Where to live?

[singexpatusatosg]

Hi everyone,

I am going to be relocating to Singapore from the US. I'm wondering what areas should I be considering for housing? I am in my late 20s. I am hoping to find a 1 bedroom apartment, that is both spacious and well-connected to public transport. Most of the 1-BR apartments that I see online in my price range (under S$3000) seem rather small to me. That or they come furnished with really very dated furniture. Are there any condominiums that are especially well suited to someone coming from the US. If yes, which ones are these? Thanks for your recommendations!

[TropicalExpat]

Hi everyone,

I am going to be relocating to Singapore from the US. I'm wondering what areas should I be considering for housing? I am in my late 20s. I am hoping to find a 1 bedroom apartment, that is both spacious and well-connected to public transport. Most of the 1-BR apartments that I see online in my price range (under S$3000) seem rather small to me. That or they come furnished with really very dated furniture. Are there any condominiums that are especially well suited to someone coming from the US. If yes, which ones are these? Thanks for your recommendations!

What is it in particular about US condos that makes them well suited to Americans?

Well like most things if it's attractive, then it will more expensive. You need to push up your rental range or reduce your size demands.
Singapore can be very cheap if you stay in a shared HDB (public housing) or quite expensive (if you stay at spacious and convenient condos).
It is unlikely you will find cheap, spacious and convenient.

If you want a good location with decent facilities, you could try somewhere like City Square residences ... lots of expats, and close to MRT.
The size of the "condo" might actually only be the size of the bedroom - as it might be a shared condo.

[abbby]

What is your definition of 'spacious'? Many 1 bedroom units are from 400-600 sq ft. Unless you go for suburbs and older condos to get the space. You can try looking at suburb areas perhaps you can check which MRT line suits you best from your workplace.

[Max Headroom]

OP, I'm not seeing any mention to your employer. Are all job/immigration formalities settled? Because these days that would be requirement #1, given the current employment landscape. if so, then, yeah, finding a decent place to stay would be next.

[bgd]

It also depends on where you will be working. Even though Sg is small, commuting is not always convenient from some locations

[singexpatusatosg]

OP here. Thanks everyone for your responses. Thanks also for telling me about City Sq residences. That certainly looks like a decent option!

To answer your questions, I will have the option of working from home a couple days a week so I don't need to worry a whole lot about super duper easy access to work (on the west coast). But because I'll be WFH, I would prefer the apartment to be at least somewhat spacious.

Specifically, I'm looking for something in the range of 600-800 sq. ft. Preferably also with easy access to an outdoor recreation space. Alongside easy access to public transportation.

Perhaps I need to temper my expectations, huh?

(I think I'd also be open to public housing/HDBs if the condition of the apartment is good and if the apt meets all my other requirements.)

[malcontent]

In the past I have rented a 1br unit (they call it a studio, but it’s a 1br) in Sommerville Park. Because it’s an older condo, these units are relatively spacious, around 650sqft and they come with a really nice balcony. The rental can vary depending on how well the unit has been done up, but should be under $3k no matter what. Compared to other condos, the atmosphere is leafy, tranquil and laid back. The facilities are complete and include a full Olympic size pool. It’s an 8-10 min walk to Farrer Rd MRT. Good luck.

[malcontent]

In the past I have rented a 1br unit (they call it a studio, but it’s a 1br) in Sommerville Park. Because it’s an older condo, these units are relatively spacious, around 650sqft and they come with a really nice balcony. The rental can vary depending on how well the unit has been done up, but should be under $3k no matter what. Compared to other condos, the atmosphere is leafy, tranquil and laid back. The facilities are complete and include a full Olympic size pool. It’s an 8-10 min walk to Farrer Rd MRT. About a 15 minute walk to Dempsey Hill and 25 minute walk to Botanic Gardens. Good luck.

[abbby]

Hi everyone,

I am going to be relocating to Singapore from the US. I'm wondering what areas should I be considering for housing? I am in my late 20s. I am hoping to find a 1 bedroom apartment, that is both spacious and well-connected to public transport. Most of the 1-BR apartments that I see online in my price range (under S$3000) seem rather small to me. That or they come furnished with really very dated furniture. Are there any condominiums that are especially well suited to someone coming from the US. If yes, which ones are these? Thanks for your recommendations!

Go for older condos if you like more spacious units those built around year 2000+/-. Newer condos are all very tiny.