Hello all!
I will possibly have the opportunity to relocate from Texas to Singapore for two years and am beginning the process of getting things together. Probably wouldn't be moving until the end of this year so there is time to plan.
A few key details:
- I work for a large company, relocation support, living/rent expenses, etc will all be taken care of by my company. The dollar amount per month is unknown at this point though.
- I am a 27 year old male and will be moving with my 25 year old wife that works for the same company, so we will be working in the same location in Singapore which will be nice (trailing spouse).
- Rarkins asked questions regarding wife/family, my wife and I will work in the same location and work will be our number 1 priority. No plans for kids while there, so family friendly location is not required.
- I will be working on Orchard street by the YMCA north of Fort Canning Park.
- Being close to work and not having a long/wet/hot commute is probably the number one most important thing on my list. I am used to the climate due to living in Texas most of my life, but I only spend 3 minutes outside of air conditioning in my commute now since I am able to drive. I will be allowed to take a trip there to tour different living arrangements before making a decision and actually moving.
Just a couple of questions to start off:
1. I did use the keylocation.sg website and it seems really good for finding living close to the area I will be working in. Are there any other websites to note or any other key things to look out for? I also see so many of the listings show $4,000 SGD negotiable, how negotiable are these prices? Down to $3,900 or $3,500? A big negotiation or a little, I guess is my question.
2. Are there any FAQs or guides for people moving from the US to Singapore that I should be aware of?
3. Any things I should begin researching now while I am still several months away from the move?
Thank you!
EDIT - I've added the below Where should I live template questions:
Priorities:
- your budget
$3000-$4000 SGD
- your workplace/s
Near YMCA, 5 minute walk from Dhoby Ghaut station
- the size and/or type of
property that you are seeking
1-2 bedrooms (I see some listings that just show 1/2 bedroom and no bathroom, is that a shared bathroom situation or they just don't list it?), would like to have a gym onsite and probably a pool. I would like to live fairly upscale, wood floors in living area, granite, etc
- will you have a car here?
No
- proximity to transport required.
Would like to get to work in around 15-20 minutes if possible. Main concern is being out of the elements, so 15 minutes on the train would be fine but 15 minutes walking not so much.
- will you have any accompanying children needing to attend school?
No
- are you looking at private
No
- will your employer being funding any fees; or will you, 'out of pocket'?
Employer will provide set amount for rent expense, will include large raise to cover living expenses, will pay for all relocation costs, will pay for a pre-move trip to explore locations
- is remaining within a national curriculum important; if so what nationality are you?
No
- have you identified any such schools yet?
N/A
Nice to have:
- will you need to be able to say walk to the local shops, a library, your doctor, a market, and so on?
Train is fine, don't go shopping much and grocery store once a week. Would be nice to be able to walk to a few restaurants though
- access to any specific sport, social, and recreation facilities?
Not a big deal, don't mind taking the train or walking far to do a sport.
- are you considering bringing any pets. If so what kind, and will they require outdoor access and/or exercise?
No
- are you considering bringing any parents/in-laws etc? Do they have specific needs (for example difficulty climbing stairs?)
No
Your current home and commute:
- are you already a city dweller? i.e. Are you used to city-centre hustle and bustle, or would you hope for a bit more peace and quiet?
I live in Houston, which is a big city but doesn't really have the big city feel. In general I'm open to any type of living I believe.
- what is the size and type (apartment, house+garden etc) of your current home?
Large 2500 sq/ft multi-story townhome. Obviously will be changing a lot and moving to a smaller apartment. I don't think room is too big of a deal. We don't have furniture now so keeping the space small is probably preferred so it's less to furnish and easier to take care of.
- what are any current commute times like?
Current commute is about 25 minutes each way in air conditioning the entire time (car).