5km radius of city centre

[jalanperak]

Cheers. Holland Village was an area my wife tagged but I was unsure of safety for them due to the anti-terrorism barriers / HDB flats.

I had to look this up, since I wasn't aware of any "anti-terrorism" barriers in Holland V. The main area is closed to traffic, and traffic around it is terrible due to the MRT construction, but it's probably safer than just about any area in Singapore. I always thought the "barriers" were to allow the area to be pedestrian friendly, but I guess they may have been put up after 9/11 to prevent car bombing (the area is adjacent to a few embassies). Also, while I doubt you'd want to live in an HDB flat, and your budget will easily allow you to find a decent condo, I wouldn't equate their proximity to being "unsafe," or unpleasant.

Clarke Quay isn't exactly close to North Bridge Rd, but I guess this means you'll be working at the river end of the road, and will be using the City Hall MRT station. HV will have a Circle Line station open near the end of this year, and it won't be too bad of a commute (CC to Buona Vista, then EW to City Hall ) once it's open. Until then it might be kind of inconvenient.

[expating]

To the O/P and Jalan Perak

Strongly suggest that you check out Pandan Valley and Ridgewood Condos (adjacent to each other). Both are large condos - older but v.v spacious units, you can find lovely renovated ones. Lots of expat famiies, loads of facilities eg. mini-marts, tennis courts/, playgrounds, pools.

Pandan Valley and Ridgewood are within easy walking distance of the bus stop on the main Ulu Pandan Road; (this is across from the Excelsior International School (it may show up on maps as the Emaar International School which was the previous name) there are numerous buses going to various destinations eg: Holland Village, Orchard Rd, Botanic Garden, MacRitchie Reservior, Vivo City, Chinatown & North Bridge Rd plus some local 'towns'. There is a loop service bus no. 92 to Ghim Moh and Buoan Vista MRT station which you alight along Mount Sinai/PV. There is also an executive bus service (BusPlus?) which is non-stop in the mornings to the financial district.

Even better, you can walk to Dover MRT station from Ridgewood and Pandan Valley Condos by taking the path alongside Fontana Heights Condo on Mount Sinai Drive; it's a pleasant walk adjacent to the canal to the MRT station and takes approx 11 mins.

Other condos which should come in around your budget in this vicinity are Cavendish Park and Astor Green. All the condos I've listed are in a great location for public transport, whether by bus, MRT or taxi. Probably best to google a map search of these streets; Pandan Valley, Mount Sinai Drive and you will be able to see where the condos, MRT station and roads are located.

[BinDrinking]

Yes, the barriers at HV were put in place round about 9/11. The theory being that expats in bars might be terrorist targets. The idea wasn't that ridiculous as at the time the authorities did arrest a number of terrorist suspects who amongst other things had been found to be videoing potential target buildings that mainly housed US owned companies

As others have pointed out though, the barriers have the effect of pedestrianising the road and thereby making a rather more pleasant place to spend and evening.

[Long Time SG]

To be specific, Lorong Mambong (the lane in Holland V where the restaurants and pubs are) was closed to vehicles after the first Bali bombing.  I would hardly call it "anti-terrorism barriers" - it's two little metal arms across the roadway that two cops come and put down each night around 7pm! 

[ancientunits]

To the O/P and Jalan Perak

Strongly suggest that you check out Pandan Valley and Ridgewood Condos (adjacent to each other). Both are large condos - older but v.v spacious units, you can find lovely renovated ones. Lots of expat famiies, loads of facilities eg. mini-marts, tennis courts/, playgrounds, pools.

Pandan Valley and Ridgewood are within easy walking distance of the bus stop on the main Ulu Pandan Road; (this is across from the Excelsior International School (it may show up on maps as the Emaar International School which was the previous name) there are numerous buses going to various destinations eg: Holland Village, Orchard Rd, Botanic Garden, MacRitchie Reservior, Vivo City, Chinatown & North Bridge Rd plus some local 'towns'. There is a loop service bus no. 92 to Ghim Moh and Buoan Vista MRT station which you alight along Mount Sinai/PV. There is also an executive bus service (BusPlus?) which is non-stop in the mornings to the financial district.

Even better, you can walk to Dover MRT station from Ridgewood and Pandan Valley Condos by taking the path alongside Fontana Heights Condo on Mount Sinai Drive; it's a pleasant walk adjacent to the canal to the MRT station and takes approx 11 mins.

Other condos which should come in around your budget in this vicinity are Cavendish Park and Astor Green. All the condos I've listed are in a great location for public transport, whether by bus, MRT or taxi. Probably best to google a map search of these streets; Pandan Valley, Mount Sinai Drive and you will be able to see where the condos, MRT station and roads are located.

However, the OP has specifically said that he does not like the older style condos and these ones are positively ancient and to be honest bloody disgusting!

[Avoid]

I can't talk about Ridgewood (although I love the Thai restaurant there!) but I now live in PV. I would not advise a newbie to try it. It suits us (huge space, grassy yard for the kids, it's cheaper etc) but it's basically an HDB with a pool. It's convenient for us (schools nearby, an express bus for hubbie straight into work), and there's a good mix of people, locals and expat, but the gym is not fit to be called one and many of the units are in a poor state. I think it's nice to stay more centrally when you first arive. It will give your wife a chance to walk around and really get to know whats available in the central area. She's the one that really needs to get to know Singapore and feel comfortable here. My husband practically lives in his office - it's the same for many here so it is very important that the wife and children feel that they can be happy here. Although perhaps 'happy' is too strong a word...

[Addadude]

Perhaps the Op could checkout the Harbourfront/Vivocity area - that would include the Caribbean at Keppel Bay and Harbourlights. Both of them are within easy walking distance of Harbourfront MRT. Slightly further west you can look at Harbourview Towers or even the Pasir Panjang area. (There are plenty of busses into town from there and journey times are in the region of 10 to 20 minutes.) Slightly more central, you can check out Mount Faber Lodge which is beautiful though quite old and The Pearl which is quite new. Both of these condos are on bus routes (124, 166, 61) that will go past Clarke Quay. They are also within a 15 minute stroll of Harbourfront MRT and Vivocity. I think they would be better bets than City Square if you have young kids.

[AusinSingas]

Thank you for all your helpful advice. My wife and I'll google these tonight once the kids are in bed. It's starting to look a lot more promising than early last week.

[AusinSingas]

Another question...

If say we decided to take an older apartment for a bigger space... what are LL's like in terms of us modernising it with a coat of paint etc?

[Go There]

Before the BM's delete this post, check "world wide web dot gothere dot sg" to get an idea of accessibility of properties -- with all the details you can get: distance and travel time by bus, car, MRT; bus #, bus stop and MRT station as well as cost of taxi fare. Not sure why as this is not a property website but a useful tool for everybody...

[favourite]

Perhaps the Op could checkout the Harbourfront/Vivocity area - that would include the Caribbean at Keppel Bay and Harbourlights. Both of them are within easy walking distance of Harbourfront MRT. Slightly further west you can look at Harbourview Towers or even the Pasir Panjang area. (There are plenty of busses into town from there and journey times are in the region of 10 to 20 minutes.) Slightly more central, you can check out Mount Faber Lodge which is beautiful though quite old and The Pearl which is quite new. Both of these condos are on bus routes (124, 166, 61) that will go past Clarke Quay. They are also within a 15 minute stroll of Harbourfront MRT and Vivocity. I think they would be better bets than City Square if you have young kids.

That's my favourite part of town.I don't know but if anyone gave me a choice between the traditional expat areas like RV,Orchard,HV and Marina Bay , Harbourfront,I would choose the latter

[SAE]

Another question...

If say we decided to take an older apartment for a bigger space... what are LL's like in terms of us modernising it with a coat of paint etc?

Things like a fresh coat of paint are standard here, even if the LL has had the place painted after the last tenants you could ask him to repaint if you want a particular colour in some of the rooms.  Some LL's will even change kitchen cupboard doors and provide new curtains if the existing ones do not match your colour scheme.  Remember to make sure that the washing machine, dryer, dishwasher, microwave are all in good condition as again you can ask for these to be updated.  These kinds of things are negotiable when you sign the letter of intent. However, if you get too fussy the LL will not be so open to reducing the rent down from the asking price.   When we first arrived here we did not know how this worked and found that the actual thought of negotiating for things to be included in the rental was extremely wierd, where I have lived before when you rent a place it is "as is" and there is certainly no negotiations.   

[AusinSingas]

I find asking the LL to change this, that and everything completly mental. If my tenant asked that I'd tell them to go jump! Good to know though

Will check out gothere, thanks for that! We are no closer to a decision, however now have a great list of properties to check out.

Thank you so much everyone for your kindness and help. Hopefully I can help out in the future (or my wife) when we are over there.

[Anke]

In Tanjong Rhu, you could check out Pebble Bay Condo. The units are nice enough, spacious, there are great facilities (although pool will be upgraded now for a few months but then they never close all pools) and a large compound right next to the river. MRT is across the footbridge at the Stadium. 2-3 BR are available in your budget. Go for river views. Casuarina Cove is another one in Tg Rhu which is lovely but smaller and less facilities although good for small kids, look for a renovated unit. Propertyguru is your friend:-) Be very specific when using agents. There are a few who listen and provide good service. Find one you like and let them work for you. There is really plenty out there, don't worry.

[Try this]

Look at Emerald Garden, it's in district 1, you can walk to work.  Probably can get a 3 bedder of about 1200 sq ft for 5K.