Where to live?

[Cake]

Hi Loveday,

Don't you worry, young expats share flats in Singapore all the time. Some people just aren't familiar with that scene.

Have a browse through www.Gumtree.com or www.Craigslist.com for flatmate listings.

I was in the same boat once - your budget will be more than enough to get a bedroom in a condo flat, and share with other young expats.

Welcome! You're going to have an amazing time!

[Peter4]

I'm ... making the move to Singapore in Jan.

Thanks "loveday" for your post on this topic.
I expect many people come to this forum wondering about exactly that: location and budget for housing in Singapore.
I do.

For that budget you can only expect renting an hdb flat somewhere you'll need to travel for at least 30-40 min on public transport to get to the city with no expats around your place. The cheapest hdbs are like 1400SGD per month, though most of them are closer to 2000SGD. Only locals and foreign workers mostly from India and Bangladesh would live there.

Thank you "natalyakir" -- that's exactly the sort of frank and honest observation that I appreciate.
These days, any comments even hinting race and culture are normally ATTACKED on Internet forums -- and so was yours.
I wish I could contact you privately with a few other questions -- in order to avoid the volunteers in the Politically Correct Police here -- but I see that private messages are not allowed to newcomers on this forum.

correction. all sorts of people live in HDB, may they be poor or rich, local, expat or illegal immigrant, white, black, banana, mangosteen, zebra, etc.

"Durain" has identified himself as a PC Police volunteer: correcting others' conversation to fit a certain pattern that he is trying to enforce.
I wish this forum had an "IGNORE USER" function, as many other forums do.
Then I could gleefully add "Durain" to my IGNORE list.

Then I would suggest that you actually open up your eyes and have a good look around. In my HDB estate I know of 3 alone not including myself (we are all WHITE as if that makes a differenct). ... What's the matter? Afraid one of the locals may look at you funny?

So many other useful and valuable posts here from "SMS", yet now reveals himself as another volunteer in the PC Police.
To see that attack on a person (ad hominem), casts doubt on the value of all his other posts.

I'd like to get back to the original topic; where to live.

I've been looking at the area around Katong/Parkway Parade -- district 15.
Perhaps suitable for the OP, too.
So I'd welcome comments and critique.

I like district 15 because it seems to be a solid, middle class, family area.
Just one example of that: lots of musical instrument stores in the mall, indicates people can afford, and have an interest in, some refinement in their lives.
Also, lots of bus connections to everywhere.
I have no interest in a car, and buses seem much more convenient to me than MRT (in my experiences so far).
And, I have no interest in living in the middle of a lot of poor, primitive, immigrant, workers.
Don't see many of those loitering around district 15 (unless they're working, of course) so there's another plus.

And, now, after my observations on race and social class, I'll just sit back and watch the outpouring of venom from the PCPolice volunteers here.
But I really hope there will some frank and honest comments, too, because I'm trying to understand the reality of various locations in Singapore, not the PC version.

For those who prefer, I welcome private messages.

-- Peter
.

[sundaymorningstaple]

I like district 15 because it seems to be a solid, middle class, family area.
Just one example of that: lots of musical instrument stores in the mall, indicates people can afford, and have an interest in, some refinement in their lives.
Also, lots of bus connections to everywhere.
I have no interest in a car, and buses seem much more convenient to me than MRT (in my experiences so far).
And, I have no interest in living in the middle of a lot of poor, primitive, immigrant, workers.
Don't see many of those loitering around district 15 (unless they're working, of course) so there's another plus.

And, now, after my observations on race and social class, I'll just sit back and watch the outpouring of venom from the PC Police volunteers here.
But I really hope there will some frank and honest comments, too, because I'm trying to understand the reality of various locations in Singapore, not the PC version.

For those who prefer, I welcome private messages.

-- Peter
.

Welcome, our somewhat misguided new poster. Boy do you ever have a chip on your shoulder. At the gamble of having you go off on another childish rant (that actually doesn't do too much for your basic credibility), I'm gonna point out something. We don't mind your spewing your venom, We often get that from the either uncouth or uneducated. We just correct them. Oh, we also like having PC Police volunteers as it makes our jobs much easier as we all hold down full time jobs. It also keeps this board free of advertising and trolls.........

We also get a laugh out of certain observations from the uninitiated. Like your comment above on musical instruments. You have a lot to learn about Singapore. Had you been here a couple of years ago, I wonder if you would come to the same rather silly conclusion about Bubble Tea (all would open stalls beside or across the street from each other). Hairdressers & Mobile Phone shops tend to do the same. For that matter, most niche businesses here tend to end up in clusters. Want a new car, just go to Leng Kee Road. But, never mind, you can think what you want. Oh, there is a big piano store in Funan the IT mall? Wonder what that signifies and another Yamaha Music Centre in Upper Thompson at Thompson Plaza?

Maybe you can explain what it means by the cluster of bars around the Nana Hotel in your part of the woods north northwest of Singapore.

But what really takes the cake here is your odd comments like

Also, lots of bus connections to everywhere.
I have no interest in a car, and buses seem much more convenient to me than MRT (in my experiences so far).
And, I have no interest in living in the middle of a lot of poor, primitive, immigrant, workers.
Don't see many of those loitering around district 15 (unless they're working, of course) so there's another plus.

This is really funny considering the tirade you engaged in about us preceding this somewhat 'shooting yourself in the foot" comment. You don't want to live with the poor, primitive, yadda, yadda, (who's not being PC here?) YET you are planning to ride the Buses so you will be in even CLOSER contact with them. Literally having your nose in their armpits and the end of a long working day. Somehow, it just seems you just and ended up with lots of

But, nevermind, such is life and we all make arses out ourselves on occasion, but rarely on a first post like you just did.........

Anyway, welcome to the Nazi PC Policed forum were you are welcome to stay or go. We don't really care as it's your life. We were number one in Singapore before you got here and we'll still be number one when you move on........

[Peter4]

.
I'm here looking for more information about where to live in Singapore -- the topic of this thread.

Perhaps more useful to ask this question:
Where is the best place to find helpful information about where to live in Singapore?
Likely, the original poster wants to know that, too.

-- Peter

[sundaymorningstaple]

That's better.

The best place is where ever you are comfortable. For us to help you there we would obviously need a lot more data.

Things like.......

What type of person are you? Do you like outdoor activities? e.g., swimming, sailing, running, exercising outdoors. Are you a water oriented person? Then the east coast would be for you.

Are you purely a party animal? Spend more time in clubs & pubs so have a fluorescent tan and so on? Then you might want to live close to downtown. Have a fully paid expat package where you are getting 6-12K/mo housing? Then maybe Districts 9-11 are up your alley. However, if you have young school age kids, then you might have to modify this so you can live nearer to the school of your choice (if you have a choice) the American School is in the north of the island in Woodlands. The Australian school in in the central portion. Other International Schools are in other parts of the island. By MRT you are at most 45 minutes from the Central Business District (CBD) no matter where you live on the island. Contrary to some of our posters who have a hangup about locals, the majority of condo are located nearby to most of the HDB Estates so you are still not that far away from the "unwashed masses" who probably have educational levels commensurate with yourself, truth be known, possibly better. (Except in districts 9-11 where they will probably be better educated than you) The most expensive condo's here have local living in them as well.

What is your family situation, budget, lifestyle, etc. Then we can possibly give you some pointers.

sms

[GanShy]

Hi
I will be relocating from Switzerland to Singapore in June and am now on the lookout for a good place to stay.

I realize that prices can range from relatively low to very high, but can I find a good 2-3 bedroom flat for 2-3000 SGD?
As my company is not providing any support for rents I will need to foot the bill myself.

My wife & I would like to be in an area which is in a calm and green area but which has shops and some nice restaurant near by, which my wife can easily get to. We have no kids, so school proximity is not an issue.

Neither my wife nor I are party animals so we don't need to access the "hot spots". On the contrary, we prefer the quieter places and like to go out for meals in a nice restaurant, go out for walks etc. I also love going jogging on a regular basis and if there is a gym nearby, that would be nice

I don't really mind if the flat is not near the center of the the city, but as long as there is easy access to get to either a bus or MRT to get to my office in district 4, I think I can survive.

I was told that a good place to look was in the Holland Village area or in the Adam street area, but I am not sure if flats in these areas are within the price range I mentioned above or I need to budget for more.
With the current economic situation have the rent prices come down?

I am also wondering whether I should look for a furnished appartment or go for a semi-furnished appartment and bring my furniture from Switzerland. I was told there was more choice in unfurnished appartments, and as my company will be paying for shipping my goods to Singapore, there is no issue shipping the furniture. Only I am not sure if it makes sense.

Sorry for throwing in so many points.

Thanks much in advance for all your help. Really appreciate it!

My wife & I are really excited about our move. It will be a nice change after spending most of our lives in Geneva, and meeting new people and culture is something we are really looking forward to!

Cheers

[irvine]

Ganshy, I recommend Marine Parade area for you.

I used to live in Mandarin Gardens condo on the crossroads of Marine Parade Road and Siglap Road. I love it for a number of reasons:

1. 10 minutes walk to the beach, eating places and bbq pits by the beach, and biking/jogging trails.

2. 5 min bus ride or 20 minutes walk to the community library (where they have free wifi!), and the Parkway Parade mall, and Katong mall. There's grocery, banks, hair salon, photo print shops, etc. Everything is in the mall. Well, except a cinema - which then would be your reason to go to downtown.

3. 5 min walk to a real nice Javanese massage place.

4. 10 min walk to many good eating places.

5. It is outside the city, yet easy access to the city. A good mix of people from all walks of life. Also has a mixture of locals and internationals.

6. Ocean. Did I mention that already?

[irvine]

Oh as for those looking for a place to rent... you may want to start by identifying a few neighborhoods you want to consider. And then call up property agents to show you places.

You could find property agents via:
1. The local newspapers
2. Google

[irvine]

To answer lovedays' questions:

Hi All,

I'm 23, single and making the move to Singapore in Jan.

My new employer has kindly left me the task of sorting out my own accommodation. I am hoping to find a two bedroom place for around SGD1000-1500 a month. I have two questions:

1. Is that even achievable, it doesn't need to be flashy?

2. Where is an awesome place to live where I can meet and party with other expats. I will be working in the City Centre.

And I was also wondering about health insurance? Do I need it? If so do you know a good provider?

Thanks

E

Welcome!
In answering your questions, first I would ask you a few...
1. You're looking for a 2-BR.. Why do you need a 2BR? I mean, if you're only going home for sleep/shower/eat/rest, a room on your own would be a good start. I'm saying this is bcoz times are bad, and you may want to save on rent as much as you can. Tough it up a little. A 23-yr-old can live in any condition, trust me.

2. Live and party with other expats near the city centre. Hmmm, are you looking at doing this on a weekly/regularly basis? If yes, my advise to you is, while you can party, do consider other activities that don't burn your money so easily. There are more to explore in Singapore than just partying and hanging out with fellow countrymen.

Ok, before I start sounding like a frugallion, I will let you and others in simlar shoes think for themselves. One question, what if things don't work out for your work contract? Your expensive rental has a one-year contract, and your lifestyle of partying has to keep up. Would you be able to sustain yourself?

[irvine]

And, I have no interest in living in the middle of a lot of poor, primitive, immigrant, workers.

Hahaha, this above quote can be relative in perception. C'mon, poor, primitive, immigrant workers? You could be one too!

[GanShy]

Hi Irvine
Sorry for delay in replying to your post.
Was travelling and just got back to looking at my personal email.

Thanks much for your suggestions.
Marine Parade area sounds fantastic.

It seems to really ideal for what we are looking for - all the conveniences, attractions and good mixture of locals and internationals! This sounds too perfect. The proximity of the Ocean is the icing on the cake!!

I just hope we can find something reasonably priced!

Really appreciate your input.
If I find a place here, I'll buy you a drink when I get into Singapore!

Cheers

[irvine]

You're welcome, GanShy. Hope all goes well for you and your wifey!

[Quel]

Hi GanShy,
Seems Irvine's given you some good insight. I used to work in a relocation company, so thought I'd chip in too.
Rents are no longer crazy like they seemed to be getting in the last couple of years. Hopefully you'll find a place you really like.
Close to Marine Parade where Irvine has suggested, also ask or look out for places in Siglap, or Tanjung Rhu. These areas by and around East Coast Park are collectively referred to as District 15 by the realty agents and the Classifieds.

Gym: Most condominiums have facilities such as a gym room, pool, communal bbq pits and tennis court. Also, in the city you'll find lots of gym chains. Many people go to a gym close to work, rather than home.

Furniture: Most places come 'partially furnished' - which means fixtures and fittings (wardrobes, cabinets, lights, curtains, aircon, white goods - dishwasher is not usual)
It's wise to ship at least some things over. You don't want to buy a load of new things only to have to try and get rid of them when you leave. Just keep in mind that if you have loads of stuff (e.g. shelves & shelves of books), esp. if your current home is big, don't bring Everything. Many condominium apartments don't offer much storage space. Some people also have big furniture, which may not fit the compact apartments in Singapore. But you're coming from Switzerland, so shouldn't be too much of a problem?.. I'm stereotyping, but usually it's the Americans & Aussies who bring furniture more suited to a country manor.
I'm guessing that the places you'll see will be about 900 to 1200 square metres. Usually it's the really new places that are much smaller. For your budget, anything bigger than 1200sqm would be bit of a bonus, esp. if the place isn't quite old.

Remember - 'old' in Singapore is relative. It doesn't mean historic, but we do like our shiny new things in this city, so you may hear someone call a place old, and it may barely be 10 years old.

Tip: Don't get too frustrated with how realty agents work in Singapore. 99% of the time they're not very open - i.e. you don't see pics and details online openly like you do in Europe. It's just very competitive, and most work purely for commission.
Commission - market practice: If your monthly rent is S$2.5k or above, the landlord pays the agent. If it's below, then you have to pay. 1Yr lease = 0.5Mth rent, 2Yr lease = 1Mth rent

This is a long post, but hopefully a helpful one too. Let me know if you need help with anything else

Enjoy Singapore!