Singapore is among the top Asian destinations for expats to relocate. With its diverse culture, safety, and modern amenities – who wouldn’t want to live here?
Despite it being on the more expensive places to relocate, Singapore has proven time and again to have everything that relocators are looking for.
Here are the 5 Communities Popular Among Expats in Singapore
Singapore is one of the world’s best expat destinations. For four years now, Singapore has won the title of the best expat destination by the HSBC’s Expat Explorer report. That said, the country has also earned the reputation as one of the most expensive places to live in – for citizens as well as expats.
Realistically speaking, you’d have to spend at least USD 2,000 per month to maintain a basic lifestyle. However, if you decide to work here, it may not be too difficult since salaries in the city-state are higher on average than they are in most areas of the world.
So, if you’re exploring the idea of relocating to Singapore, here are the top 5 popular expats communities you might want to check out:
- Tiong Bahru
If you’re looking for a place that’s culturally diverse and at the same time has plenty of quaint places you can chill in or comfortably visit, then you’d love the cafes, eateries, wet markets, and bookshops at Tiong Bahru.
That said, as the city grows in popularity, development is catching up as well. But the good thing about it is that the housing estate has maintained its original charm. Google up the area and you’d find that it has a retro feel to it, which appeals to a lot of expats from all over the world. The flats carry a certain significance, with many built pre- and post-war, which are managed and governed by the local authorities.
- Holland Village
This quaint village, often called by expats as “Holland V” offers a quiet, calm residential life mixed with just enough entertainment to keep you on your toes. That said, this area cannot be considered a party town by any means. In fact, the area tends to be quiet by midnight. What it is though, is a classy spot with a bohemian feel, full of restaurants featuring cuisines from all over the world, including those from Europe and the Americas, as well as several popular expat clubs which will help you feel at home right away.
- Orchard Village
If you’re more of a hustle-bustle city person, then you’d enjoy the pace and lifestyle at Orchard Village. The famous Orchard Road is well known for being a hub for world-class shopping. There’s also a great selection of hotels, nightclubs, theatres and more. That said, the cost of living in this area can be relatively higher than the rest, you get to enjoy all the prime services in the city-state such as all the access to public transportation you can possibly need, and all of the entertainment and amenities to go along with it.
Another thing worth noting is that Orchard Road is also home to Singapore’s Botanical Gardens, which has been honored as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is among Asia’s top park attractions. Living in Orchard Village is great as it is. In fact, many people consider Orchard Road as “The heart of Singapore,” which is its nickname.
- Woodlands
If you’d like to live in an area with more space, Woodlands should be among your top options. A lot of expats actually choose to reside in this suburban area in the city-state’s northern region because it offers more space and the promise of a quieter lifestyle.
That said, you can find most types of housing here, including terrace houses and bungalows. There is also an American School for a large number of US families in the neighborhood.
- Tanglin
And finally, if you’re looking for the poshest location out there, then Tanglin is more likely for you. This luxuriant residential district is where you’ll find most of the embassies, along with large, beautiful homes and luxury hotels. Tanglin also has some of the most luxurious spas in all of Singapore.
There you have it! While Singapore is not a very big country, it has various neighborhoods that would suit any expat (and their family’s) budget and lifestyle. Which area or neighborhood would you like to move into if given the chance to work and live in Singapore? Let us know by leaving your comment in the section!
READ NEXT: 12 Things to Know for Pinoys Who Plan to Work in Singapore