Joo Chiat - good place to live?

[Teenster]

We are moving to Singapore end of this year and will probably buy somewhere to live. We have given up on 9, 10 and 11 as prices for 1,500 sq ft plus are crazy. Checking out Upper Bukit Timah tomorrow. Meanwhile have seen some interesting places at decent prices in Joo Chiat area. It seems quite an interesting place (!) - good mix of old and new. To me at least, it could represent value for money. Does anyone have a view or any experiences to share regarding living in this area? Does one need to worry about the activities on Joo Chiat road? There are certainly some amazing properties there (eg Lotus).