woodlands or city

[happyk]

Hi,
My two children, ages 5 and 7 will be attending the American School. I can't decide where I should live. Woodlands or closer to the city? How long does it really take to get from Woodlands to the city in rush hour traffic? Will I be bored and constantly driving to the city if I live out in Woodlands?

[jpatokal]

Half an hour or less (not much of a rush hour in Singapore...). And, this being Singapore, rest assured that you will be bored no matter where you choose to stay. 8) For most the deciding factor is money: it costs a lot less to get a posh apt out in Woodlands than on Orchard Rd.

[yatiyeo]

Hi,
My two children, ages 5 and 7 will be attending the American School. I can't decide where I should live. Woodlands or closer to the city? How long does it really take to get from Woodlands to the city in rush hour traffic? Will I be bored and constantly driving to the city if I live out in Woodlands?

Got a place yet?

[Guest]

Hi,
My two children, ages 5 and 7 will be attending the American School. I can't decide where I should live. Woodlands or closer to the city? How long does it really take to get from Woodlands to the city in rush hour traffic? Will I be bored and constantly driving to the city if I live out in Woodlands?

Living in Woodlands is actually better than the City. I hope my following viewpoints will not overwhelm you.

(1) Cost of living in that area is lower than in the City - housing, shopping, groceries/marketing, etc.
(2) Woodlands is very convenient as there is a mall (Causeway Point Shopping Mall), a regional library (4 floors of books), a movie theater in the shopping mall, regional shopping centers in various estates within Woodlands. And you'll never go hungry - there are several places to eat; and some places even operate 24 hours!
(3) Travelling anywhere from Woodlands is also rather easy as it has an MRT Train station, and expressways that lead to all parts of Singapore. Travelling to the City is within 30mins if you drive or take a cab. Less if there are no traffic congestions. If you're taking the train, then it's about 40mins - 45mins. If you're getting into the City during peak periods (mornings during work days, evenings during weekends), I suggest you take the train. It is faster as the traffic here can get really bad some times during rush hour. I remember driving from Woodlands to Jurong (west of Singapore) during morning rush hour -- it took me an 1 hour to get to my destination! But once the morning rush hour is over, it takes me 20mins to get to the same place. It's the same when I was driving to the City during morning rush hour. It can get quite mad.
(4) Woodlands also has a mix community of the locals and the expats. I have seen many Caucasian families in the Woodlands area. I assume it's because their kids are studying at the American School. The American School is closest to the Marsiling MRT Train station, the Woodlands Avenue 1 and Woodlands Street 31. I usually see lots of the American School kids with/without their families hanging out at the McDonald's near the school. And during weekends, you will find a number of Caucasian families in that area as well, either lunching or shopping.
(5) If you're Catholic, there is a local Catholic church near the American School.

Whether you're feeling bored or not, it's really up to you. I have got friends who live in the City. And after a while, they are bored. Singapore is a small country. From Woodlands, you can travel easily to the following places of interest within 30mins by car:
(1) Singapore Zoo - very near Woodlands
(2) The Night Safari - same location as the Singapore Zoo
(3) Bird Park - west of Singapore
(4) Science Center and the Omni Theater - west of Singapore
(5) Cross over to the neighboring country, Malaysia - very near Woodlands
(6) Downtown East - east of Singapore; it has theme parks, swimming/water parks
(7) East Coast Park - east of Singapore; beach
(8) West Coast Park - west of Singapore; beach
(9) Pasir Ris Park - east of Singapore; near Downtown East; beach
(10) Sembawang Park - near Woodlands; small park and small beach

I have been living in the northern part of Singapore (Yishun/Woodlands) for many years now. I used to live near the City (Holland Drive). I must say that I would choose to live in the northern part anytime. Not only for its well-developed infrastructure, but also for its quiet and laid back style of living. After a hard day's work and/or studying, I come home to peace and quiet. And I believe the air is fresher as compared to living in the City.

[Adviser]

Hi,

If you don't really mind the cost of living in the city, then you may as well choose to live in the central area.

This is because the time taken for travel to the city will be increased if you are living in the outskirt.

Which explain the fact that there is alot of foreigner living at Orchard Rd, River Valley compare to that at Woodlands.

And it is where you can find the revelant school, embassy, etc.

Hope it helps