Living in the now is a mantra we can all subscribe to. To us, this means staying in a neighbourhood that best suits your current life stage. And, if the history of a place matters to you, the East Region of Singapore has lots of it. From one of Singapore’s most well-developed housing estates to authentically hip (not hipster) enclaves, there’s definitely a place in the East you can find home in, whether you’re a parent, a working professional or a retiree.
Best neighbourhoods for families
Once a kid is part of the equation, you’ll want to stay at a family-friendly neighbourhood in walking distance to plenty of preschools and educational institutions. Bedok is a good option, with affordable preschool options as well as well-known primary and secondary schools such as Red Swastika and Anglican High. There are also a good mix of homes to choose from, from HDB flats (both older and newer), condominiums (Archipelago, Bedok Residences, condos in Bedok South and Bayshore etc.) and landed housing (Opera Estate, Frankel etc.)
For recreation in Bedok, families are spoilt for choice. They can either head north to Bedok Reservoir, south to East Coast Park, or to the newly-opened [email protected] community hub. So if tennis is on this weekend, you can change it up completely and go kayaking the next!
Alternatively, consider something closer to town. Mountbatten, only 15 to 20 minutes away from the CBD, has a greater proportion of private properties. A five-room, 18 year old HDB resale flat here (with a city view) was sold for a cool $910,000 early this year. Preschools at Mountbatten offer more varied programmes such as Montessori education, and the area is also home to long-standing, Chinese-centric schools such as Kong Hwa School, Dunman High and Chung Cheng High (Main). On the weekends, the Singapore Sports Hub offers an array of sports facilities that’ll let young and old work up a sweat.
Best neighbourhoods for couples
Couples looking to make everyday a honeymoon, we recommend staying in either Katong or Siglap. These two neighbourhoods in the East Region of Singapore are walkable, vibrant, Insta-worthy and larger-than-life, so you’ll never be at a loss as to what to do for date night. Embark on a pub crawl any day of the week at Katong, or watch the world go by at one of the many cafes at Siglap. Both neighbourhoods also have ample wellness amenities such as yoga studios, boutique gyms and spa joints.
In Katong, the action radiates outwards from the Joo Chiat Road and East Coast Road junction, where the Katong I12 mall is located. And one of the biggest developments in Katong is 408-unit condominium The Shore Residences. In Siglap, the Siglap V condominium is widely considered as the epicentre of the precinct, with shops and a supermarket at the first storey. Siglap offers a small town vibe, whereas Katong can get bustling, but never stifling.
Best neighbourhoods for single professionals
In the East Region of Singapore, Paya Lebar is a neighbourhood dominating the headlines. As the government shapes Paya Lebar Central into a business and commercial hub, we foresee a rise in rental demand in the vicinity. Already, the mega mixed-use development Paya Lebar Quarter is taking shape, with 93,000 square metre of Grade A offices ready by the end of 2018. Paya Lebar Quarter will be complemented by retail facilities and a public plaza, making it a good place to hang around after work too.
Newer private properties within walking distance to the hub include Katong Regency and The Waterina. Both have full condo facilities.
If you’re working in Changi Business Park or the vicinity, consider properties located around Tanah Merah MRT, which would put you a short walk away from the Simpang Bedok lifestyle enclave.
If you’re working in the CBD, Marine Parade is a good bet. The neighbourhood is near to the CBD and conveniently connected via the East Coast Parkway, so you can wake up at 8 and be in office by 9. For those who don’t drive, there are also direct buses to the city that also ply the highway. A lot of the HDB units here face the sea, giving residents panoramic views.
Best neighbourhoods for retirees
Understandably, retirees favour quieter and more relaxed neighbourhoods. One of the East’s hidden gems is Telok Kurau, a peaceful low-rise precinct mostly populated with landed properties and small condos. There’s also a compact medical facility in the form of Parkway East Hospital.
If you like to be near the water, there’s also Tanjong Rhu. You can enjoy evening strolls along the area’s many promenades or, if you’re trying to clock those 10,000 steps, take a scenic route to Gardens by the Bay or simply cross a footbridge to the Singapore Sports Hub. An MRT station will also be ready by 2023, so if you’ve built up a nest egg and looking to plan ahead, Tanjong Rhu might strike a good balance between accessibility and tranquility.
If you found this article helpful, 99.co recommends East Coast: Why home owners should buy properties in District 15 & 16 and Sea Pavilion Residences – where heritage meets modern day living.
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