what's rep on Novena area?

[serenitynow]

will be settling in singapore soon. have heard from a few friends and acquaintances that novena is a nice neighborhood to live in. i've previously explored east coast and areas down southwest. east coast seems to be more residential - not too much excitement other than your apartment complex's facilities and the east coach beach, of course. also, malls are not walkable. southwest ... is hilly? i just remember a lot ups / downs and turns. why do you think novena is recommended?

[Weiss]

For one novena is very central -- near to the town so shopping is a breeze.

[Grim Reaper]

It is central as said and it has a mall and facilities. Otherwise than that, just another place, nothing special about it.

Imho east coast beats it easily. Even driving to CBD from east coast would be faster than from Novena to CBD.

And prices are way more up in Novena.

[sundaymorningstaple]

I lived in the Novena area for around 3-4 years. Jln. Merlimau to be exact (semi-D). Was within walking distance to Novena church, MRT, Goldhill plaza & Square and TTS Hospital & Thompson Medical Centre. Also, now the Novena Mall above the MRT and IRAS (Booooooo!) It's also only a 20 walk to Orchard Road if you are of a mind to. Only 2 MRT stops to Orchard. Just as quick to Toa Payoh as well. No beach however! Would much rather have lived on East Coast but company was paying for it. both have their pluses and minuses.

[jpatokal]

Novena is nice. Not much in the way of nightlife (unless you nip around to Balestier St for bak kut teh and chickens), but it's very central, there are great eating options and it's easy to get anywhere. And now esp. with Novena Sq tripling its size you can get most of your shopping done there too.

[Rich D]

A lot of the places in Novena are new and quite small compared to the older units. You will have a wider choice if you also look the other side of Thomson Road into the Newton area.

I had 4 great years in Surrey Road and then moved to Dunearn Gardens off Newton Circus when they built on the field outside my window. Fantastic for access to Orchard, nightlife, food and no need to drive into the CBD when its only a few stops away on the MRT. Anyway, I never had to wait more than 15 minutes for a taxi even at peak times.

Loved the area, only moved out when I bought a place and my priorities changed with kids in tow.