Location Suggestions

[CCC78]

Hi, I'll be moving from Ireland to Singapore in September with my wife. I'll be working in the international business centre. My wife is planning on looking for a job once we're there so no location for that yet.

We're in our late twenties. We're looking at rent of S$3K-5K, the lower the better!

I suppose we're looking for the usual... 2 bedroom apartment, within 15-45 mins commute to my work. We're not big into the drinking scene but would like to be able to pop out for something to eat and a few sociables. We won't have a car so we will need to be close to transport links. I don't mind walking to these.

We'd love to be close to the sea but i'm guessing this is too much to ask!?

I've looked on other posts. The north coast sounds nice but is this a ridiculous commute without a car?

What regions or addresses would you suggest? What region is the CBD in?

Thanks for your help

[Saint]

The East Coast, districts 15/16 mainly, would probably tick all the boxes. You'll have no problem finding a 2 Bed well within your budget. Depending exactly which condo you'll easily be able to get to the CBD by either Bus/MRT in about 30 minutes.

[blue_skies]

The north of Singapore is quite surbaban. Not much nightlife around that area. If you like to be near the sea, then would suggest living in the East. However, frankly, the seaview in Singapore isn't that fantastic - loads of ships in the sea (and the sea isn't that clean for swimming either).

There are also various sorts of condominiums in Singapore, depending on what you like. If you are looking at staying in the East, there are smaller condominiums (about 40+ units) which have a small children's playground, lap pool, BBQ pit and gym. Plenty of such condominiums in the East, near District 14. They are also located near the train stations (Eunos & Kembangan MRT stations) . The trains here are referred to as MRT. It's the equivalent of the London tube (but on a smaller scale).

Or if you prefer a larger set up (about 100+ units) which have a larger pool, there are such condominiums in District 15 & 16. But these are not located near the MRT so transportation may be slightly more difficult if you need to rely on the MRT.

You mentioned you are going to be working in the international business centre - do you know the exact location? Would be useful to find out which MRT it is near to, and then decide what locations you could stay at which are still within 45mins of commuting?

You can have a look at the Singapore MRT map here
http://singaporehotels.com/info/mrt.php

[Saint]

Or if you prefer a larger set up (about 100+ units) which have a larger pool, there are such condominiums in District 15 & 16. But these are not located near the MRT so transportation may be slightly more difficult if you need to rely on the MRT.

What's wrong with using the buses Anyway most of the larger condos provide a shuttle bus to the nearest MRT (Normally Bedok) or can take the little Bus Plus if you don't mind spend a n extra few dollars.

[sundaymorningstaple]

Frankly, I used the buses daily with no problems. It's even easier on my aggravation factor as I no longer have bout's of road rage building up inside me over the idiots out there on the roads. Plus I can leisurely read the morning papers as well.

[Saint]

Frankly, I used the buses daily with no problems. It's even easier on my aggravation factor as I no longer have bout's of road rage building up inside me over the idiots out there on the roads. Plus I can leisurely read the morning papers as well.

I've always taken buses everywhere and they are great. Even better as it's going to cost me no more than $1.20 to get to my office in Bugis and there's a stop right outside

[Addadude]

Hi CCC78, greetings from a fellow Irishman.

First, I would suggest that you google a Singapore map and put it on your screen so that you can refer to it for what follows

By international business centre do you mean International Business Park? Because the International Business Park is in Jurong which is on the west side of Singapore. And that would mean that the well-intentioned advice about living on the East Coast and commuting to work would perhaps not be your best option.

If you will indeed be working in Jurong, you would be best advised to look at condos around that area. There are quite a few along the East-West MRT (Singapore's DART) line that would suit you. (The International Business Park is fairly close to Jurong East MRT station.) Roughly speaking, the further west you go, the better value for money you'll get rent-wise. The further east you go towards Singapore's Central Business District, the more dosh you'll have to pay out. The disadvantage of living that 'far out' in the west is that there are relatively few western-style bars and eateries.

If you want to live a little close to the sea, you can look at areas like Pasir Panjang Road and West Coast Road. There are lots of nice condominiums there and there are also plenty of frequent buses that will take you to Jurong East from there. Don't worry about having to rely on buses as Singapore's public transport system is light years ahead of CIE...

Pasir Panjang Village has some nice restaurants and bars too that I suspect you would like (from an Irish perspective). But please don't have any visions of morning swims in the South China Sea along West Coast Park - you'll be severely disappointed!

Your budget should get you a reasonably nice apartment (or condominum with facilities like swimming pool, tennis court, small gym etc) in either of these areas.

Singapore's Central Business District (CBD) could best be described as been slap bang in the southern central part of Singapore.

You could live on Singapore's 'north coast' and get the MRT to Jurong East too but it's quite 'far out' (by Singapore standards) if you want to go into the CBD at weekends.

I think perhaps the most important advice I can give you would be to insist that your company puts you up in a Serviced Apartment for at least your first two weeks here. That way you can take your time and really examine the ground and decide where is best for you. Don't be rushed into deciding on your home for the next two or more years.

One final piece: when you get here check out the Irish Business Association and the St. Patrick's Society of Singapore. The Irish community here is small but friendly and I'm sure you'll be made to feel very welcome!

[CCC78]

Thanks for the replies. Yes its the international business park I'll be working in. Sorry for the confusion. It looks like east Jurong area would be the most practical or a bit west of this. I've no problem relying on buses.

Thanks for all the tips addadude. I'll definitely look up the Irish Business Association etc. when I get out there.

Thanks again.

CCC78