Moving in March 2008 to Singapore - Advice on where to live?

[durain]

Just visited a pal of mine who lives in a HDB estate, was shocked to see so many yobs with tattoos to the left and right, all giving everyone an evil eye. Felt like I was in Brixton or Watts...Yucks!

at least you didnt get rob in a HDB estate. you wont be so lucky in brixton!

[imrankassim]

Whatever it is, avoid the HDB areas. Preferably an area with more foreigners, and a residential spot is better. Just visited a pal of mine who lives in a HDB estate, was shocked to see so many yobs with tattoos to the left and right, all giving everyone an evil eye. Felt like I was in Brixton or Watts...Yucks!

hdbs are not council estates pal, dont get them confused. there's some nasty areas out there, generally just avoid them and you'll be fine. brixton is ghetto, there nothing like that here, except maybe dunlop street.

[BodyBlitz]

Whatever it is, avoid the HDB areas. Preferably an area with more foreigners, and a residential spot is better. Just visited a pal of mine who lives in a HDB estate, was shocked to see so many yobs with tattoos to the left and right, all giving everyone an evil eye. Felt like I was in Brixton or Watts...Yucks!

I don't know where have you been, but you make it sound like its anarchy has fallen upon Singapore.

There will always be people with tattoos and young punks - its 2009, tattoos are just accessories to fashion.

[sundaymorningstaple]

Unfortunately, Body is correct.

Even my son has half a Yakuza body mural! (I'm not too happy about that!) But there isn't a bad bone in his body. I think it looks like the devil but who am I to say. Look at the respectable business girls down in Shenton Way. See 'em on the weekends at East Coast and you'd be surprised at the number of 'em with trampstamp tattoos across the small of their backs. Yucks! Puts me right off. Told my wife she's safe as I'd not be caught dead with what looks like a Ubangi Savage.

But it doesn't mean that they are all thugs, yobs and whatnot. Old perceptions die hard - I know!

Oh, almost forgot. We live in an HDB estate!

[Saint]

You might want to avoid the East Coast as I've got tattoos and a skinhead

[Saint]

Just visited a pal of mine who lives in a HDB estate, was shocked to see so many yobs with tattoos to the left and right, all giving everyone an evil eye. Felt like I was in Brixton or Watts...Yucks!

at least you didnt get rob in a HDB estate. you wont be so lucky in brixton!

I would have thought you would count yourself lucky only getting robbed in Brixton!!

[durain]

I would have thought you would count yourself lucky only getting robbed in Brixton!!

i dont half hang my pants down!

[eikonal]

My family just moved here from Houston in Jan. so we have an eye opening perspective if you want to have it. I won't go into detail here so PM me if you are interested.

[wafamily]

Sorry, I don't have enough postings yet to be able to PM about your move from Houston.

We arrive Feb 15th for relocation looksie/orientation. Apparently, our agent will help guide us with houseing , but I'm not sure what to watch out for with the agents.

I also just found out from them that SAS is waiting list only but I would hate to put a $3K deposit down if the chance to get in is unlikely. We were told ISS was full. THere is limited space at Eton and Overseas Family School. Does anyone have opinon or know anything on Tanglin Trust or Insworld?

I'm also nervous to arrive in my third trimester with trying to find pediatricians and OBGYN. Anyone like the one they have?

Thanks ,Sabina

[textex]

Hi, when you speak with your agent, tell them EXACTLY what you want, ie. price range, location, busses, MRT etc. The agent can then tell you what is available. $4k will probably get you a 3 or 3+1 bedroom apt. outside the CBD along the MRT route. Be mindful of the noise level near the train/bus/highway lines when you are looking around.

Walking in Singapore is an art...you either like it (humidity, distance, crowd) or after a while you'll say stuff this and get a car. If you can stretch the budget a little, lease a car for a year and then decide what you want to continue to spend on. Keep an eye on the family expenses too. Do a search in the forums about cost of living. Moving to a new city with a young family and baby on the way isn't the easiest of times (been there, done that )

Tex