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East Coast to West Coast commute- is it really that bad?

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rickjames
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East Coast to West Coast commute- is it really that bad?

Post by rickjames » Tue, 26 Oct 2010 5:01 pm

Most of my Singaporean friends are telling me that living on the East coast (like in Marine Parade) and commuting to work on the West coast (around Science Park or NTU) is way too long. But I wonder, is it really that bad??

I'm used to a 45- 1 hour one way-commute already (and that's without traffic) in Shanghai, so I wonder if what I consider to be a pain (in terms of distance/time) is very different to what most Singaporeans consider to be a pain.

Also after Shanghai, I'm craving greenery, foliage, nature etc..not trendy cafes or shopping (my local friends suggest River Valley, etc because of cafes, shopping etc) but Marine Parade seems even nicer to me. What does everyone think?

Thank you!!!!

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carteki
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Post by carteki » Tue, 26 Oct 2010 5:10 pm

It really depends - each to their own. I don't like commuting, but others don't mind. There is lots of greenery and parks etc on the west coast too.
Will you be traveling by public transport of by car? The MRT is fairly packed during rush hour and it can be uncomfortable if you don't like standing for the full time. I found that the transport links in Marine Parade were very frustrating over weekends and after hours - esp given that the rest of my friends lived in the centre of town / towards the west.

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Post by Strong Eagle » Tue, 26 Oct 2010 5:45 pm

My S$0.02... It is green everywhere. Look around the Clementi area... or Toh Tuk... or even around Jurong Town Center... lots of interesting things there. There are many unique spots in Singapore.

You've not stated your budget, nor your preference for semi-detached, condo, etc, both of which make a difference in choosing where to live. Also, consider your transportation needs and how far you are willing to walk to bus/MRT. If you are driving, there are great places off Bukit Timah... just not close to public transportation.

rickjames
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Post by rickjames » Tue, 26 Oct 2010 6:03 pm

Thanks for the suggestions/advice- makes sense.
lol@ yes I guess it is green everywhere- good point!

I won't have a car so public transport all the way..my budget is S$4K in a 2 bedroom condo somewhere with a pool, doesn't matter if it's new but has to be renovated if older. I'm assuming that this is doable (?).

Are the MRT lines on the west coast finished yet (Circle, I believe?). If not, I see that they say "2010" online for a completion time but has that been extended?

I visited some places there (on the West Coast) about 2 years ago, but I imagine that it's more connected now and developed?

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Post by revhappy » Tue, 26 Oct 2010 7:54 pm

I travel from Ang mo kio in the North to Changi Business Park in the east. It takes me 20-25 mins. Courtesy my motorbike and the TPE :cool:

If you are planning to use public transport, and stay far, make sure you are staying as close as possible to an MRT station or there is a direct bus to your office that goes over an expressway.

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Post by nakatago » Tue, 26 Oct 2010 10:04 pm

I used to do Tanah Merah to Buona Vista. Get on empty train. Sit. Sleep. Wake up around Redhill. Have to be awake and standing for the opposite direction, though.

Don't hold your breath for the Western half of the circle line. Probably 2011, first quarter. There are still very visible (and very obstructing) signs of construction on the Holland Village, Buona Vista and one north stations.
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Post by JayCee » Wed, 27 Oct 2010 4:08 pm

My girlfriend used to commute from Marine parade (condo opposite parkway parade) to Clementi whenever she stayed at my place and said it wasn't so bad. There are 3 buses that go to Paya Lebar station in 10 mins and then the green line direct took her 30 mins, so to Buona Vista it'll be about 25. In total you're looking at roughly 35 mins travel time plus whatever walk you have to office/home at either end, it's not really that bad

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Re: East Coast to West Coast commute- is it really that bad?

Post by valleyman » Thu, 28 Oct 2010 1:15 am

rickjames wrote:Most of my Singaporean friends are telling me that living on the East coast (like in Marine Parade) and commuting to work on the West coast (around Science Park or NTU) is way too long. But I wonder, is it really that bad??

I'm used to a 45- 1 hour one way-commute already (and that's without traffic) in Shanghai, so I wonder if what I consider to be a pain (in terms of distance/time) is very different to what most Singaporeans consider to be a pain.

Also after Shanghai, I'm craving greenery, foliage, nature etc..not trendy cafes or shopping (my local friends suggest River Valley, etc because of cafes, shopping etc) but Marine Parade seems even nicer to me. What does everyone think?

Thank you!!!!
I do the other way round everyday, although I drive and enjoy it. A good place for you to live if you dont want the commute would be around the west coast park- there are quite a few very nice condos there. Also, you will find plenty of greenery, open space & seaview here.

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