hello222

I came across a nice house in Sembawang area near the sea. What is the area like? Is it safe and are there any restuarants and supermarkets nearby?

Thanks

Bocat

Sembawang's lovely. We lived just a little down the road in Yishun. Not your usual expat haunt although there are quite a few Americans due to the Naval base and the Singapore American School in Woodlands (not far away).

Good shopping centres nearby - Northpoint in Yishun and Causeway Point in Woodlands. Sembawang Shopping Centre is ok but not great.

Restaurant wise there's nothing brilliant around (although we moved a year ago so maybe there are now). However, it's not far to Upper Thomson Road which has loads of restaurants and even the city's only 20-25 minutes away on the CTE (although most expats will think you live on the moon if you live in Sembawang!)

ex reg

Agree with most of what Bocat says.

But the travel time to the city can be over an hour by road if you travel in rush hour.

There are some hidden gems along the stretch of coast from Sembawang shipyard, where I worked for a year or so, all the way passed Pongol to Serangoon and Changi.

The Beaulieu House Restaurant, if you can find it, is full frontal on the straits and does some nice food.

And in the westerly direction there is the Sungei Buloh wetland reserve area if you like that sort of thing.

Without doubt Sembawang is considered to be in the Ulu but there are some great black and white bungalows in the area and all along the north west coast the sea side has been developed, low key, with sea side walks and stuff.

We go to the area occasionally. It's a bit like visiting Johore in some respects but a nice day out.

Is it safe??
Well a house is less secure than a condo as all condos are in a secure compound.
You'll have to balance security and the better style of living.

hello222

Many thanks for both of your information. Much appreciated.

If my husband had to be in the office at 8:30 am at Tanjong Pagar from Sembawang, would it be consider as driving in rush hour in Singapore?

ex reg

I'd consider it to be the rush hour and 1 hour journey might cover it.

But if you drove your husband to an MRT, quite a few nearby, say Admiralty then the MRT into say Raffles Place would be less than one hour. The MRT will be crowded though. That's why people drive.

hello222

Many thanks. After weighing its pros and coins, I decide that it is not the place for us. All your information is very useful in helping us to make up our mind. Thanks for all your time and prompt attention. Much appreciated.