Moving to Singapore, what's the best place to stay?

[Niccolo]

Hello everyone, I'm new to the website!
I'm moving to Singapore in the end of June to work as an architect. I'd like to have some help form you. I'll be working in Cecil Street in the Marina area. My wage will be 3500$.
I have to search for a house, and, since I'm 25, I could rent a room in a shared house or rent a little house juste for me. Anything would be good (one storey, high-rise etc. etc.), except that I'd like to live in a cool hood where you can find little bars and restaurants but still not too turistic. You know, when I go out of work I'd like to go home, go downstairs, have a beer with locals and expats. I'd like to stay in a place that's fastly reachable, I mean, a place where there is mrt!
How much do you think the expense could be?Would my wage be high enough for a decent lifestyle?Any other suggestions?
Thank you very much!
Niccolò

[amarettoSour]

sounds like you would like holland v area, except there is no nearby MRT there as of now (but they are building one).

I think you'll do fine with your pay, since i assume you're single / not married? it's tough to answer this questions since it depends on your own standard of living (ie: how much you want to save per month, what do you consider an acceptable daily meal, etc).

[nakatago]

you could also look into tiong bahru. for 3.5k, though, it'll be tough to get a place just for yourself. HDB rental prices are on the average 2500, in places of your interest. The lowest would be a 1.8-2k 2+1 which, really is not worth it if you could share a unit with other people. Otherwise, you're better off renting a room for 600-900. Depends on how comfortable you are in living with complete strangers.

the cheaper places such as boon lay, jurong (a 3+1 for 2000!) are quite far though they have their own vibe. jurong, however, is undergoing development and expect rental prices to go up.

other than general locations, we couldn't tell you much. please try looking into other threads about specific topics--there's a thread already about monthly living expenses.

[Niccolo]

Thank you guys, actually yeah, I think I'll goo for renting a room, that's cheaper and it's ok for me living with other people, I could meet interesting individuals! That's also better for my living expences...

[FaeLLe]

You could also get really lucky like and find a 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom condo (5 year old condo) a 10 mins walk from an MRT and 12 mins by MRT from the CBD for 2100 per month!!!

All depends on your agent and how lucky you are.

[hito]

Try looking for apartments @ Robertson Quay/ Clark Quay/ Holland Road cos that's where the happening places are for drinks. Look for studio apartments.

[nakatago]

Try looking for apartments @ Robertson Quay/ Clark Quay/ Holland Road cos that's where the happening places are for drinks. Look for studio apartments.

those places i think are too expensive for OP, with his 3.5k salary, especially robertson and clark quays. holland road is his best bet but only he goes slightly off like ulu pandan road, holland avenue. he could try but i doubt it.

[hito]

Hi niccolo,
Although it is true that the rental prices in Robertson Walk and those I mentioned may be a bit steep, that's the ideal place (to me... I LOVE the place) if u wanna come down for a drink after work and don't mind sharing a place with others as what u have mentioned. I hope your company has housing allowance for u too to cover the cost.
Anyway, I hope u find a place that is suitable for u soon. All the best!