighbourhoods in Singapore; CBD Living & Central

Expat-Friendly Neighbourhoods in Singapore 

Singapore may be a small sunny island state but if you are wondering where to live, the answer is: it depends! From walk-ups to hipster neighbourhoods, to residences in the heart of the city, there are plenty of housing options to choose from. Each neighbourhood also has a lot to offer, with some that are great for families and others that are perfect for young professionals. 

We know that deciding on a neighbourhood in a new city is no easy task, so let us help you with the initial research. Here is the first instalment of a 3-part series where we break down popular expat-friendly neighbourhoods in Singapore by regions: CBD & Central, City Fringe and North, South & West. 

In this article, we look into expat-friendly neighbourhoods in the heart of Singapore – the CBD and Central districts. Living in these areas come with a heftier price tag, but also puts you within arm’s reach of the city’s entertainment and shopping hotspots. Expect to find mostly high-end condominiums in the CBD, while a greater variety of housing, including landed houses and bungalows, can be found in the Central district. 

Living in Singapore’s CBD 

Living in Robertson Quay puts you near the CBD and in the centre of nightlife and glitz. With the many bars, restaurants, and cafes, your after work hours and weekends will never be the same again. Situated next to the Singapore River, there are many high-rise condominiums that offer riverside living or views of the city skyline. Just a twenty-minute walk or short car ride to the CBD, Robertson Quay is also very accessible by trains and buses to other parts of the city.

River Valley

An alternative to Robertson Quay is the nearby River Valley – a quieter residential district, that still has dining and nightlife options at its doorstep. It is also a stone’s throw away from Orchard Road and the CBD. For some greenery, head to Fort Canning Park, which boasts outdoor lawns and occasional performances. River Valley has many high-end condominiums that range from olderstyles with larger square footages to newer studio or two-bedroom apartments. While there are no MRT stations nearby, River Valley is well-served by bus. 

Tanjong Pagar 

Step into Tanjong Pagar and you will find the streets with quaint, historic shophouses as well as a plethora of dining options. From cheap and local delights at Maxwell Food Centre, refined dining around Duxton Hill to a large choice of bars around Ann Siang Hill and Keong Saik, just to name a few. There is also no lack of cafes in Tanjong Pagar – making morning coffee runs and weekend brunches a breeze. 

Tanjong Pagar borders the CBD, which makes it a popular neighbourhood for young couples and high-income single professionals, who appreciate the short commute to work. Most of the housing options are high-rise condominiums, that tend to have a smaller square footage at higher prices.

Marina Bay

Marina Bay is the perfect place to call home if you like to have the CBD and waterfront views at your doorstep. One of the most exclusive residential districts in Singapore, there are only a handful of high-end and high-rise condominium properties in Marina Bay, among them The Sail and Marina Bay Residences. Be forewarned, living in Marina Bay comes with a very high price-tag but the premiums are aplenty. You will find yourself just minutes away from the world-renowned Marina Bay Sands Integrated Resorts, Gardens By the Bay as well as the finest dining and entertainment options. 

Living in Central Singapore

If you’re looking to be at the heart of Singapore and all its happenings – Orchard Road is the place to be. Between the glossy malls, restaurants and entertainment options for all ages, there is never a dull moment in Orchard. Its wide, tree-lined sidewalks make for perfect strolls with the kids or just pop into the extensive network of air-conditioned underground tunnels to beat the heat. 

Orchard Road also offers a respite from bustling city life in its residential areas that are tucked away from the shopping belt. There are plenty of luxury high-rise apartments on Grange Road, Scotts Road, Cairnhill, to name a few. To have niceties at your doorstep, you will have to pay a premium but it comes with plenty of public transport options to let you save on travel costs. You will also be in the proximity of Chatsworth International School and country clubs like The Tanglin Club and The American Club.

Tanglin

Serving as a gateway to Orchard Road, Tanglin is its more quiet and prestigious counterpart. Surrounded by embassies, there are many condominiums, landed houses and bungalows sprawled around the area. While it does not offer easy access by public transport, there are many amenities available, from shopping to fine dining and entertainment. The nearby Dempsey Hill is a lifestyle enclave that hosts great restaurants, art galleries, spas, speciality grocers as well as boutique shops that sell furniture, apparel and more.  Tanglin is home to the Singapore Botanic Gardens with lush, expansive green spaces and plenty of kid-friendly activities. There are also international schools nearby such as the Etonhouse International School. 

Is Singapore’s CBD or Central Neighbourhoods For You? 

If you have a generous relocation package or a bigger budget, the Central and CBD districts of Singapore are great neighbourhoods to live in. Whether you are a single professional or family, you will enjoy unparalleled accessibility to a plethora of amenities for your every need, such as renowned international schools, diverse dining options, exquisite entertainment hotspots and more. 

Expat-Friendly Neighbourhoods in Singapore City Fringe 

Looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life but still have its dining and entertainment hotspots within reach? Then look no further than the City Fringe. There are housing options and amenities that are perfect for all types of expats in Singapore – from single professionals, couples or families with kids. 

Previously, in part 1 of this 3-part series on expat-friendly neighbourhoods, we covered the Central & CBD districts of Singapore. Here, in part 2, we will now explore the City Fringe, where you can find out more about the popular expat neighbourhoods of Tiong Bahru, Newton & Novena, and East Coast. 

Tiong Bahru 

Tiong Bahru is not only Singapore’s oldest residential neighbourhood but also an artsy one – with its art-deco architecture and shophouses. Adding to its old school charm is the Tiong Bahru Market – a wet market (also a great place to buy plants!) with a food centre on the second floor. While there are many older residents who continue to live in the flats and shophouses, Tiong Bahru also boasts a hip, happening and gentrified side. 

In the last decade, this area has seen an emergence of trendy tenants – from cafes, bookstores, yoga studios, and speciality stores for apparels, groceries, music records and more. Hipsters aside, Tiong Bahru is also home to many expats, including those with kids. Even though the neighbourhood is served by one main mall – Tiong Bahru Plaza – it has all your grocery, retail and entertainment needs. Besides, getting to the city is a quick bus ride away or two MRT stations away if you are going to the CBD. Housing options in Tiong Bahru include walk-ups, condominiums and public housing. Although most of these properties are older, there are also newer, more established ones like Highline Residences. 

Newton & Novena

Living in Newton and Novena puts you relatively near Orchard Road but away from the hustle and bustle of it. They are popular with expats because of the area’s good mix of family-style housing (landed properties, condominiums and cluster homes) and the suburban, laidback lifestyle that it offers. Furthermore, it is near several international schools such as St Joseph’s Institution International School and Australian International School. 

Newton and Novena are served by three main shopping malls  – Velocity @ Novena Square, Square 2 and United Square – that have a great selection of restaurants, retail outlets and even enrichment centres for the kids . There are also plenty of green spaces interspersed within the estate, including MacRitchie Reservoir Park, which is great for treks or family-friendly activities. More recreation facilities are available at the nearby members’ only Singapore Island Country Club. . 

Newton and Novena are served by the North-South MRT line that might require a short walk or bus trip to get to. However, there are also buses around the estates to get you to the city or CBD in no time. 

East Coast (Marine Parade, Katong & Siglap)

East Coast is where the sun, sand and sea meet spacious rental homes that do not cost an arm and a leg (as compared to Sentosa, a popular beach getaway with Singaporeans and expats). It is a quieter residential district which appeals particularly to couples and families, who love green spaces and proximity to the beach. Neighbourhoods like Marine Parade, Katong and Siglap that make up the East Coast enclave are all well-serviced by supermarkets, neighbourhood malls and other amenities. There are also plenty of eateries and bars that line Katong and Joo Chiat – serving a variety of local and international cuisines.. 

Housing options in East Coast are a mix of HDB flats, condominiums, walk-ups, landed houses and bungalows. That being said, there are several developments that are just a few minutes’ walk from East Coast Park, where a myriad of sporting and recreational activities, as well as seafood restaurants, are available. 

Another reason for East Coast’s popularity among expat families is the presence of international schools like Global Indian International School and United World College East Campus in the area. . 

East Coast’s proximity to the CBD, Airport and Paya Lebar Business District, makes it great for frequent travellers. The upcoming Thomson-East Coast MRT line that runs through neighbourhoods in the area will soon make travel even easier. 

City Fringe in Singapore is Essentially City Living still

Whether your priority is to be near amenities with expat-friendly activities, international schools or simply to have the beach close by, there is bound to be a neighbourhood in the City Fringe for you. Housing options are also more varied compared to the City & CBD areas and getting into the city is just a matter of minutes by car.  

 

Expat-Friendly Neighbourhoods in Singapore; North, South and West 

Singapore may be small, but it has neighbourhoods to suit different lifestyles and needs – and this does not just apply to areas in the City and City Fringe! Neighbourhoods in the Northern, Southern and Western parts of Singapore also have plenty on offer for expats who are single professionals, couples or families with kids. With the exception of Sentosa & Keppel Bay in the South, moving further away from the city gets you housing that has more space and better value. Do not fret – Singapore’s extensive road and public transport systems ensure that you can still get to the city in no time. 

In part 3 of this 3-part series on expat-friendly neighbourhoods in Singapore, we explore Singapore’s North, South and West neighbourhoods such as Sentosa Island, Holland Village, Bukit Timah and more. 

SOUTH

Sentosa Island 

Sentosa Island is the epitome of resort-living, where it is home to some of Singapore’s most affluent residents, who live in waterfront condos and landed houses. Naturally, this resort-island has no lack of amenities for its residents – with restaurants, bars, golf courses and spas. There are also great advantages of living in a gated community, especially for families with kids, as it offers a sense of familiarity and unity amongst the neighbours.

The primary drawback to living in Sentosa is the commute to ‘mainland’ Singapore. Sentosa is not serviced by public transport but is connected via car or a direct tram to Harbourfront MRT station. Some of the residences even offer shuttle services to the CBD too.  

Harbour Front & Keppel Bay

If you are looking to be near Sentosa but still stay on the “mainland” of Singapore, Harbour Front and Keppel Bay are perfect for you. While you do not have the beach at your doorstep, you can still be treated to waterfront views of the marina from condos such as Keppel Bay View, Reflections at Keppel Bay and The Carribean. The nearby Vivocity shopping centre, has all that you need – from the supermarket, a plethora of dining options, and even a cinema. In case it gets too crowded on the weekends, just hop on the MRT at the adjoining Harbour Front station to get to the city within minutes. 

WEST

Holland Village

Holland Village has long been popular with expats due to its cosy neighbourhood feel. So do not expect to find big shopping malls here, Holland Village is all about the quaint and bohemian, with a mixture of restaurants, cafes, concept stores and bars. It is also well-served by amenities like supermarkets and schools surrounding the area such as Nexus International School, Tanglin Trust School and United World College (Dover).  Many popular expat haunts are also in the vicinity such as the members’ only Hollandse Club and Swiss Club. 

Housing options in Holland Village range from landed housing, condos and apartments. Be sure to check out the terrace houses and walk-up apartments at the adjacent Chip Bee Gardens, that once served as living quarters for the British Armed Forces. In terms of accessibility, HolIand Village is within proximity to One North business park, has good transportation links, as well as buses and MRT that lead directly into the city. 

Bukit Timah

To the north of Holland Village is Bukit Timah enclave, which is known to be a largely residential area with a suburban feel. Bukit Timah is another popular neighbourhood for expats with families, thanks to its proximity to international schools and pre-schools like German European School, Chatsworth International School, Nexus International School, Dulwich College and Hollandse School. On the weekend, there is a wide range of kids’ activities awaits at the nearby Turf City and Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden. Nature lovers can also rejoice at Botanical Gardens and Bukit Timah Nature Reserve. 

The Bukit Timah enclave is a mixture of landed houses, cluster houses and condominiums that are well-served by small malls, cafes, restaurants, supermarkets and even speciality grocers around the neighbourhood. The nearby expressways and Downtown MRT Line that runs through the neighbourhood, allow for quick access to the city and CBD. 

North

Woodlands

Large houses at reasonable prices, to boot – a rarity in Singapore – are readily available in Woodlands. American families are often drawn to Woodlands thanks to the close proximity to Singapore American school and the all-familiar suburban feel that this neighbourhood offers. Here, you can get landed houses with a front porch, garden or even a private pool. Other housing options include HDB flats and condominiums, with surrounding amenities that provide all that you essentially need. Between Causeway Point, Vista Point, Woodgrove Shopping Centre and more, there is a great selection of supermarkets, dining, retail and entertainment options. 

While commuting to the city or CBD from Woodlands might take you longer than from other parts of Singapore, great transport options make the journey seamless. The North-South MRT line has several stations in the area (Marsiling, Woodlands & Admiralty) and the Woodlands Regional Bus Interchange operate buses that go all around Singapore. 

North, South and Western Parts of Singapore

If you are not fussed about a slightly longer commute to the city, then check out the Western and Northern parts of Singapore. On the upside, you will find housing options that are more spacious, family-oriented and value for money – all with a good range of amenities to offer. For those looking for a resort lifestyle, Sentosa and its slightly more affordable counterpart, Keppel Bay will be the perfect option. Either way, with Singapore’s extensive public transport systems, getting around within these districts or to the city is never a hassle.