Neighborhoods other than Orchard Road

[humid climes]

Before getting steered by our housing agent, I want to ask for some independent advice on where to live.  We'll probably end up in the Orchard Rd area as it seems very convenient but I want to consider other options.

Must be near public transportation, esp MRT.  Don't want to rely on taxis and want to be near the city center.  Husband has car, I don't.  No kids.  Would like a view, either of a park or some urban- or harborscape.  Near to restaurants, pubs, shopping.  Have SOME package money to spend.

Have almost ruled out:  Holland Village (transportation); East Coast (husband's work on West side); anything far out.

Where are "The Quays"?  What's Chinatown like?  What else is there?

Thank you very much for taking the time to help.

[BoardManager]

Singapore is very compact. Transportation is generally very convenient and relatively cheap. In that sense it does not really matter where you live. But having a focussed zone to be living in will help both you and your real estate agent in the quest. Orchard Road is of course the most convenient. For the same reason rentals are higher. Space may be smaller.

Any idea how much your rental is?

Trust your housing agent. Of course there are agents and there are agents. A good and experienced agent can be your best friend. He is the specialist.

We will be happy to help if you need any assistance at all.

BM

[Alyssa]

Jervios Road is great. Very quiet and withing close walking to the MRT depending on what part of Jervois you would be staying. Close to Orchard and close to River Valley. We used the board manager and found a great place in 1 day.

[This message has been edited by Alyssa (edited 08-03-2002).]

[humid climes]

Thanks, BM, for your advice.  Just want to assure you that it's not that I don't trust the agent, it's just that at home anyway, agents tend to decide for themselves -- based on money, lifestyle, yes even race -- where you would be happiest.  Apparently, though, my husband and I are a bit unusal in our tastes compared to our peers.

Anyway, not sure of our exact allowance but I think it is reasonably generous.  WE may have to compromise on some things, but WHERE we live is most important.

THanks for the Jervios recommendation.  I'll check into it and River Valley.  

Now, about living closer to downtown?  The Quays?  Chinatown?

Thanks so much to anyone willing to take the time.

BM:  I appreciate your offer to help.  I've read all over this board about how good your services are.  Unfortunately, my husband's company has their own agent.  My apologies.

[a local]

the usual expat enclaves are:
orchard and its surrounding areas (tanglin, scotts, paterson and further - river valley; balmoral, chancery, newton, novena)
bukit timah, upper bukit timah, clementi,ulu pandan and holland areas
east coast (katong/siglap and surrounding areas)

the heartlands (HDB estates - apartments) normally within walking or 5 minute feeder-bus distances from a bus-stop or MRT station. (the nearest ones to orchard are toa payoh, ang mo kio and bishan)

other residential burbs with houses (mostly local residents) - thomson, upper thomson, sembawang, seletar, serangoon gardens etc.

not sure about the chinatown area. clarke quay and riverside areas (nearer downtown business area - shenton way) apparently have new condo developments there too.

there are bus-stops and mrt stations (as well as cruising cabs) almost everywhere in singapore so nowhere is really inaccessible or inconvenient.

hope that helps in your house-hunting.  

[abc]

I love the area we live in - the hill behind plaza Singapura (i.e. next to Istana). Residential, quiet, green (I have a view on old collonial mansion), several supermarkets, walking distance to Orchard, Suntec, Little India, the River. Dhoby Ghaut MRT is two minute walk. Rentals are half of Orchard's. Depending on your budget, you can get 3B for 2k, prety decent; or you can get penthouse 3B for 4.something. There are 3 condos with a pool, but I prefered the no-pool little buildings. The public tennis courts, swimpools, basketball, etc. are within walking distance. If you come and walk around (entry via 3-rd floor of Plaza Singapura, carry map; or entry via Peace Centre intercestion), you'll see "for rent" signs on the windows/entry gates. That's how we found our place. If you pop me an email, I can collect 2-3 numbers for you (no fees for me, I walk the area every day). Cheers.

[abc]

"The Quays" are the restaurants' area by the river. Yes, it is pleasant there. Also the major night club area is close to them, too.

[evehow]

Would you still want to stay near Chinatown with all those construction going on?

The MRT is currently digging a tunnel through Eu Tong Sen street.  Last time I was there the roads are still being diverted.  Maybe someone more up to date can give a better report.

Stick to Orchard area if you have the budget.  Or somewhere further out such as Newton or Novena....

[Aceman]

Tiong Bahru Area? Alexandra?Anchorpoint area?

[nualum]

We live on River Valley Road and are delighted with the location. It is within walking distance of the Somerset MRT stop plus plenty of buses. You can walk to Orchard Road for shopping or people watching. Likewise, you can walk to three different super markets and three different cinemas. When we go to concerts at Victoria Concert Hall, we walk home, stopping at Clarke Quay for a drink and more music. Another thing about River Valley, at least at the end where we live, you can get taxis any time of the day or night within two or three minutes. Taxis use River Valley to circulate around Orchard. In 18 months getting to work, we have only felt it necessary to phone for a taxi about five times--and those times it was raining in torrents. Otherwise, out the door and a free cab is available almost instantaneously. We are leaving here in April and wonder if we will ever live in such a convenient location again. All that being said, abc's locale sounds very good as well.

[N'Awlins Lady]

I noticed that you mentioned you would like nice views/parks, etc.  We live on the East Coast (Tanjong Rhu Road).  Camelot complex is beautiful, views of river on one side-sea on other - lots of cool breezes.  The units are very large and have modern, open living areas.. Beautiful pool, and it's nice to be away from the "maddening crowds" of Orchard, I think.  We both work in Jurong (West coast)  Depending on what time your hubby travels to and from work, the drive can be 30-40 mins. with proper timing. The bright side - beautiful views, lots of cool breezes, close to MRT - short bus that leaves from right out front, very close MRT station and then zip...you're in the city.  Downside - can be long drive if you don't drive to work at the correct times.  (We leave for work by 7-7:15 a.m. and try to leave from work no later than 5:30 p.m.  We love the green areas, water views, slower pace on the East coast and think the drive, even on "bad" days, is worth it.