City or Suburbs

[Dark Star]

We are arriving in Singapore in July for 2 years and cannot decide whether to look for an appartment in the City or go for a bigger place in the Suburbs and rent a car.
We like the idea of being Central as my wife will be working near Novena.
However, we have a 3 year old who is typically active and would we would prefer somewhere with a bit more space (Garden or park nearby).
We have been given a budget of $4000 for rental of a house/appartment.
Can anyone advise please.
We would also like to hear from those parents with toddlers about living in Singapore.
Many Thanks

[evehow]

If space is your concern, being at the "city" or away from it doesn't make a difference.  Singapore is a densely-populated country so almost every inch is occupied by some building.  You'd be hard-pressed to find open space here unless you live in a house and stay next to a park.

Novena is hardly in the city (for that you should be looking out for names like Orchard and Raffles Place) but it is a nice place to be at, and quite near to town.  

If a park is really what you're looking for, consider staying near Tanglin or Farrer which is quite close to the Botanical Gardens, or Thomson which is near to to MacRitchie Reservoir.

[financial planner]

Many houses with gardens available in your range , just need to look and find good agent . Old Black and whites fetch premium so modern is better . Plenty of space in Sing I have a three year old and he loves everywhere he goes . Get a car and get out of town , you probably will need a car anyway so enjoy .

[HI]

Look for things around "Chancery Lane" or Balmoral or Thomson Road.  That area has great kids facilities - particularly at United Square at Novena - kids music classes, activity classes, play groups.  There are quite a lot of playgrounds around too - and if you are near Novena MRT you just step on the train to Orchard and go to the Forum for the indoor playgound - more kids classes, the new kid's gym etc.  Great area

You could get a town house with a yard - email the board manager he'll be able to help.

[momofour]

Singapore is very small that you can get around the whole island in just about one hour.  

I found that its easier to make friend for the kids if you live in a big apartment complex.  Singapore is hot all year long and its good to have a swimming pool.  A lot of the apartments have play ground area and swimming pool where the kids garther around to play especially during the weekend.  

I live in a private house, and found that it is more difficult to keep the kids happy, since I have to shuttle kids friends from our house to theirs.  Unless you go up to place like Woodland, near American School, big expat community, where whole neighborhood is littered with little kids playing out in the streets.   But, Woodland is bit far to commute, about 45 min each way.  I guess compare to the states or UK its not that long a commute, but you get very spoiled fast when you live in Singapore...  

Good luck~

[expat1]

Agree with Momof4 above.  Condos have playground and pools and it is easier to meet families with kids.  It's hot all year round so you will really appreciate the pool.

[convenient]

i believe the novena area will have its own park/playground area soon. they are doing an area upgrade.
there's united sq nearby which is full of kids stuff and forum mall (and orchard) is a 10 minute mrt (train) ride away.

singapore is quite small. the botanic gardens or macritchie reservoir prk is a mere 10-15 minutes drive away from novena.

[Living on an Island]

I don't think there are many houses right in the middle of the city (at least, not with a bit of land attached).  For that, you have to go a bit further out.  I don't know much about Holland Village, Orchard, Novena etc, but where I live on the east coast, there is a good mix of houses and condos, so there's lots to choose from.

I don't believe a car is a necessity here and we have no intention of getting one.  I know a lady with a baby and a young daughter, and she just gets taxis everywhere or walks.  she does her shopping on the internet and seems to manage just fine.  You can get ez-link cards for the buses, which makes them really user friendly.  You top the card up at the MRT and then use it every time you board the bus (saves having to fumble around for change every time!)

for me, the priorities of a place to live would be: Open space nearby, couple of shops within walking distance, on a bus route, easy to get to MRT if needed, easy to get to work, schools/kindergartens fairly close (or within one easy bus journey), plus families living nearby to get to know.

condos are often a good choice for people first arriving, because you get to meet other people quite easily, plus they usually have facilities such as a pool/playground etc.  we live in quite a big condo and believe it or not, we see (and hear) less of our neighbours here than we did living in a house in the UK!

If you can't come for a visit before you move here, then I'd suggest a serviced apartment for a while, to give you time to get a feel for the place.  then you can do some house hunting without feeling too pressured.

[momofour]

I don't know about some of you out there who like to send the kids to classes and tuitions.  I think, just my opinion so don't kill me~, kids need to have free play time with other kids, especially when they are young.  Playing in the playground not only promote physical coordination but also the social skills to get along with other kids.  
OK, having said that~  Have you been to the McRitchie Reservoir?   Its beautiful place, peaceful, quiet, but I have never seen kids there playing. Its wonderful place for walking and taking it easy.  There are kids from local schools who come to run there for PE.   How much do you think a BEAUTIFUL place would mean to a 3 year old?  My young ones always prefered noizy place with lots of kids.  

 Can you tell that I am pushing for condo?  hehehe...

[blue jean]

Agree with the above posters. Must say Thomson is a good place to stay, Thomson Road is one one long road that connects to town past Novena with lots of amenities, parks and reservoirs and many private(huge houses and condo apartments).

If you go further down Thomson away from town you can enjoy more parks that cater to many residential estates. Past Macritchie Reservior, you have parks
like Bishan park (lots of open space with cycling, fishing, jogging tracks etc) and reservoirs (Lower Peirce & Upper Peirce, with nature walks and hiking ) that you can easily access.

[.]

There are no "suburbs" in Singapore, it is a city-state. You can get to most places within an hour if you stay close by the MRT so there is little need for a car.

[* * *]

And when you drive, make sure you don't engage the cruise control - you will end up in the sea within half an hour.

[* * *]

Think of as island slightly bigger than the Isle of Wight and you will know what I mean.

[Perhaps]

Perhaps the East Coast area around Marine Parade would be good. Close to the ocean (don't swim there), and there is also a parkway for biking, roller blading and a fantastic seafood centre.

For the money you have budgeted, you could get a very large condo with all the facilities and about 10 mins to downtown by cab. Huge shopping centre (Parkway Parade?) You may save as well (like we did) and put the money in the "taxi kitty".

If you are looking for a big mix of nationalities, instead of congregating around your own nationality, I would recommend this East Coast area.

P.S Not the closest for Novena, but if you have a car you should be fine. I find the East Coast a bit more laid back and quieter than central. Good for the kids too

[real estate 101]

living on an island,

"don't think there are many houses right in the middle of the city (at least, not with a bit of land attached). For that, you have to go a bit further out."

there are actually lots in the city proper but these are prime (read: expensive) land bec of their proximity to the city.
east coast is considered 'further out'.
topping the list is bukit timah, holland, chancery, newton (even orchard - behind near paterson has houses). sought after districts 9,10 11.

novena (also district 11) has mainly condos and a housing estate of mainly terraces and semi-d's.

there's also upper thomson further along (teacher's estate) which is all mainly single houses (mostly local residents), then sembawang, seletar and serangoon gardens.

all mostly houses with land attached.