Relocating to Singapore, 35, single male - where to live?

[York Man]

Hi, I'm relocating to Singapore in May. I live in York in England at the moment and I would like to know where the best place to live in Singapore would be for a 35 year old male who is single and looking to make lots of new friends and contacts. I have done some research and everywhere appears to look good! I have a $4,500 dollar housing allowance as well. I would be very grateful for any advice on places to live from some experienced expats....many thanks.

[aster]

You might be able to get something small by the river.

Will you be working in the CBD?

[York Man]

Yes I'll be in the CBD! I'll happy live out of the city if it's best for making friends etc

[JR8]

IME you'll make friends via your work rather than via where you live.

Though that said if you have a condo and pool areas you might meet some people there.

You can section SG off into lifestyle layers if you like.
- bachelor pad down in the CBD/riverside
- place in expatville (River Valley, Holland Village, Novena etc)
- almost suburban, Toa Payoh, Ang Mo Kio, east coast and so on...
- the wilds (anywhere apart from above).

What do you want? To be right in the buzz, or occasionally feel like there is down=time...

[York Man]

Thanks that gives me a real feel for SG. I guess the priority is having a good combination of a living in a nice apartment or condo and of course meeting people. I kind of hoped that using sites like this and living in the right area would enable me to mix with loads of expats from all over the place. If they tend to live in one area then maybe that would be a good idea?

[JR8]

Yes you'll find lots of social events here on the forum. In that respect it doesn't matter where you live.

Are you planning on getting a car ($$$)? That's usually one of the biggest deciders on where to live...
- Are you going to have a car
- Do you have children and where will they go to school
- where are you going to work
- what's your budget and property type required

(No need to reply to that as you've already filled most of it in, it's just how you start to frame the kinda place a person might need. Think along similar lines and you'll be fine)

[jennys]

go to the river. do you get refunds on unused housing allowance? if you do then maybe go somewhere heartlands yet convenient. toapayoh bishan amk.

if you can save $1500, you can use it on transport allowance, go cab everywhere in singapore.

[York Man]

Yes I get a refund on funds not used for my housing allowance...thanks for the advice!

[happySG]

Have a look at the new condos in the CBD, great facilities and you will be able to walk to Boat Quay and Club Street where you are most likely to meet fellow expats out after work for a drink...