East Coast versus Orchard area

[Pro's & Con's please]

We have been here nearly two years living in the Orchard area.  Our lease is about up and we are considering moving to the East Coast as we think we might get more value for money over there (we pay rent ourselves at $2500).  Can I have comments (constructive!!) about what people think with regards to living in the East Coast (transport, location  etc) compared to living in Orchard.  We personally think Orchard is a bit overated.  We have often heard people say that living in the East Coast is isolating and the transport (we use public) is difficult to get to.  Any comments appreciated.
My husband works in the CBD and our son will be going to Chatsworth (on the school bus).

[interloper]

Hello there

East COast has good restaurants, "local" atmosphere, east coast park, plentiful buses & MRT stops, nearer to Changi airport & pubs/places of interest.

In terms of pricing of equivalent accom (vs Orchard) - have a peeky-boo about......east coast can be pricey - but you'll find it a pleasant cahnge i'm sure from the Orchard area!

Happy Hunting
'loper

[East Coast]

Personally, I would love to live in the Orchard area to be able to go out of the house and stroll around. We don't have any children and living here can really be isolating. We live in Tanjong Rhu in a big (or should I say huge?) condo (rent is 5000), taxis are easily available, and the life (especially with a child) is relaxed (swimming pool and other activities...).

[Ostermann]

Been living on U. East Coast Rd for 2 yrs and found living here is more convenient than Tj Rhu. Buses running: 14 stop in Orchard Rd up to Tanglin, passing Suntec and Raffles City. 197 (from Bedok Sth Ave.1)stops at Parkway Parade shp ctr, goes to Bugis, City Hall and all the way to Alexandra (IKEA). Also heard that 10 goes to Sentosa.

Bus Plus takes us to Suntec/ Millenia am and pm (only operates during rush hours, fare is $4). This is like a minivan so only takes abt 10 pp.

Plenty of small restaurants/ cafes both for local food and western. Our faves are Margaritas (Mex), Al Forno, House of Sunda (Indonesian), Canadian Pizza, Werner's Oven (German Goulash and Pork Knuckle) and seafood at seafood center (the best is Red House)

[JD]

I live just off Upper East Coast Road and wouldn't want to live near Orchard Road. Its quiet here, with nice coastal breezes.Siglap is just down the road with various restaurants. #10 bus will also take you to Tampines Mall, #14 also goes to Bedok town centre.
East Coast Park just down the road which we use a lot. Takes no time at all to get to and from the airport. Cold Storage charge sensible prices as opposed to the inflated Holland Village prices.
Tanjong Rhu area seems a little isolating to me but then I have never lived there. When I want/need to go into town it doesn't take very long to get there and as previous posters have said the bus/MRT routes are all convenient for the main parts of Orchard Road.
We have a large house-6 beds, big garden and pay just over $5K per month(-although we did bargain hard and agreed to accept what we consider to be a couple of minor faults.) It all depends what you consider to be important in your life. My husband works in the centre of town and did NOT want to be able to see his office from the lounge window! The journey home gives him chance to wind down after the day.
Hope these comments help.

[Ditto...]

I was in the same boat as you about 5 years ago, as I lost my expat perks.  Had to move from the Orchard area - decided on Upper East Coast Rd area - overall, it is great, especially on weekends, as it is easy to escape the crowds and soak up the seaside atmosphere.  The seabreezes are also fantastic if you are higher up.  

Re: transport - mornings and late evenings can be a pain if you do not have a car, as the SBS services are really slow and painful.   Busplus is the way to go if you can get on it.  I looked at Tanjong Rhu area - nice condos, but they seemed to be very isolated.  I'd be looking for something close several of the main bus routes.   Katong area and Siglap are brilliant for food.

[Tg Rhu]

I live on Tg Rhu and find it very convenient. 158 bus hooks up with all routes into town or you can walk over the river to the national stadium and get a 16 or 608 to orchard/shenton way. You can, if energetic, walk to the raffles area in about 30 mins - I've walked home from work on occasion from this area.

[interloper]

Tg Rhu

Don't u "Sweat like a pig" - walking 30 mins outside.

I'd baste in my own juices if that we're me.........

Ta
'loper

[PB]

I live in Tg Rhu and wouldn't live anywhere else.  I just love jumping on my bike and heading down to the beach in the mornings for breakfast - great way to start the day.  It's quiet here but we're only 10 mins away from the hustle and bustle if you want that.  Also I don't find transport a problem but you may find it a hassle after being used to the convenience of Orchard Rd?  Apartments are also bigger over here (so I'm told) and I couldn't do without my big balcony overlooking the river - bliss!

Interloper - I've done the walk too - only recommended after 5pm and walk slowly!

[Siglap]

We live just off the Siglap/Upp East Coast strip and love being sandwiched between all the shops (bakery, coffee houses, Thai restaurants, Siglap Centre..) and the beach. Plus it's still quite close to Orchard, etc.

One warning about Tanjong/Costa Rhu area: It's really "dead" and you really need a car. If you want to hail a cab, forget it unless you take it during the high times when expats come home! You may suffer a bit of shock coming from the bustle of Orchard. I know some women who love their apt but hate the lack of amenities around it.

[odile]

where is east coast ? and whats the nearest MRT station ?

Im moving to singapore and my husbands work is near tanah mera and singapore expocentre MRT ? Where could I find good 3-bedroom houses closest ? Im looking for furnished ones and closer to MRTs but with good surroundings as in parks, swimming pools etc..

[Lisa H]

I live on Tanjong Rhu road and I have never had a problem catching a taxi at any time of the day or night.  My husband can even get a cab at morning rush hour without prebooking one.

[Pro's & Con's please]

Thanks everyone for your useful advice.  We were thinking more the Siglap area as we have heard the shops, amenities etc are good there.  Well, we are still thinking of what to do.  Just keeping an eye on the papers at the moment to see what is around.  Thanks once again.

[mj]

Odile -
Tanah Merah is on the East Coast.  As other posters have said it's a good place to stay.  Most condos have their own pools, gyms, play areas but if you want a house there are plenty of small parks scattered about.

[Dodgy]

I live in Tanah Merah, huge 5 bed house with facilities for price of two bed condo in Holland Village. Less night life (but with the price of beer this is a good thing), great cycling ,lots of walks with a relaxed laid back, local atmosphere. Cinema's and good shopping close by at Eastpoint and Tampines Mall.......Saying all that , if you want hustle and bustle and the feeling of being "in amonsgt it" Orchard it has to be...you'll be mistaken for a tourist everyday though.....