Dear oatyandco
I have a feeling that you are suffering from serious information overload. naturally the internet is a HUGE source of information and forums like this one are a true blessing to newcomers to Singapore. However, very often the information that you find here or elsewhere in internet land is confusing to say the least; you rarely find info set out in any kind of useful order and people use terms and acronyms blithely, without regard to the lack of reference points that a Singapore newbie has.
I'm almost afraid to answer your queries because I might end up causing even more confusion. My main piece of advice would be to go and find youself a Singapore guidebook. Virtually any of them will do (as long as they are up to date). Yep, it's a bit old fashioned compared to going online, but at least the information about Singapore will be presented in a useful order and it will assume no knowledeg on your part about Singapore. Additionally, a guide book will be well edited so you can be fairly sure that the information within is accurate.
I arrived here in Singers nearly 14 years ago with only a tiny Berlitz book to guide me. (I also had a copy of Cultureshock Singapore which was virtually useless.) The Berlitz book was all I actually needed and before I stepped off the plane in Changi Airport, I already had my bearings about the place and an understanding of mysterious acronyms like ECP, PIE, CBD and MRT.
Having said all that, I'll try to answer some of your questions.
East Coast/West Coast: as the terms imply, they are areas in and around the East and West coasts of Singapore. Generally the East Coast is more a favourite with expats because of its low-rise, small town, suburban feel. Closer to town, around the Tanjong Katong area, there will be more high rise apartments. Further East, around the Siglap, Upper East Coast Road areas, you'll find lower rise housing. In general, living in the East Coast puts you near the beach/sea. The West Coast area has a smaller expat enclave around Pasir Panjang. In general, the West is more of an industrial/local area and, although there are quite a few cosy spots, I suspect that you and your family would prefer the East Coast.
Raffles: Because Singapore was founded by Sir Stanford Raffles, Raffles is a very commonly used name here; you'll find a hotel, school, art college, various businesses etc all named after him. From the sounds of it, your husband will be working in Raffles Place which is Singapore's main financial district. (If you were to google photos of Singapore, the Raffles Place skyline would probably be the most common image and its soaring skyscrapers feature prominantly on most Singapore guide books.) Raffles Place has its own MRT Station (called logically enough Raffles Place) and thus is within 30 mins of most parts of Singapore that have an MRT line.
Areas to live in: other then the afore mentioned East Coast area, it sounds like Holland Village would meet your requirements in terms of trendy restaurants, bars and shops. It's a true expat enclave and rentals are priced accordingly. The main Holland Village area is undergoing major construction work for the new Circle Line MRT station so traffic and noise is pretty bad.
House with garden: of course its possible to get a house with a garden - if you have the housing budget. For what would be considered 'a proper expat-standard house', you are probably looking at a monthly rental of Singapore $8,000 and above. If you set your sights a bit lower, the Opera Estate in Singap (East Coast) may have houses that are smaller but more affordable. However there won't be that many expats staying there.
Another alternative would be smaller, low-rise
condominiums with big balconies or patio areas. Smaller
condos usually make it easier to get to know your neighbors and make friends. Unfortunately many of these older
condos are going for enbloc these days so, even if you move in, you may have to move out within a year. Please refer to other threads that discuss this enbloc-mania that is gripping Singapore - I don't have the energy to discuss it here!
No car: No problem! Singapore is VERY easy to get around in. I haven't had a car since I moved here (I think I've forgotten how to drive!) and I don't really miss it. the bus service is very reliable and taxis are fairly cheap but sometimes hard to get when you really need 'em. (Don't get me started on them!) If you are living near an MRT station it is even easier.
Hope all the above helps. But please get one or two Singapore guide books to make everything a bit clearer!
It will all make a lot more sense when you get here.
