Moving from San Francisco to Singapore- advice please!

[zzm9980]

The only dings for Tanjong Pagar is that it may feel a bit 'too busy', not have a lot of quiet green spaces. Also, a fair portion of it may feel like it shuts down at night since it borders the CBD.

I think going by the original discussion, Tanjong Pagar may be a bit more analogous to Soma in San Francisco. But without the panhandlers, crackheads, and methadone clinics.

[lasg85]

Hi!

I saw your post regarding your move to SG from SF. I just moved back from Cali a couple of months ago and totally understand how you feel. I am local but I've been living in the states for a couple of years so being back took me some time to settle down. I met a couple of expats from UK and also from Cali. So if you need any help or wanting to meet new friends, you can contact me. My expat friends and I are always up for meeting new pple. There are not a lot of Americans in town so it will be nice to know another one!
I work at Tanjong Pagar so I know the area quite well and I live in the East so I know that area too. I can help you out with your relocation questions and since I'm a girl too, I understand how it feels to move to a new country without knowing much. feel free to contact me at kryssy85@gmail.com

[californiagal]

Hi all,

I'm starting to look more seriously into apartments and have a few more questions.

Is the Club street area a good area to live or too loud because of all the bars?

How is the Bugis/Lavender area?

What are the pros/cons of living in a big high rise condo building vs a walkup/shophouse?

Thanks!

[kookaburrah]

Hi Gal, a couple of impressions based on my experience.

Is the Club street area a good area to live or too loud because of all the bars?

Sound travels up and it can get pretty busy around that area. If music/people bother you, it might not be the best place to be.

How is the Bugis/Lavender area?

Some areas are okay, although the area has some pretty wide/busy roads that make it look a bit less inviting than it should. It is super central though, and a stone's throw to everywhere.

What are the pros/cons of living in a big high rise condo building vs a walkup/shophouse?

Condo=big tower with pool, lifts, gym and whatnot, but often densely populated, with cookie-cutter flats/people. Walk-up=low rise, no amenities, but lower density, more interesting houses and neighbours. The pros and cons are just about exactly those you would imagine they'd be.

[zzm9980]

Hi all,

I'm starting to look more seriously into apartments and have a few more questions.

Is the Club street area a good area to live or too loud because of all the bars?

Never bothered me, but I only visited a friend's condo that was just off the main drag.

How is the Bugis/Lavender area?

"Less expensive" imo. Sticking to the SF analogies, this is the Tenderloin, but with much less crime. Nice places no doubt, but also a lack of charm iMO.

What are the pros/cons of living in a big high rise condo building vs a walkup/shophouse?

Thanks!

I think with a walk-up or shophouse you get something more unique and more character. The friend by Club st had a 4th story of a walk-up and it was really big. Private elevator (only unit on the floor), three bedrooms. In addition to the decent size unit, there was a great outdoor terrace that was perfect for BBQs. I think it was about $5k a month.

The cons are you don't get the amenities of a condo if that matters to you. Pool, exercise room, free parking, sometimes the management company (that may be a pro).

One more con of a walk-up is they tend to be older. Older condos will also share this: You'll find odd design layouts, lack of electrical outlets in convenient locations (maybe none at all in the bathroom), your bathroom may be off the kitchen with the sink separate and outside the bathroom, etc.

[californiagal]

thanks for all the advice, everyone!

I'm struggling to decide whether to go with a one year lease or two year lease. I'm not sure if I'll be in Singapore longer than a year. Most likely it will either be exactly one year, or 1.5-2 years but not in between. I'm leaning towards a two year lease because there are way more options, but if I have a diplomatic clause, and thus can leave after 14 months, would I be able to sublease the apartment for those lost two months if I have to leave after 12?


Thanks!

[zzm9980]

would I be able to sublease the apartment for those lost two months if I have to leave after 12?

Thanks!

Almost certainly not. Do you expect your company to move you, or to leave on your own? If your company moves you it is customary for them to pick up whatever lease-break penalty exists.

[x9200]

Maybe. There is always a certain risk you will not manage for a number of reasons not really dependent on you (i.e. tenants availability and LL's willingness to cooperate/comply) but if you consider this route ensure you have included to the TA:
- option to let you sublet (or better say find a replacement tenant)
- statement how the agent's commission should be handled in case the diplomatic clause is executed

[californiagal]

thanks again for all the tips so far! I'm about to sign a TA in the Ang Siang Hill area- very excited

Random question from those who have moved over from the US- I've heard that the standard bed sizes are a little different in Singapore.

Will my US Queen-sized bedding work on a queen-sized bed in Singapore or will I need to buy my bedding there?

[Strong Eagle]

thanks again for all the tips so far! I'm about to sign a TA in the Ang Siang Hill area- very excited

Random question from those who have moved over from the US- I've heard that the standard bed sizes are a little different in Singapore.

Will my US Queen-sized bedding work on a queen-sized bed in Singapore or will I need to buy my bedding there?

Singapore beds are about 5" shorter than the American equivalent, and just slightly narrower. A US queen is 60" x 80" while the Singapore/Malaysian equivalent is 60" x 75".

So, you could use American sheets but the fitteds won't quite fit.

[Dert42]

just bring US bedsheets...We bought 2 new sets right before we left.