Singapore is fast becoming a favorite destination among individuals and families who wish to settle abroad.

With a booming economy, excellent education, and state-of-the-earth healthcare, this country is attracting expats from all over the globe.

If you are planning to relocate to this fascinating country, then read on to know about the best places to live for expats here.

Orchard / Central Region

Orchard

If you are looking for a place with access to all amenities, the Orchard area should be your first pick. This region has a profusion of malls, retail shops, restaurants, movie theatres, health, and beauty services, and many more amenities. The area includes the Central Business District (CBD), which implies that if your workplace is in the CBD, commuting between your office and home will be a breeze. The location is also well-connected to all parts of Singapore.

Needless to say, the benefit of residing in a premium location comes with high living costs. Houses are mostly high-rise condominiums with hefty prices and rents. Also, because of all the attractions, the region is fairly congested, especially on weekends.  Despite all the buzz, the adjacent neighborhoods are peaceful and lie in lush green natural surroundings. If you are looking for a place to relax and unwind, the American Club and Tanglin Club are in close proximity.

Tanglin

Tanglin, a peaceful neighborhood west of Orchard Road, is regarded as one of the most awesome places to live in Singapore. It is a lovely green neighborhood with a combination of spacious residences with adjoining gardens, bungalows, and low-rise affordable condominiums. Tanglin is the place to go if you want to get away from the city's hustle and bustle.

Many embassies are located in the area. The Singapore Botanic Gardens is nearby, and you can reach the nearby Dempsey Hill for good food spots and shops for furniture and other items. The main drawback of the area is the unreliable public transport and unavailability of a nearby MRT station.

Holland Village

Holland Village, located to the west of central Singapore, is a popular neighborhood for expats. It has a diversified and unique vibe and is home to many families. Living in Holland Village means you're close to the Orchard and downtown regions while also avoiding the busy lifestyle.

There are numerous international schools nearby, and the area offers a diverse range of housing alternatives, including condos, bungalows, and houses. The Singapore Botanic Gardens and MacRitchie Reservoir are also a stone's throw away. It is home to a variety of popular expat clubs, including the Hollandse Club and the Tanglin Club. The Holland Village Shopping Center is one of Singapore's largest hawker centers and is considered a shopper’s paradise.

Jalan Merah Saga, which is conveniently accessible, has a plethora of eateries and shops to visit. The MRT station is nearby, and the Circle and Downtown MRT lines connect to all regions of the island. However, the popularity of Holland Village has resulted in overpriced properties in recent years. 

Bukit Timah

Often abbreviated as Bt Timah, this residential estate is located in the Western part of Central Singapore. Located at a distance of just 10 km from the Central Business District, this area boasts of one of the most fantastic views of the country from atop the Bt Timah hill. You can take a stroll up to the Botanic Garden, or enjoy the soft sunshine on a lazy Sunday afternoon with your kids in one of the many parks of the locality.

Many world-class schools are easily accessible from the area. Bukit Timah mainly hosts bungalows and high-rise condos which are a bit on the expensive side.

Tanjong Pagar

This locality is very close to Chinatown and forms a part of the business district. Tanjong Pagar is known for the myriad of restaurants, hotels, and pubs in the area. You can find cafes and street food stalls selling Asian or Italian food here. Due to its diverse culinary palette, Tanjong Pagar attracts tourists on a large scale.

With plenty of ATMs, grocery stores, and shopping complexes, procuring your daily needs shall not be a problem in Tanjong Pagar. This locality has a unique blend of HBD flats as well as plush condominiums for residents to choose from. It is ideal for single professionals who earn a pretty high income and enjoy living in the heart of the city.

South Region

Tiong Bahru

Tiong Bahru is Singapore's oldest housing estate. It is a popular location for young expats who enjoy the neighborhood's nostalgic vibes. The estate is close to the CBD while still retaining the traditional Singaporean charm. Away from the hustle and bustle of the city, the area is known for its quieter, calmer, and more laid-back atmosphere.

The main estate is surrounded by low-rise apartment blocks with two to five-roomed units and high-rise condominiums built by the Housing Development Board (HDB) along Boon Tiong Road, Jalan Membina, and Kim Tian Road. The estate contains one mall, Tiong Bahru Plaza, as well as numerous trendy coffee shops and cafes, restaurants, and boutiques. The nearest Mass Rapid Transit station is Tiong Bahru MRT station on the East-West line.

Sentosa Island

If you are looking forward to living a vacation-type luxurious life in Singapore where you can relax and enjoy the cool seaside wind, Sentosa Island should be your first pick. The residential section, Sentosa Cove, features mansions and condominium complexes with magnificent views of the South China Sea.

After a hectic week at work, there are numerous hotels, restaurants, clubs, and exquisite beaches where you may relax and unwind. Quayside Isle has a waterfront shopping complex where you can get all of your daily groceries.

Apart from being luxurious, this region has a tranquil environment, which is rather difficult to find in Singapore. However, with a stunning neighborhood comes high living costs, and because these regions are the furthest from central Singapore, facilities are not that easily accessible.

Nearby Sentosa, on the mainland, is Faber Park, which has a sprawling suburban feel and is home to a large and friendly expat community. Homes are bigger, more spacious, and more affordable. The area has easy access to the AYE/CTE expressways making it convenient for commuting.

North Region

Woodlands

Those who are planning to move to Singapore with family, and are looking for spacious yet affordable housing options, would absolutely love the Woodlands neighborhood. The expat community here is chiefly composed of Americans, probably due to the Singapore American School which is located nearby.

Woodlands is a calm, relaxed neighborhood, surrounded by numerous gardens and parks where you can spend a day frolicking with your kids. All essential amenities such as shopping centers, cinema houses, and restaurants are available in the area.

Takeaway

Whether you are a fan of the hustle and bustle of the city or like to unwind in a tranquil peaceful neighborhood after a day's hard work, Singapore has a place that is just right for you. So, go ahead, take your pick! Start planning your move to this lovely country today!