Dakota area

[mayz945]

New here. My company is relocating me to Singapore at the end of the month and ill have 4 short weeks, minus work travel, to find a flat. I've spoken to some realtors and a couple of them have recommended the Dakota area as it's very convenient for my commute to work.

Has anyone lived in the area? Would you recommend it? Good for restaurants/cafes/hawkers/food markets/gyms/pool centres?

Thanks in advance for any advice. Cheers

[curiousgeorge]

It seems oddly specific to say "Dakota area".

We might be better able to advise if you tell us more about what you are looking for: your max bearable commute times, the kind of lodging you are looking for, the kind of area you want to live in, amenities, near expats etc.

Dakota is an odd part of town, for me. Its not quite as dingy as Geylang (which is nearby) but its not smart and neat like typical East Coast condos.

It might look on a map like its a nice commute to the CBD on the circle (yellow) line, but the red, green and purple lines can all deliver you there in short order from considerable distances.

[the lynx]

Dakota is nice. With a mix of local (HDB) and expat (condo) neighbourhoods. You have the famous Old Airport Road hawker centre nearby. Singapore Sports Hub stadium and swimming pool is just two stations away, as well the dragon-boating/kayaking centre at Kallang River. Geylang is close enough for good local food/durian and "cultural studies". There are some nice brunch places at Goodman Road area, across the river from Dakota. Tg Katong Road is famous for restaurants and small quaint pubs. Depending on where you work, Dakota to Bras Basah/Promenade/Dhoby Ghaut (part of the city centre) via Circle Line are only 4-6 stations away.

[zzm9980]

Dakota is deceving because it is so close to Geylang, and the condos there are right next to some older HDBs. But on the other side just over the river, you have one of the richest parts of Singapore (Tanjong Katong) loaded with landed houses larger than castles. You are a short 10 minute walk to Tanjong Katong Rd, which has a good amount of nice bars, cafes, and places to eat. You have a park connector along the river (exercise/walking/biking trail). You're right next to the MRT. 2 minute walk.

The most important question is what Curious George asked: What is your expected commute time? If you don't need to be within a 2 minute walk of the MRT station I would look on the other side of Tanjong Katong Rd. Something between Haig Rd on the west, Still Rd on the east, Crane Rd/Joo Chiat Place on the north, and the beach on the south. This will give you an amazing amount of options for shopping, food, and local entertainment. You're a bit farther from the MRT, but depending on where you're commuting to there are dozens of bus lines, express busses, and private buses. I live right in the center of that square and can walk to Dakota MRT in 15 minutes. (Or, take a 5 minute/$6 cab ride to/from it)