Paya Lebar

[MBTAV]

I'm moving to Singapore in December with my wife and newborn baby and was curious about the Paya Lebar area. From what I've read, it isn't among the more popular expat areas but seems to be more "city" than the other expat areas, which is more what we're looking for (plus it appears to be more affordable too!). I especially like the high density of restaurants though notice there's no major park in the area. I'd appreciate ANY feedback positive or negative on the area. It's hard to find much online. Thanks!

[hagar]

Too be honest Paya Lebar is one of the last places I would consider to bring my wife and new born baby. It is largely industrial, trading and local housing. For the next year at least there will be ongoing road works and construction as they are installing a new MRT line through there. Access is only by Bus and Taxi currently and the traffic is often very slow. Bear in mind that Singapore is not very stroller/pram friendly and I can assure you that your wife will become frustrated very quickly in this area - there is also no nearby decent shopping mall or supermarket. On the other hand if you like 24hr local food and red light night life it is quite handy to the Geylang area.

There are many nice areas to live in around Singapore including some outlying area with relatively lower rentals. My suggestion is don't decide till you get here and have had a chance to look around. It will be worth your while to take a serviced appartment for a short period and make a decision that you and your wife are comfortable with.

Note this is only my two cents worth but hope it helps. Others of course may be of a different opinion. Been here 7 years and for the last 4 travelled through Paya Lebar frequently as it is not that far from where I currently live.

Cheers

[MBTAV]

Thanks for your response. Very helpful. I agree, it's pretty much impossible to make this decision until we get a feel for Singapore. Still, it's good to know what should be ruled out.

[viajera]

off paya lebar is tanjong katong. there are lots of landed residential areas off this road. the east coast park is also just about 10 minutes by cab.

[Addadude]

I worked in the Paya Lebar area for a year (around Upper Paya Lebar Road) and it would NOT be my choice as a place to work in. (Working there kinda sucked too.) You might possibly be thinking of the Serangoon Gardens area which is quite near there. Serangoon Gardens is a nice area with lots of low-rise landed property (houses), cafes and so on but not so great if you don't have a car.

I personally consider the East Coast to be one of the nicest areas for expat familes, with lots of outdoor amenities including parks and the East Coast beach.

The usual rule for choosing a home applies though: come here and stay in a Serviced Apartment for a while and TAKE YOUR TIME about finding te right place to live. You will never get the true sense of a place or area by trawling around the internet forums. (Even one as well informed as this one! )

[spoof]

Look up Serangoon Gardens in wiki.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Serangoon_Gardens

[MBTAV]

Thanks for all your responses. Sounds like I definitely DON'T want to live in Paya Lebar. I will take a look at the Serangoon Gardens and Tanjong Katong though.