Townerville vs Aspen Heights at River Valley

[Bigcitymom]

Hi,

My family is moving to Singapore in July. We narrowed down our housing choices to Townerville Black and White Conservation House and Aspen Heights at River Valley. For those old timers, you know they are very different choices. Each with its pros and cons. I love the Townerville house and like a more unique living experience, but like the fact there are many more things in walking distance of River Valley. We have 1.5 years old twins so big consideration is whether Townerville area is kids friendly? Can we do away with a plastic pool in the backyard or do we seriously need the condo facilities?

What do you all think?

Thanks.

[Girl_Next_Door]

I had friends who used to stay in Townerville and my exboss used to stay in Aspen Heights.

Townerville vs Aspen Heights:
- Depending on the unit, Townerville can be quite big and spacious, complete with a backyard.
- No assigned parking for car (unless you consider illegal parking) for Townerville and train station is not exactly a stone throw away (especially in Singapore's weather).
- It is a more local crowd in Townerville whereas Aspen Heights is more expat crowds.
- Aspen Heights have a slope to climb, when you are walking to the unit. I am not sure how "exhausting" it is, but my exboss complain about it quite regularly.
- Big units as well with apparently, a lot of japanese families staying there.
- Townerville used to be owned by a developer (not sure if its still the same) and when my friend's lease was up, the developer increased the rent by 100% (no joke!). They obviously didnt renew their lease.

You mentioned that you have 2 twins. Do you plan to send them to daycare? If so, you might prefer to stay in an area closer to a good daycare? If you plan to stay at home to care for your kids, you might want to find a place nearer to "families" or "expat families"?

Another less well-known option is Chip Bee Gardens down at Holland Village. Its also white conservation houses owned by JTC (i.e. govt linked corporation). They are older than Townerville but near expat community (directly opposite Holland Village). The rent should be slightly lesser than Townerville and its rent controlled (again by govt), I think. You cannot get them via property agent, so you have to visit JTC website to submit application.