Moving overseas advice

Where to live in Singapore

Key takeaways

The best neighbourhoods in Singapore are Holland Village, Orchard Road, Tiong Bahru and East Coast.
The most peaceful places in Singapore are Woodlands, Telok Blangah, Pulau Ubin and Sentosa Island.
The most expensive area in Singapore is Nassim Road due to its exclusivity, historical significance, and residents' wealth.

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Best neighbourhoods in Singapore | Peaceful places in Singapore | Most expensive area in Singapore

Best neighbourhoods in Singapore

The best neighbourhoods in Singapore are Holland Village, Orchard Road, Tiong Bahru and East Coast. Each region caters to the lifestyles of various residents, offering expats and natives a range of enticing options to live, work and play.

Below, we explore each area in more detail, helping you make the best decision about where to live when you move to Singapore:

Holland Village

Shopping malls: 2 | Schools: 6 | MRT stations: 1

Holland Village is popular thanks to its central location, with easy access to Downtown, the Singapore Botanic Gardens and MacRitchie Reservoir.

Its lively atmosphere includes varied restaurants, bars and a renowned hawker centre, making it a thriving social hub. Nearby Tanglin is an affluent spot known for its colonial architecture and lush greenery.

Orchard Road

Shopping malls: 26 | Schools: 11 | MRT stations: 2

With its high-end boutiques, sprawling malls and flagship designer stores, Orchard Road is one of Singapore's premier shopping destinations. It offers everything from gourmet dining and luxury hotels to vibrant entertainment options.

This Singapore region is also known for its exclusive homes, which attract affluent residents looking for easy access to international schools, medical centres, and transport links.

3. Tiong Bahru

Shopping malls: 2 | Schools: 9 | MRT stations: 1

If you're looking for a quieter, laid-back vibe, Tiong Bahru stands out for its Art Deco buildings, trendy cafes and boutique shops. Thanks to convenient transport links, spacious homes and plentiful green spaces, it's an ideal neighbourhood for families.

Tiong Bahru is also renowned for its strong expat community, with local markets, trendy cafes, and established small businesses adding to its distinctive charm.

East Coast

Shopping malls: 6 | Schools: 25 | MRT stations: 3

East Coast is ideal for beach lovers who want the energy of big-city living with a relaxed, coastal twist. Famous for its breezy beaches, outdoor activities, seafood restaurants, and shoreline parks, East Coast attracts families, young professionals, and sports fans alike.

Housing options range from luxurious condos with stunning sea views to spacious, family-friendly houses and apartments.

Peaceful places in Singapore

The most peaceful places in Singapore are Woodlands, Telok Blangah, Pulau Ubin and Sentosa Island. If you're moving to Singapore for safe streets, a slower pace of life and year-round tropical weather, several tranquil neighbourhoods offer an escape from the hustle and bustle of the city centre.

Nestled in the city state's northern region, Woodlands boasts a quiet, suburban vibe that feels far from the busy downtown region. The town is ever popular with families, thanks to an abundance of large homes with gardens and its proximity to international schools. Lush parks like Admiralty Park and Woodlands Waterfront feature trails and plentiful picnic spots, adding to the alluring vibe.

To the south sits Telok Blangah, offering a serene and colourful residential experience next to some of Singapore's most scenic spots, including Mount Faber and the Southern Ridges. This peaceful neighbourhood combines modern living with nature — ideal for those who appreciate a quiet environment within touching distance of the city centre. Enjoy direct access to beautiful walking trails, abundant greenery and hilltop views of the city and the Singapore Strait. Housing options range from spacious Housing & Development Board (HDB) flats to upscale condos.

Pulau Ubin is a dreamlike island off the northeastern coast that feels like stepping back in time. Known for its rustic charm and unspoiled beauty, the island attracts residents looking for a peaceful, natural lifestyle far removed from the demands of modern living. Pulau Ubin's few residents live in traditional kampong houses, surrounded by unpaved roads, lush forests, tranquil beaches and sprawling coconut plantations.

Sentosa Island offers residents a unique combination of resort living and tranquillity just minutes from mainland Singapore. Known for its luxurious condos, private estates and beachside villas, Sentosa Island appeals to the elite who can afford an exclusive, upscale lifestyle. The estimated population of just 2,480 enjoy easy access to beautiful beaches, golf courses and endless scenic walks that feel a world away from the beating pulse of nearby urban Singapore.

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Singapore districts

Most expensive area in Singapore

The most expensive area in Singapore is Nassim Road due to its exclusivity, historical significance, and residents' wealth. Known as "billionaire's row", the tree-lined street is home to the city-state's elite, including social media founders, business tycoons, and royalty. It boasts the highest cost of living in Singapore and some of its most valuable real estate, including record-breaking transactions, such as Facebook founder Eduardo Saverin's $230 million mansion sale.

Good Class Bungalows (GCBs), luxurious private homes in designated areas subject to strict planning regulations, on Nassim Road are some of the most prestigious properties in Singapore. These unique homes are part of the GCB Area, a designated zone that only permits detached homes of a specific size with expansive, lush gardens, ensuring the preservation of low-density living for the elite.

Further distinguishing the area is its proximity to landmarks like the Singapore Botanic Gardens (a UNESCO World Heritage site!) and its role as a diplomatic hub, housing several foreign embassies. For many, living on Nassim Road is not simply a desirable place to live — it's a statement that you have reached the top.

Learn more about moving to Singapore

Moving to Singapore

Moving to Singapore? From emigrating tips to finding a job, booking removals to Singapore, to understanding the culture, read this guide for an easy relocation.

Is Singapore safe?

Singapore is safe — it's the fifth safest country in the world according to the Global Peace Index (GPI), offering residents a secure place to live and work.