Green Parks and Rich Culture: Living in East Coast Singapore
You may know East Singapore for its attractions, but did you know that it’s also a great place to live? Ever since I became a permanent resident, I’ve resided on the East Coast, and I highly recommend it.
If you’re considering living on the East Coast, here’s an article I wrote for you. Here, I discuss the benefits of living in this area, the different neighborhoods to check out, and more.
Hopefully, after reading this post, you’ll be able to form an informed decision and start looking for your new home.
What are the benefits of living on the East Coast of Singapore?
Easy Access to Nature
A great deal of the East Coast was once covered by forests, swamps, and quarries, and though the region is now heavily modernized, there are still remnants of all that beautiful nature.
The best way to immerse yourself in nature is by going to the parks in the region. East Coast Park is the most popular one, but there’s also Bedok Reservoir as well as various smaller green spaces in Tampines.
You can do so many fun things in these parks. Personally, I love hiking or going on a picnic with my family, but I also enjoy just napping on the green lawn.
And of course, you also get to enjoy the sea since the East Coast is right by the water. You can relish the sea breeze as you’re biking in the parks, and if you’re feeling adventurous, you can learn how to sail and do other fun watersports.
A Variety of Dining Options
For food lovers, East Coast Singapore is the ultimate place to be. The dining options in this region are so varied so there’s always something new to try.
Hawker centers are, of course, abundant here, and I love visiting one whenever I’m in the mood for something hearty yet affordable. But when I have extra money to splurge, I check out the fancy restaurants serving international cuisine.
I’m sure there are still eateries that I’ve yet to discover, and I’m excited to try them out in the near future.
An Abundance of Shops and Malls
Foodies aren’t the only ones who get pampered on the East Coast. Shoppers will also be delighted here because there are many shops and malls.
To be specific, here are 10 malls that I think you’ll love as well:
- 112 Katong
- Bedok Mall
- Kallang Wave Mall
- KINEX
- Katong V
- One KM
- Parkway Parade
- Paya Lebar Quarters
- Roxy Square
- SingPost Center
Rich in Culture
Even though the East Coast has fully embraced modernity, many heritage buildings still stand, allowing people to immerse themselves in the region’s history and culture.
Residents on the East Coast feel immense pride in being a part of the charming community here.
If you’re curious, here are some of the most popular heritage buildings on the East Coast that are worth visiting:
Excellent Schools
For families, the East Coast is a great place to live because there are many amazing options for schools—from primary to tertiary. There are even international schools if you’re a foreigner.
Sure, some neighborhoods on the East Coast don’t have an impressive selection compared to others. But since they’re all connected via public transportation, it’s still possible to let your child attend a great school in the next town over.
I’ll mention some of the school options on the East Coast later in this article.
What neighborhoods are in East Coast Singapore?
Changi
Changi is one of the most popular areas in Singapore. After all, this is where the international airport is located as well as other beloved attractions like Changi Beach Park and Changi Bay Point.
Because of this, Changi is an ideal place for families to live in. They can enjoy various family-friendly activities, such as bike rides along the coast or BBQs by the beach.
Aside from families, Changi might also appeal to retirees or couples without kids who want to get away from the city and enjoy the peace and quiet that only a beachside neighborhood can provide.
Eunos
— From: laurence_au1
With an area of just 2.58 square kilometers, Eunos may be a small neighborhood in East Coast Singapore, but it’s definitely a great place to live, especially if you’re a couple without kids, a single person, or a professional.
The best thing about this neighborhood is the abundance of public transportation options. There are multiple bus routes, and if you prefer riding the train, there’s a Eunos MRT station.
Additionally, many convenient amenities are nearby the apartments and other housing options. And when you’re in the mood for a food trip, Eunos has an abundance of hawker centers and restaurants that you might want to check out.
Geylang
— From: capturedbyefel
Geylang has quite a scandalous reputation: it’s infamously known as a red-light district. Because of this, people with families usually avoid this neighborhood.
That said, Geylang still has its fair share of outstanding qualities that might convince you to rent or buy a home here.
For one thing, the area boasts a good number of amazing restaurants and stalls, making it a food lover’s heaven. And for another, it’s well-connected in terms of public transportation, so you don’t have to stress about your daily commute.
Katong-Joo Chiat
— From: lastpicnictokyo
Katong and Joo Chiat were once two separate areas until they were redeveloped into one residential area.
The one striking thing about Katong-Joo Chiat is the unique architecture of the buildings and houses here. It’s home to colorful shophouses, terrace houses, and various heritage buildings.
Because of this, this area appeals to wealthy and middle-class people. Families also love living here because there are many family-friendly attractions and most places are easily accessible by public transportation.
Marine Parade
— From: slackergan
Marine Parade is conveniently situated: it’s right between Central and Eastern Singapore, making it easy to reach either region. Since it’s close enough to the city center, professionals tend to pick this neighborhood as their next home.
Another great thing about Marine Parade is that it’s abundant in modern comforts and entertainment options. Parks are nearby for families to enjoy, foodies can treat themselves to a great meal, and bookworms can spend their whole day in the library.
The only major downside is the lack of public transportation. Currently, there’s no direct MRT station here—the closest one is in Eunos—so if you’re planning to go somewhere, it’s best if you own a car.
Paya Lebar
— From: christineeucalyptus
Paya Lebar used to be a large swampy area and a notorious squatter district. But nowadays, it’s a small-town community with a lot of local charm and nostalgia.
Many heritage buildings remain untouched, which would thrill history lovers. At the same time, this neighborhood also features modern pleasures, such as malls, food centers, and complexes, so you can find different kinds of entertainment here.
That said, there’s a lack of school options in Paya Lebar, which is why this neighborhood isn’t the first choice for many families. But since the transit and housing options are great, the area still attracts many interested parties.
Pasir Ris
— From: kkf1953
Pasir Ris is one of the greenest neighborhoods on the East Coast, with various nature walks and animal and fish farms. Because of this, it features a slightly slower pace of living, which is why many residents here are retirees, couples, and families.
There are also various modern comforts if you’re looking for other fun things to do. You can shop till you drop at the amazing shopping malls here or treat yourself to a delicious meal at any of the trendy restaurants.
Simei
— From: panny5005
Simei is a small neighborhood on the East Coast that initially started as a kampong (Malay word for village) by the seaside. It sadly lost its native seafront habitat due to modern renovations, and now Simei is packed with various housing options.
Since Simei is such a small area, its amenities are pretty basic and only found in Eastpoint Mall, but they’re more than enough to serve you in your day-to-day life.
The primary selling factor for this neighborhood is that it features a cozy atmosphere.
Tampines
— From: jacquikyl
Once covered by forests, swamps, and sand quarries, Tampines is now one of the largest residential towns in Singapore. It also serves as a regional center in the East, so residents don’t have to go to the city center to fulfill their commercial needs.
One defining characteristic of Tampines is that it’s a major shopping hub. There are three shopping malls here, each with its own amenities and fun entertainment options.
Another fun thing to do here is go to the park, which Tampines has an abundance of.
The neighborhood also boasts a good number of schools, making it an attractive choice for families.
Upper East Coast
— From: myhome_sg
Back in the day, Upper East Coast was where rich merchants built their seafront bungalows to enjoy the view of the area. Nowadays, the neighborhood is jam-packed with modern condos, but you can still find an array of these historic bungalows.
One great characteristic of the Upper East Coast neighborhood is that there are many fun things to do here. Nature lovers and families can head to parks like East Coast Park or Bedok Reservoir, while food lovers can check out the various eateries and food stalls.
For families, the fact that there are several school options here makes this neighborhood all the more attractive. And with the suburban feel that the Upper East Coast exudes, they can also enjoy a tranquil lifestyle.
How much is housing on the East Coast of Singapore?
The cost of housing on the East Coast greatly depends on the neighborhood of your choosing. To get an idea of how much properties cost for each neighborhood, refer to the table below:
Changi
— From: micah_lim_real_estate_sg
When it comes to housing options, Changi primarily has spacious bungalows and newer condominium complexes. But you can also find HDB properties if you’re looking for more affordable choices.
Eunos
— From: shqrshots
Eunos mainly features HDB estates, and the condo units and terraced houses are mostly located on the eastern side. The neighborhood also has some cheap housing options, which is why it’s popular among young locals.
Geylang
— From: charlie.a.zamora
The housing options in Geylang are more on the cozy side. They’re also quite economical, which is perfect for single people, young professionals, couples, and students.
Katong-Joo Chiat
— From: lastpicnictokyo
Katong-Joo Chiat offers some unique housing options for everyone. Of course, there are modern condo units, but there are also charming colonial bungalows with beautiful facades and ornate designs.
These bungalows are known for being spacious, which is why families tend to choose them. Terrace homes are another possible housing option in this neighborhood.
Marine Parade
— From: beweirdbewild
In Marine Parade, there are many old HDB estates, which are predominantly occupied by older residents. But you can also find several modern units with several convenient amenities, so you have a lot of options to consider.
Paya Lebar
— From: sam_barry_
Paya Lebar is known as a laid-back neighborhood on the East Coast, and it’s also one that caters to people on a budget. The rent and property prices here are relatively cheaper than the other areas, so it attracts a good number of interested homeowners.
Pasir Ris
— From: darrylpohjungmaple
Pasir Ris may be a small neighborhood, but it still offers a good number of housing options for everyone. To make things better, many of these options are quite affordable, so you’re likely to find a property that you’d love to live in without breaking the bank.
Simei
— From: taredjay
Since Simei is quite far out from the city center, the housing prices here are relatively affordable. You can also find a diverse array of housing options here, which is impressive considering how small the neighborhood is.
Tampines
— From: critical_anglezzzzz
Tampines features a large number of HDB estates, and these estates are predominantly occupied by families and senior citizens. That said, you can also find private condos if you’re looking for a higher-end place to live.
Upper East Coast
— From: micah_lim_real_estate_sg
The Upper East Coast is an upscale neighborhood, so it’s not a surprise that modern condo units and large bungalow homes dominate the area.
Even though the properties here can get costly, there’s still a possibility that you’ll get lucky enough to find one that fits your budget.
What schools are available on the East Coast of Singapore?
To give you an idea of the education options on the East Coast, here are some of the most well-known schools in the region—from primary to tertiary.
Primary Schools
Secondary Schools
Tertiary Schools
International Schools
More Tips If You’re Considering Living on the East Coast of Singapore
The following are the factors you should consider when shopping for an apartment, condo unit, or landed property on the East Coast:
- Your place of work. It’s always ideal to live close to where you work because it would lessen your commute time every day. So, you might want to select a unit that’s near your place of work.
- The distance to the nearest public transit station. If you have to take public transportation every day, you might want to check how near or far a property is to an MRT station or a bus stop. The closer the distance is, the better it is for you.
- Walkability and accessibility. Being able to walk to a store, shop, and any other amenity without any problem is always a good thing, so use this as a criterion when narrowing down your preferred apartments or houses.
- Your future plans. This factor is optional, but it’s worth noting all the same. By future plans, I mean those concerning major life steps such as starting a family.