Hi there,

My partner and I have just moved to Singapore (both British) and are deciding where to live. We have been looking at the Harbour Front area - can anyone give their view on this area? I know there is the Vivo City Mall and the Keppel Bay development, but we would like to know if there are any local bars, hawker centres nearby (basically something with a bit more character?)

Also - are there any other areas people can recommend close to the MRT. Everyone says River Valley and Robertson Quay but we've found these way over budget! I need to get to the CBD every day for work so nothing too far out but nothing too crazy expensive either!

Any help would be much appreciated!

Hi Kitty and a warm welcome to the forum.

I used to live and work in Singapore (2005 to late 2007) and it's a great place to experience.

Singapore is quite an expensive city these days (unfortunately). I would imagine that Harbour Front would be an expensive area, as is River Valley as you have already discovered. I would imagine that the further out from the CBD that you go, it will get less expensive, but then you have the commute Difficult one.

I'm a little bit out of touch with Sing these days. I'll ask the Moderators if they will move your thread to the Singapore section. We have a few Singapore residents and I would imagine they can advise you better than I can.

All the best.

'Hello Kitty', shirley bb.

Anyway.
Nowhere is far from the CBD in Singapore.
Holland V is worth a look.
Newton as well.

Off the Bukit Timah Rd then the Watten Estate.

Going east then lots of new condos around Parkway Parade or for the more adventurous Geylang.

Plenty of previous threads to look at.

Hi
Thanks for your replies, does anyone have any specific information on what it is like to live in the Harbour Front area, that is what I'm looking for!
Thanks
Kitty

I will give our current situation to see if that helps:

We live in a two bedroom apartment in a condominium with full facilities (pool, gym, tennis courts etc.) in Yio Chu Kang, paying rent of $2900 a month. We like the area because it is a bit less developed and there is more green space, and facilities aren't too far away (15 minute bus in three different directions take you to a mall with a supermarket, cinema etc). We have a hawker centre complex 10 mins walk away.

From our front door we can reach the city in about 30 minutes using public transport and I used to commute to the CBD in about 45 minutes.

What I imagine makes or breaks this area for foreigners is that it is more of a Local's area. We relatively rarely see other Europeans, but whether that is a deal breaker or not depends on the person I suppose.

I imagine you could repeat this same description for a number of areas a bit further from the city. The areas that are popular with expats sadly seem to also be some of the most pricey!

Hi. I came across this forum and thought it might be great if I can help. I'm a local Singaporean so I know the country pretty well. In addition, I have a brother-in-law who came to live with me from U.K. He might be able to help you guys as well.

I would be able to recommend some places that's not only value for money, but also well furnished and accessible. But I do need to know your budget, preference and work location.

Glad to help.

Our friends live in the Harbour front area and love it. Easy to get everywhere, restaurants, malls, views, Sentosa, and a breeze!

Your brother in law is an estate agent?

He's a banker, who knows both singapore and uk very well.
If you looking for property agent, I can recommend my friend to
You.

Errr ... I'm a moderator, and no I'm not looking for an estate agent.

If you of course wish to recommend people you have used then you are free to do here, so but I would only respectfully ask that you don't request people to send you their personal contact details as you have elsewhere.

Many thanks

Okay sure!

Thanks Worried2 you have reassured me about the area! Another question I had for Singapore expats - how important do you think it is to live in a bigger condominium - could imagine the social benefits are good but then I reckon there'd be a lot of noise from kids in the pool area? So what's better - big or small condominiums? is it better to go for the resort lifestyle?

Another area we are looking at is Newton - seems a lot quieter and more residential but also central so could be perfect! let me know what you think!!

Might depend on the size/height of the condo. If you're up 20, 30 floors I doubt you'd hear any pool noise.

It's on the third floor!

Is Harbour Front area near any MRT? If not, how do people go to work apart from driving?