A Coveted Neighborhood: A Guide to Living in Ang Mo Kio
Ang Mo Kio is arguably one of the most coveted areas in the Northeast Region of Singapore. It boasts many things to do as well as a variety of housing options, which is why many people are interested in living here.
I don’t live in Ang Mo Kio, but I do have family and friends there, so I come to this area quite often. And based on my experience, I can totally understand the hype that it gets.
If you’re curious to know why living in Ang Mo Kio is great, this article is for you. Here, I discuss the benefits of living in Ang Mo Kio as well as the possible housing costs and more, so hopefully by the end, you can decide if this can be your new home.
What’s so special about Ang Mo Kio?
— From: critical_anglezzzzz
What’s so special about Ang Mo Kio is the fact that it’s a highly urbanized area with a fascinating history.
The land of Ang Mo Kio used to be uninhabited in the 19th century, but during the turn of the century, settlers started coming here. It was also around this time when rubber production in the area boomed, resulting in various rubber plantation estates.
The area was eventually named “Ang Mo Kio” because many of the people living here were foreigners.
In the Hokkien dialect, “Ang Mo Kio” means “red-haired man’s bridge.” “Ang Mo” is also a colloquial term for Caucasians.
What makes Ang Mo Kio a good place to live?
Fast and Efficient Public Transport System
Ang Mo Kio is very much well-served by a multi-modal public transport system. For starters, there are four MRT stations in the area, which are part of the North-South Line and Thomson–East Coast line:
- Yio Chu Kang
- Ang Mo Kio
- Lentor
- Mayflower
In addition to these four, there’s another one coming soon that will be part of the Cross Island Line: Teck Ghee. This station is set to open to the public in 2030.
Bus services are also abundant in Ang Mo Kio. These buses can take you everywhere in Singapore, be it the city center or any of the other regions on the island.
Because of this, it’s easy for residents to commute to work or just get around Singapore in general.
Walkable Neighborhood
What if you’re not in the mood to ride a bus or train? Then, you can choose to walk instead!
The great thing about Ang Mo Kio is that its layout is incredibly well thought-out. Amenities, such as stores and groceries, and entertainment options, such as malls and restaurants, are all within walking distance.
Because of this, you’re motivated to walk to your planned destination whenever you want. It’s so convenient, and you also get to stretch your muscles for a bit—it’s a win-win situation!
So Many Fun Things to Do
When you live in Ang Mo Kio, you won’t run out of fun things to do in your spare time. And that’s simply because this neighborhood features countless entertainment options.
To be more specific, Ang Mo Kio has three malls with a total of 223 shops, 109 restaurants, and six nightlife options. Surely, with these amenities, you can find an activity that you’ll like.
What are some of the best things to do in Ang Mo Kio?
Here are a few of the best things to do during your spare time in Ang Mo Kio:
- Shopping. With 223 shops, you’ll definitely get the retail therapy that you deserve.
- Going on a food trip. From affordable hawker centers to fancy restaurants serving international cuisine, this neighborhood can satisfy your every craving.
- Partying in a lively nightclub. Make most of the night partying and dancing with your friends.
- Hanging out in a park. Ang Mo Kio has a few parks where you can stroll, hike, or simply lie down on the green and take a nap. These options are Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park and Ang Mo Kio Town Garden (East and West).
Mellow and Tranquil Neighborhood
Even though Ang Mo Kio boasts countless amenities and fun things to do, its overall atmosphere is still pretty mellow and tranquil. In other words, you don’t have to worry about drowning in city noise all the time.
Because of this characteristic, Ang Mo Kio attracts mostly couples without kids, empty nesters or retirees, and families. So long as you’re the kind of person who wants a quiet lifestyle, this neighborhood is for you.
Great Selection of Schools
If you have a family, you’ll be delighted to know that there are many great schools in Ang Mo Kio—primary, secondary, and even tertiary! And if you’re a foreigner, you can also find a few international schools here.
Because of this, you don’t have to worry anymore about where to enroll your kids in the future.
To give you an idea of what the education system is like in Ang Mo Kio, here are a few schools found in the area.
Primary Schools
Secondary Schools
Tertiary Schools
International Schools
Special School
Ang Mo Kio has Pathlight School, a special school that’s dedicated to high-functioning children with autism in Singapore.
Founded in 2004, this school teaches the students the mainstream curriculum subjects as well as social and life skills. Basically, Pathlight aims to prepare their students for employment in an autism-friendly environment.
- Website: https://www.pathlight.org.sg/
- Address: 5 Ang Mo Kio Ave 10, Singapore 569739
- Contact Number: +6564599951
How much does housing cost in Ang Mo Kio?
The housing options in Ang Mo Kio are mostly apartments, condo units, and HDB flats, so it’s possible to find a property that’s within your budget.
Whether you’re looking to rent or buy your own property in Ang Mo Kio, the cost will depend on the size of the unit and the number of extra amenities it has. Here’s a breakdown of the possible housing prices in Ang Mo Kio.
How do I choose a house in Ang Mo Kio?
Have I convinced you that Ang Mo Kio is a great place to live? Great! Now all that’s left for you to do is find your dream home here.
To help you choose a house in Ang Mo Kio, here are some factors that you should consider:
- Where your place of work is located. Are you working in the city center—or maybe even farther than that? You might want to select a house that’s near where you work for convenience’s sake.
- How near a house is to an MRT station or bus stop. Speaking of convenience, it’s also a great idea to choose a house that’s near public transportation. That way, your commute will be a breeze.
- Do you have a family? When you have a family, the ideal residential unit should be one with multiple rooms. Also, you might want to pick a unit near amenities and schools because that will make your life easier here.
- Your budget. Housing in Ang Mo Kio can get really pricey, so you need to consider how much you’re willing to spend. Once you’ve determined what your budget is, it shouldn’t be too hard to find the right property for you.