Relocation from UK

[New Arty]

Hi Guys

Just joined the forum after many weeks of reading and considering my options. I am in the final stages of agreeing a job move with a new employer and would like some advice on best areas (currently considering Ang Mo Kio or East Coast areas), what is available at approx. budget etc.

Priorities:
- your budget (approx range) - 'Reasonable' according to current proposal - Estimated $2,800 - $3,800
- your workplace/s (don't name names, just approx neighbourhood) - Defu Avenue
- the size and/or type of property that you are seeking (#bedrooms, on-site facilities etc) - min 2 bedrooms, preferably 3.
- will you have a car here? - No
- proximity to transport required. MRT-subway/buses/the airport/Malay border post (if so, which one). - 10mins to bus route for work location
- will you have any accompanying children needing to attend school? If so, age/s? - No

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? - 10-15 mins walk to supermarket
- access to any specific sport, social, and recreation facilities? - Close to cycle space would be nice, golf seems a bit too pricey !!!
- 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? - Currently live in small town, but enjoy city life (in short bursts) !!
- what is the size and type (apartment, house+garden etc) of your current home? - Currently in 1500 sqft house with 2 grown up children who will not re-locate at this time
- what are any current commute times like? - Current commute is an easy 25-30 minute motorway drive


Any feedback is appreciated

Thanks

[rarkins]

If you'd like a ~30 minute commute, consider the Serangoon, Hougang or Bedok areas. Example condos in your price range: Sunglade, Kovan Melody, The Heliconia, Astoria Park.

For places to cycle, the Strava site is pretty good for seeing where people ride: http://labs.strava.com/heatmap/#13/103. ... /gray/bike

If cycling/outdoors is a major factor then you might like being closer to East Coast Park in that case too, e.g. take a closer look at some of the Bedok condos. But take note of the bus routes to your office as there would be large fluctuations in door-to-door commute time based on your exact destination.

[bgd]

If you like cycling then East Coast is a good bet. Transport wise I'm not sure, but it would be reasonable trade off. The East Coast is a nice area to live.

I pass very close to your work location from the East Coast a couple of days a week. This probably won't help you but, on a motorcycle, it's a quick journey.

[New Arty]

Thanks for your feedback. I will let you know how I get on

[the lynx]

You can actually consider Ang Mo Kio or Bishan area. They have lovely Park Connector Network (PCN) at Bishan Park, which can connect to Kallang PCN or even the green lung area (Macritchie Reservoir, Upper Pierce Reservoir etc). Plenty of condos (and even more HDBs to rent) there but you might find those two areas have very high density. But plenty of buses go to Defu from Bishan/AMK (depending on which Defu Avenue you're referring).

Definitely easy to get cheap local groceries.

But if you're willing to pay a little bit more for more relaxed environment, then Serangoon area, especially the landed housing area. You definitely can't afford the entire house with your budget but you can share with fellow single expats who co-rent. You can check out in property sites or classifieds to co-rent. Get a room and you're probably paying around $2k for your own master bedroom. Also, many bus routes cross between Lorong Chuan area and Defu area. You can check using Google map or Street Directory.

[Strong Eagle]

- access to any specific sport, social, and recreation facilities? - Close to cycle space would be nice, golf seems a bit too pricey !!!

Golf in Singapore is very expensive, the exception being Marina Bay where those on EP will pay S$110 for a round. http://www.mbgc.com.sg/golfing/book.aspx

Many folks go to Batam and play at one of the courses there. I have played Tering Bay and Palm Springs countless times. I really like catching the fastboat over and back as part of the day. I see that Palm Springs has become quite pricey but Tering Bay remains a great value if you play regularly. You become a term member, then pay S$25 per game plus the $45 ferry fee. They set it all up for you. Female caddies, too.

There are also quite a few course in Johor Bahru, Malaysia whose rates are similar to that of Tering Bay. Some are just excellent.

[ts77fox]

If you haven't found one - one area my local friends say might be "undervalued" and quite accessible to your Defu work place is Potong Pasir ... Hope all goes well with your planned relocation.