Singapore District Map
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Click on below picture to enlarge View
Central Area (Districts 01 – 09, 11)
Central areas offer some of the most luxurious and expensive living in Singapore. Tanglin area and the road towards Holland Village at the end of Orchard Road is probably the most prestigious - and most embassies are located around here as well.
Newton (north of Orchard) and River Valley (south of Orchard) are more popular among single professionals and young couples.
The Singapore river area (Robertson Quay, Clarke Quay & Boat Quay) has especially been rejuvenated in the recent years and boasts now numerous restaurants and bars.
On the other hand, there are few condominiums in the CBD and the activity can be somewhat quiet during the evenings as it is mostly offices. Central areas offer very short distances to most free time attractions and are also well served by public transportation to and from to various parts of the island.
Holland Village and Bukit Timah (Districts 10, 21, also parts of District 05)
Bukit Timah area has many landed properties, but there are also some condominiums to choose from. It would be a good choice if you want a landed property and/or live in a quieter neighbourhood. It also has many good schools and is popular among families. Many well-off Singaporeans also live in this area.
Holland Village is popular hang-out place among expatriates living in the area and it has quite a few restaurants and bars, as well as some shopping amenities for daily needs.
Bukit Timah Nature Reserve and water reservoir areas are also nearby. They are the biggest green spaces in Singapore and are very popular for outdoor activities.
East Coast (Districts 14, 15, 16)The road from CBD towards Changi Airport, know as East Coast, has numerous Condominiums to choose from - some with a very nice sea view. The condominiums tend to be more expensive closer to the city centre (known as Tanjong Rhu area). Apart from the attraction of living close to the sea, there is also East Coast Park that stretches along the coast and gives numerous free time options for the outdoor types.
Parkway Parade offers some large scale shopping in the middle of East Coast.
The biggest downside in the east coast is probably the distance to the MRT line.
The Eastern MRT line does not go along the coastline, and you would have to take a bus to the MRT station, or just use a taxi, if you do not opt for own car. However, a new Circle Line due to be completed by 2010 will add 4 new stops to the West side of the East Coast area.
Other Areas
It is not to say that there are no other options for expatriates. There are condominiums and private housing on offer all around the island and you may also get more for your money than in the most popular areas. Notably Woodlands is popular among American Expatriates, because of the American school and the spacious housing offered there - preference among them being for landed properties.
Budget and Property Prices
The rental prices fluctuate heavily depending on the supply and demand of the available units. The rental prices for private properties have in many places doubled in the last two years, as also happened during the 90's property boom. The following table gives you a rough idea what you can expect with what kind of budget currently:
| Location | Property Type | Rental Range |
|---|---|---|
| Central (Newton, Holland Village, River Valley, Orchard, Tanglin) | 1-bedroom apartment | S$3,000 – S$7,000 |
| 2-bedroom apartment | S$3,500 – S$8,000 | |
| 3-bedroom apartment | S$4,500 – S$10,000 | |
| Penthouse / 4+ bedrooms | S$6,000 – S$20,000 | |
| Terraced House | S$6,000 – S$25,000 | |
| Bungalow | S$15,000 – S$60,000 | |
| East Coast & Bukit Timah | 1-bedroom apartment | S$2,500 – S$4,000 |
| 2-bedroom apartment | S$3,000 - S$5,000 | |
| 3-bedroom apartment | S$3,500 - S$7,000 | |
| Penthouse / 4+ bedrooms | S$5,000 - S$15,000 | |
| Terraced House | S$7,000 – S$10,000 | |
| Bungalow | S$12,000 – S$40,000 | |
| Other Areas | 1-bedroom apartment | S$2,000 – S$3,000 |
| 2-bedroom apartment | S$2,500 – S$4,000 | |
| 3-bedroom apartment | S$2,800 – S$5,000 | |
| Penthouse / 4+ bedrooms | S$3,200 – S$8,000 | |
| Terraced House | S$5,000 – S$10,000 | |
| Bungalow | S$8,000 – S$20,000 |
