#1 City Centre Orchard

The Orchard area offers easy access to the retail hustle and bustle of Orchard Road’s shopping malls, restaurants, hotels, cinemas, and health and beauty services. Despite the activity and density, many of the surrounding neighbourhoods are quiet and leafy. Naturally, rents here are higher, but they’re offset by the prime location and access to public transport, the CTE (Central Island Expressway) and CBD (Central Business District). The American Club and Tanglin Club are in the neighbourhood.

River Valley

River Valley is a popular area between Orchard Road to the north and the Singapore River to the south, with a large concentration of modern high-rise condominiums and some conservation houses. It offers good bus links and easy access to the CBD.

Robertson Quay / Mohamed Sultan Road

These areas are popular with singles and young couples who want to be close to the CBD and enjoy the nightlife, restaurants and bars along the river. Robertson Quay boasts swanky new condominiums with water views; it’s serviced by buses, though boat taxis are just as handy for getting to the CBD.

Novena / Newton

Home to some houses and many high-rise condos, Novena and Newton both have MRT stations and are very convenient, yet very urban. Balestier is nearby and still has great access to the CBD but not the same “street cred” – that means you get more bang for your buck with property prices. Newton is famous for its hawker centre; it has some excellent barbecued seafood stalls, but do be aware of the price of everything before you order!