Moving to Singapore in two months!

ve_blur · Post by **ve_blur** » Wed, 28 Aug 2013 1:25 pm

Hello everyone,
My husband and I would be moving from the USA to Singapore in two months. We are quite excited, but having a hard time finding an apartment. I have been reading about it and I'm just confused! There are so many areas and places. It is so confusing without actually being there and checking places.
My husband would be working in NUS and I will be working in CBD near raffles MRT and North near Yishun MRT. We would love to live in the main city area since we are both young and want to enjoy the nightlife. Our budget is 2500-3000$ and we are looking for a one bedroom apartment. I was wondering if anyone has recommendations regarding condos that are not only renting studios or 3 bedrooms, that's all I seem to find. We are not very picky, a gym and a pool would be nice, but not necessary.
I have been reading good things about the East Coast as well. I love to run, and my husband runs and cycles, but I'm worried about commuting all the way to North from there. Would it take more than one hour?
If anyone has any input it would be greatly appreciated!

Barnsley · Post by **Barnsley** » Wed, 28 Aug 2013 2:20 pm

City Lights definately has 1 bed appts.

My friend was paying around 3k for a one bedroom.

Its right next to Lavendar MRT so your commuting should be no problem.

NUS.might be a different matter though.

ve_blur · Post by **ve_blur** » Wed, 28 Aug 2013 10:31 pm

Barnsley wrote:City Lights definately has 1 bed appts.

My friend was paying around 3k for a one bedroom.

Its right next to Lavendar MRT so your commuting should be no problem.

NUS.might be a different matter though.

Thank you for your reply! My husband is planning to get a scooter to use it to go to work. Is that a better option than taking the MRT?

Post by **Strong Eagle** » Thu, 29 Aug 2013 1:27 am

ve_blur wrote:
Barnsley wrote:City Lights definately has 1 bed appts.

My friend was paying around 3k for a one bedroom.

Its right next to Lavendar MRT so your commuting should be no problem.

NUS.might be a different matter though.
Thank you for your reply! My husband is planning to get a scooter to use it to go to work. Is that a better option than taking the MRT?

Is your husband a skilled rider? Singapore is a fine place to ride in IF you are an experienced rider, a proficient motorcyclist. Otherwise, I have seen countless small scooters, owned by expats, with scratches all down the side from being down on the tarmac. If he is just starting out, then I'd get a lot of practice on Sundays, and in places where traffic is not heavy. Rush hour Singapore is not a good place to learn.

ve_blur · Post by **ve_blur** » Thu, 29 Aug 2013 2:09 am

Strong Eagle wrote:
ve_blur wrote:
Barnsley wrote:City Lights definately has 1 bed appts.

My friend was paying around 3k for a one bedroom.

Its right next to Lavendar MRT so your commuting should be no problem.

NUS.might be a different matter though.
Thank you for your reply! My husband is planning to get a scooter to use it to go to work. Is that a better option than taking the MRT?
Is your husband a skilled rider? Singapore is a fine place to ride in IF you are an experienced rider, a proficient motorcyclist. Otherwise, I have seen countless small scooters, owned by expats, with scratches all down the side from being down on the tarmac. If he is just starting out, then I'd get a lot of practice on Sundays, and in places where traffic is not heavy. Rush hour Singapore is not a good place to learn.

Thank you! I'll definitely let him know. He does ride his regular bike everyday to work here, but the traffic is not bad here!

Post by **x9200** » Thu, 29 Aug 2013 7:52 am

It is more about taking wrong assumptions. At first when he seas the traffic he may think it is like in any Western country, but it is not. He has to learn some specific patterns and be prepared that drivers/riders here do not necessary obey to the traffic rules or use common sense.

zzm9980 · Post by **zzm9980** » Thu, 29 Aug 2013 8:41 am

x9200 wrote:It is more about taking wrong assumptions. At first when he seas the traffic he may think it is like in any Western country, but it is not. He has to learn some specific patterns and be prepared that drivers/riders here do not necessary obey to the traffic rules or use common sense.

Perfect example: The more expensive the car, the less likely they will honor the pedestrian zebra crossings at left turn lanes. If they do, they'll stop 2 meters in to it, pretty much defeating the point.

PrimroseHill · Post by **PrimroseHill** » Fri, 30 Aug 2013 4:38 pm

or do not use an indicator. Indicators are merely a fashion accessory.

DarrenOngYD · Post by **DarrenOngYD** » Mon, 02 Sep 2013 3:58 pm

There are lots of options if you're talking about catering to your needs for travel time to work and hobbies. Don't really recommend riding in Singapore though like the rest but keep that option open. Gotta look at how your husband feels about the traffic in Singapore.

DarrenOngYD · Post by **DarrenOngYD** » Mon, 02 Sep 2013 4:00 pm

Oh and the MRT in Singapore is really crowded especially during rush hour. Like sardines in a can

Post by **sundaymorningstaple** » Mon, 02 Sep 2013 5:33 pm

Haven't traveled much have you Darren.

janiceliu88 · Post by **janiceliu88** » Tue, 03 Sep 2013 3:01 am

NUS is kind of out of the way - if you don't live in the West (or close to it) it can be a bit of a pain to get to. I'd suggest trying a condominium in the West Coast area. I don't know any off the top of my head but I know they're pretty plentiful.

If you value proximity to nightlife and you commute into town I'd recommend maybe the Harbourfront area. Or Holland Village/Buona Vista. Clementi's pretty close to NUS, so that's a good location too.

Frankly, public transportation is the main mode of transport here. I know it might be a bit of a shock to not drive around any more but I think you guys should at least consider that possibility - traffic can be pretty woeful, they're constantly upgrading and changing the roads and not bothering to inform anyone about it, etc etc. A reasonable bus service is sometimes as good as it can get, especially during rush hours when you want to avoid the train.

Post by **x9200** » Tue, 03 Sep 2013 8:57 am

janiceliu88 wrote:NUS is kind of out of the way - if you don't live in the West (or close to it) it can be a bit of a pain to get to.

NUS sits between two highways and especially for someone considering commuting with the motorbike it is rather conveniently situated. The only problem with NUS is the traffic at the AYE exit near NUH (and within NUS itself), still pretty transparent if somebody rides to/from work.
I would check Holland Village/Buona Vista area for accommodation.

sweeet · Post by **sweeet** » Tue, 03 Sep 2013 1:43 pm

Else you can consider an accomodation with available parking. Then there will be somewhere to park the vehicle. Parking at NUS shouldn't be too expensive too

ryanngwk · Post by **ryanngwk** » Wed, 04 Sep 2013 3:31 pm

Clementi or Holland will be an ideal place for you. They are near to NUS and there are plenty of activities to do in Holland

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Moving to Singapore in two months!

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