woodlands property

[angel]

Are there any condos in the Woodlands area or is there just houses to rent?  When I look on some of the real estate web sites for condos in district 25 they only offer one-Woodgrove (I think).  We really want to have a pool and to be near other expats so I was told to get into a condo environment.  But now I am concerned that there aren't any near the American school.  Personally, I wouldn't mind living in the Orchard area but from reading some of these posts it sounds like it is a pain to drive the kids to school everyday or that they have to get on the bus too early.  My husband will work near districts 9 & 10--Napier Rd.  I am confused.  I know everyone is sick of housing questions but please someone be kind and ease my mind.  Thanks to all.

[Paul N]

There are two condos immediately adjacent to one another in "Little America."  The Woodgrove is one and the other is something like Woodgrove Condominiums.  You may want to check them out first, as I don't recall there being a plethora of expats living in the Woodgrove Condominiums.

There are other condos along Adam Rd that are quite popular w/ the expat crowd.  They are called Arcadia Gardens.  I know of at least a dozen expat families that live there.  It is a bit closer to Orchard, yet close enough to SAS to only be a 15-20 minute bus ride or a 10 minute drive.

[BoardManager]

Housing and other amenities in the American School vicinity would take a while yet to be better developed. SO options are fairly limited for the moment.

In any case, many American families prefer larger premises for their homes, which would be more likely possible with houses, not condos. Most condos tend to be 'smallish', even with 4 bedrooms of 1700 to 2000 sqft.

You may want to consider living in a house near the school, and have the adults commute to/from work as well as recreation. It is very much easier to have the adults travel about, especially when they drive.

[Boston Family Sing. bound]

Hi Angel,
I live in the Woodlands.  Paul is correct about there only being two Condos in SAS area.  The Woodgrove in an older building,amenities not being a strong point, very small pool and not much else.  The Woodgrove Condominiums is a much larger complex of condos with a good sized pool, tennis courts, small gym, and a mini mart, I think.  Only down side is size, rooms are very small in unit I viewed.  Have a friend in a much nicer unit, maybe what is available at any one time. Good sized to very large houses are available with small pools but much more expensive than condo.  An intermediate possibility is Century Woods which is a brand new development right next to SAS.  Townhouses - smaller rooms again, but no pools.  If you need any other specifics regarding Woodlands please feel free to email.
Melissa

[wife]

You would be far better off living in the Holland Village vicinity as the school bus journey is not too bad at all - and better yet, Napier Road changes it's name and becomes Holland Road just after the US Embassy/Gleneagles Hospital & Botanic Gardens. Holland Village is approx 1 mile westbound from there on Holland Rd, just 5 minutes by car and about 10 mins on the numerous bus services. I guess your husband will be working at the US Embassy? Read the other postings here about the family moving from the States with teenagers - but you will surely have a real expat experience meeting other nationalities  living closer to town and all the amenities rather than being stuck out in Woodlands.

There is a *huge* choice of condos near Holland Village, esp in the vicinity of the junction of Holland Road and Farrer Road. The SAS school buses go up Farrer Road onto the expressway to the school, so it is a popular location. Also consider Arcadia Gardens, but not so good if you don't have a car. Unless you know what your monthly housing allowance is going to be it is difficult to give names of condos worth checking out - they all vary a lot depending on size, age, facilities etc.

I would think that Woodlands is likely to be a very boring place for wives unless you want to spend half your time in the car to go to town for shopping and expat association get-togethers and the excellent attractions in Holland village!  

[Pat]

Dear Wife,
 On the contrary, the wives in Woodlands are NEVER bored. You see we are a pretty friendly neighborhood, so it is very much like the states where we just get together here at each others house. No one really has to have a car here.
As far as Holland Village goes I just went this weekend, for the first time in over a month.
It really depends what you like to do, and where you want to go.  

[Boston Family Sing. bound]

Hey Pat,
Thanks for looking out for us 'Woodlands Wives'.  I like it here in the Woodlands too. Can't say that I have ever been bored.  I think it depends a lot on what you like.  I was down in Holland Village day before yesterday and didn't enjoy it. That's what makes the world an interesting place to live, our differences!
Happy Woodlands Wife #2