Singapore Condo Reviews: Real Talk on Pros, Cons, Facilities, Location and Family Friendliness

Looking for Singapore condo reviews? Real mamas spill the deets on some of Singapore’s most popular family condos in Singapore

If you are looking for honest reviews on family-friendly condos in Singapore, you’ve come to the right place. Condos rentals are at a real high right now and if you are looking to move condo you’ll want to know which one would suit your family best. Need (or want rather) a big pool for little ones to take up swimming lessons or tennis courts for a sporty activity with your husband, a buzzing social scene or quiet chilled vibes? We’ve spoken with mamas across the island to put together these Singapore condo reviews for places in Sentosa, East Coast, Orchard, River Valley, Holland Village and more. If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to live in a certain spot, click through our gallery (condos listed by district) to get the pros, the cons, and the nitty-gritty on amenities and transport links. You may not be surprised to find out that just about everyone rates their condo for family-friendliness!

Other factors to consider:
New vs. Old: With the former you’re more likely to get fabulous facilities (water slide, karaoke room or golf simulator, anyone?) and high-end appliances. Older condos – particularly those built in the 90s or earlier – offer A LOT more internal space and tend to be lower density, with more green space.

Big vs. Small: Unsurprisingly, the bigger condos (400+ units) tend to have on-site conveniences like mini-marts (or even doctor’s offices or preschools), in addition to multiple pools, tennis courts, bigger gyms, etc. Smaller condos provide a more intimate feel which can be a nice change of pace in a bustling city like Singapore.

Jump to reviews of condos in Singapore districts:

Orchard, River Valley, Robertson Quay
Holland Village, Tanglin, Bukit Timah
Watten Estate, Novena, Thompson 
Upper Bukit Timah
Telok Blangah, Harbourfront, Pasir Panjang
Sentosa
Punggol
West Coast
East Coast
Kranji, Woodlands, Yishun
Pasir Ris

Read more:

Do you love your condo? If you don’t see it listed but want to share the deets, email us at sassy@sassymamasg.com and we’ll add it to our database!

Lead image of Oceanfront Sentosa sourced via Boulevard

261-263 River Valley Road, Singapore

Number of units: 606
Year built: 1998

Why did you pick your condo?
During our first visit, we saw many children playing together and having fun. Having a young child, it was a priority to get a family-friendly condo.

What are the facilities like?
The facilities are good. There’s a big resort-like swimming pool, paddling pool, water play for children, a large playground, a couple of function rooms, gym and even a small grocery store. Although the swimming pools may need a bit of renovation.

Is it family-friendly?
Very family-friendly. We like to chill out in our condo during the weekends. There is always something happening! Lately, neighbours have arranged a book exchange shelf!

What are the pros and cons?

• Pros: Family-friendly and great location in River Valley.
• Cons: It can sometimes be difficult to get into our condo for guests, as security rules are very strict. 

What would you say is the demographic breakdown?
Mainly expats, with many French, American and Indian families. 

What do you like about your neighbourhood, what are the transportation links like?
We enjoy our neighbourhood: we are nearby the river and Robertson Quay, Fort Canning Park and Orchard. There’s a direct MRT to the airport and many buses to the city. 

Why do you like living in your condo?

People are very nice and always available to help!
–Julienne

Image via Aspen Heights Facebook

238 Orchard Boulevard, Singapore 237973

Number of units: 175
Year built: 2010

Why did you pick your condo?
Because it was modern (and almost brand new at the time), in a great location and with first class amenities.

What are the facilities like?
Amazing — a fantastic pool with an island chill-out area (and kids pool), 3 temperature spa pools, tennis court, cigar and wine cellar/ room, a great gymnasium /fitness centre on the 30th floor (indoor and outdoor parts). The party room (with its own private pool) and BBQ areas are also excellent for having guests around and for celebrations.

Is it family-friendly?
The staff there were great, but there were not so many kids like in some other condos in Singapore.

What are the pros and cons?
Pros: Facilities as above, central location, good security.

Cons: After we left there was a change of management  – it seemed staff are not as flexible or friendly, and many ‘rules’ were introduced. Although the location is great, sometimes this was a disadvantage as you felt you never got out of Orchard (although located near the Botanics) it felt like you were living in a ‘bubble’.

What would you say is the demographic breakdown?
Mainly Chinese residents. More suited to adults and older kids.

What do you like about your neighbourhood, what are the transportation links like?
Right on top of Orchard MRT. It wasn’t really a ‘neighbourhood’ as it’s bang in the middle of Singapore’s main shopping area. Great for this reason, but not a condo to meet and mingle with lots and lots of other families, although you will meet a few. I would say it’s more suited to short-term tenants (a year or so) who want to experience the busyness of Singapore and be central to all the action.

Why do you like living in your condo?
We’re now living in a house which we love. At times we do miss condo living (great pool, tennis court) but otherwise all good.
–Liza

Image sourced via Estate

20 Leonie Hill, Singapore 239222

Number of units: 92
Year built: 1975

Why did you pick your condo?
We picked this condo because of the location, big size of the units, and it fit our budget.

What are the facilities like?
The condo has a beautiful playground with a zipline, which my kids love! Other than that, BBQ area, spacious function room, gym and pool. We don’t have a tennis court.

Is it family-friendly?
Yes, there are so many families with kids of all different ages.

What are the pros and cons?
Pros: The units are huge. Our unit is on the 22nd floor, and it’s a 2900 sqft duplex. I am very picky so it took us a while to find a renovated one.

Cons: Leonie Towers is a very old condo. Therefore the units and facilities are mostly old and need more maintenance.

What would you say is the demographic breakdown?
The condo has so many different nationalities. I’d estimate more than half the residents are Indian expats. The River Valley area in general is very popular with Indian families. There are kids of all ages.

What do you like about your neighbourhood? What are the transportation links like?
The condo is right between Grange Road and River Valley Road. Great World City and Valley Point are walking distance. We usually walk to Orchard Road. So you can walk to Orchard or Somerset MRT or catch a bus on River Valley Road. We love walking in the neighbourhood or biking to the Park Connector that goes along the river.
The only annoying thing is that there is MRT construction going on, which can make it really unpleasant to walk.

Why do you like living in your condo?
I like the size of our apartment as well as the location. I may sound like a local but being central and close to most of the places is great!
–Ceyda

Image sourced via Stature

80 Kim Seng Road, Singapore 239426

Number of units: 248
Year built: 1997

Why did you pick your condo?
We’ve always loved River Valley and the Robertson Quay area! Mirage Tower is right in the middle of it.

Not only does it sit at the end of the riverside path of Robertson Quay, where children can play along the river while parents can chill at those cute cafes, but it’s also just across from Great World City on foot, with all the necessities like grocery stores, food court, movie theatre, indoor play and all.

Since it’s a relatively old condo, the layout is very practical and user-friendly. No fancy window ledges and there’s a proper helper’s room (not a bomb-shelter).

What are the facilities like?
There’s a swimming pool, paddling pool, BBQ pit, children’s playground, tennis court, a small gym and meeting room. However there is no function room.

There is even a small nursery/preschool located right on the ground floor (Camelot River Valley)!

Is it family-friendly?
Yes, many occupants are families with young children. There are also community activities.

What are the pros and cons?

Pros: Location, Layout, Security, and Price (it is one of the most affordable condos in the River Valley, due to the age of the building).

Cons: There are a few construction sites around, which can get quite annoying during the day on the weekdays, especially if you have young babies at home and your unit faces the construction site directly.  

What would you say is the demographic breakdown?
There are both local and expat families (Chinese, Australian, Indian and French, etc), mostly with school-age children and toddlers.

What do you like about your neighborhood, what are the transportation links like?
It’s easy to walk to Great World City, Robertson Quay, and Tiong Bahru.

There are plenty of direct buses to China Town, Orchard, Somerset, and Downtown. One of those aforementioned construction projects is the Great World MRT station, which is scheduled to open in 2022.

Why do you like living in your condo?
The family-friendly vibes in the neighborhood, convenient access to both fancy (Robertson Quay & nice restaurants, etc) and budget needs (food court & wet markets). We grow to like it more and more all the time.
-M

Image via City Developments Limited

93 Robertson Quay, Singapore 238255

Number of units: 545
Year built: 2009

Why did you pick your condo?
Location, location, location. We have always been big fans of the River Valley area. Love the family-friendly vibe, great cafes and restaurants, ability to walk/bike/scoot along the river with no fear of traffic. Robertson Quay is always lively and fun.

What are the facilities like?
Basketball court, tennis court, ginormous pool with waterfall and fountains and hot tub, two function rooms, BBQ pits, library, gym plus sky gym are the ones worth mentioning.

Is it family-friendly?
Extremely. I have never seen so many babies and toddlers in my life!

What are the pros and cons?
Pros: great location, very family-friendly, good facilities, well maintained, very green, massive pool, right on the riverfront and fab views from the higher floors.

Cons: gym is a bit small given the size of the condo, facilities like function rooms and tennis courts get booked up quickly (550 units here).

What would you say is the demographic breakdown?
Primarily expats; 75% if I had to guess, European, American, Japanese, Indian, maybe 25% local.

What do you like about your neighbourhood? What are the transportation links like?
The MRT is coming up nearby but for now it’s not very well connected by public transportation. Easy to walk to lots of places, though and let’s just say there are lots of Grab cars and taxis coming through all day!

Why do you like living in your condo?
Location, views, still feels green despite being a high rise because there are sky gardens (cute little terrace with lots of plants and trees) every 4 floors, very kid/family friendly, lots of great kid classes are held here (for residents only), so my son never has to leave the condo for after-school activities.
–Namita

Image sourced via Pinterest

1 Rodyk Street, Singapore 238212

Number of units: 206
Year built: 2008

Why did you pick your condo?
A winning combination of location and comfort for us.

What are the facilities like?
We have an enormous pool and the rest of the facilities are fit for purpose with a functional gym, small playground and some common areas for R&R.

Is it family-friendly?
Yes, I especially want to compliment our guard uncles who are friendly and attentive and always pay special attention to the kids being happy and safe.

What are the pros and cons?
Pros: No more significant construction sites nearby, very quiet in spite of reputation as “party central” with some taxi uncles, lots of wonderful places to eat at, and endless possibilities for recreation along the riverside.

Cons: some of the public areas could use a bit more love and repair.

What would you say is the demographic breakdown? 
Expat 80%, lots of Japanese families. Mostly younger kids up to 10 years but still a quiet house so no crazy hoards of children running around the block.

What do you like about your neighbourhood, what are the transportation links like? 
You are never going to wait long for a cab, but bus and MRT are nearby as well, and you can get around by walking and cycling too if you are that way inclined

Why do you like living in your condo?
It provides us with everything our family needs in very suitable proportion so once we moved in we’ve not wanted to leave 
–Inna

60 Havelock Road, Singapore 169658

Number of units: 509
Year built: 2000

Why did you pick your condo?
We didn’t actually have a choice, it was just where my husband’s work placed people at that time. I feel so lucky that it worked out that way though! We’ve looked at other condos in the area though, and would pick River Place again in a heartbeat.

What are the facilities like?
The pool is great for kids, we have a playground, tennis courts, BBQ areas, gym, jacuzzi, steam room, sauna, plus a couple of grassy areas that the kids love to run around on.

Is it family-friendly?
SO family friendly! Especially for younger kids. There are heaps of babies and toddlers, and lots of kids up to the age of about 10. You don’t see so many older kids around the condo, though.

What are the pros and cons?
Pros: The kids can scoot to school and cafes, you can ride your bike up to Gardens by the Bay, there are heaps of preschools close by and once the kids are in bed there are heaps of bars close by! It’s also very friendly — you can always wander downstairs and bump into someone for a chat.

Cons: not many. Probably proximity to MRT? It’s better now that Fort Canning has opened, though. And it’s an older condo, so there’s always someone renovating. Hacking days can play havoc with naptime.

What would you say is the demographic breakdown?
Apparently there are more Singaporeans in our condo than others in the area. Lots of expats though; a mix of Australian, English, Indian, American, Russian, French etc. There’s no one nationality that’s dominant, but certainly there’s a focus on family living. I’m not sure I’d want to live here if I was a young professional with no kids!

What do you like about your neighbourhood? What are the transportation links like?
Robertson Quay is a lovely area — very relaxed, very kid-friendly, not many roads as it’s all based along the river. Buses go to Orchard, Dempsey, Alexandra, Harbourfront, and you can walk to Chinatown or Clarke Quay MRT in 10 minutes. And now that Fort Canning MRT has opened it’s easy to get to Botanic Gardens.

Why do you like living in your condo?
I love being able to walk out the back gate and instantly be part of the neighbourhood. Nothing is too far away, and everyone in the condo is really friendly.
–Jessica 

Image by Erwin Soo via Wikimedia Commons

475 River Valley Road, Singapore 248358

Number of units: 728
Year built: 1997

Why did you pick your condo?
We fell in love immediately with this resort-style condo, the open space with a lot of greenery, and the gorgeous pools. It is also quite affordable compared to other large condos in the same area.

What are the facilities like?
Well-kept FULL facilities include 2 resort-style large pools, kids pool, warm jacuzzi, kids’ playground, 3 tennis courts, basketball court, squash court, gym, clubhouse, BBQ pits, steam room & sauna. There is a lot of bicycle parking too.

Is it family-friendly?
Absolutely, there are many families with young children in the condo.

What are the pros and cons?
Pros: The location is very convenient. It’s only steps away from Valley Point and Great World City. Easy access to major bus routes. There are also many pre-schools in the nearby area.
The units are spacious, large windows with unblocked views (some with a fantastic view of the Singapore River)
Cons: The balcony is concrete, so young children will not be able to see outside from the living room. Also, not all the 3-bedroom units have a helper’s room. The gym and the clubhouse are pretty small for such a big condo, and the pool area is often crowded.

What would you say is the demographic breakdown?
Quite a lot of expats (perhaps 60%) with different nationalities. There are kids of all ages, and many are younger children and babies.

What do you like about your neighbourhood? What are the transportation links like?
The condo is located in a central yet quiet location next to Valley Point, and only 2 blocks away from Great World City. There are plenty of buses along River Valley Road. A leisure stroll to the riverside Alexandra Park Connector and Tiong Bahru Park.

Why do you like living in your condo?
The family-friendly neighbourhood and the resort living style in the heart of River Valley.

– Janet

Image credit: 99.co

53 Grange Road, Singapore 249565

Number of units: 325
Year built: 1996

Why did you pick your condo?
Spring Grove is one of those condos that’s known for its family-friendly community – there is always someone at the playground for the kids to play with!

What are the facilities like?
The facilities are excellent for families, with a large pool, gym, a playground surrounded by a grassy area, and sports facilities like tennis and squash courts, a basketball hoop, and soccer field.

What are the pros and cons?
Pros: great for families (lots of kids to play with), good facilities. Some apartments have small balconies, to which it is possible to attach Invisible Grilles.

Cons: The gym is on the small side, considering the number of residents.

What would you say is the demographic breakdown?
The condo is made up of a mix of locals and expats, and there is a large Indian expat community at Spring Grove.

What do you like about your neighbourhood? What are the transportation links like?
It’s an easy stroll to both Orchard Road and the Singapore River, a walk or bus ride to Great World City, Valley Point, and Tanglin Mall, and not too far from Dempsey!

Why do you like living in your condo?
The kids love the pool and have so many friends around to play with so we never need to organise playdates after school!
-J

Image sourced via SGPropTalk

7 Leedon Heights, Singapore 267953

Number of units: 1715
Year built: 2014

Why did you pick your condo?
We picked d’Leedon because it had nice ground floor units with a private outdoor garden. This was perfect for our family as we love the spaciousness but we are not ready to go for landed-houses and we can enjoy the condo’s various facilities at the same time. Some units are very small though as with many new builds. Location-wise it is close to many international and local schools, as well as Holland Village, Dempsey Hill, the Botanic Gardens and Orchard. The facilities are so extensive, which is very convenient for families. So it ticked most of our criteria.

What are the facilities like?
Very extensive facilities — including a karaoke room! So the complete list is gym, three tennis courts, two big main pools, small pools for children, function rooms, BBQ pits, reading room, game room, billiards room, golf simulator room, piano room, karaoke room and screening room. A GP, hair salon, restaurant, small supermarket and liquor stores are located within the condo, which is very convenient.

Is it family-friendly?
The condo is very family- and kid-friendly! There are a lot of families with young kids. The condo is also built on a large plot of land with a lot of space for kids to run and play around. There are always some kids around for our 4- and 3-year-old kids to play with. It is also very safe inside the condo with no cars around.

What are the pros and cons?
Pros:

– A lot of green space around the condo, very close to Botanic Gardens
– Amazing facilities
– 5-minute walk to wet market (Empress market) and MRT (Farrer Road station)
– Many classes on site for kids (e.g. Music class for infants & toddlers, multi-sports class)
– A new, modern condo (completed 2015)

Cons:
– Inefficient design and layout of some units
– Not the most convenient commute to CBD area
– A large scale condo, so less intimate

What would you say is the demographic breakdown?
A good mix of locals and expats. I think the majority is local, however you will see more expats in public areas like the pool and playgrounds. We have met a wide range of nationalities: Chinese, Korean, British, Dutch, Norwegian, Italian, Indian, Japanese, German, French, Australian, etc.

What do you like about your neighbourhood? What are the transportation links like?
We like that our neighbourhood is residential with a lot of low rise landed houses and greenery around us.  It is a 5-minute walk to the Farrer Road MRT Station and there are direct bus lines to Orchard.

Why do you like living in your condo?
It is a fun and safe place for our kids to grow up.  We feel we live in a suburban area with a lot of space and greenery around but still we are close to places like Holland Village, Orchard, Dempsey, etc.  The location of the condo is great: most places in Singapore (including Singapore Zoo and Changi Airport) are within a 20-minute drive.
-Nicky

Read more: Holland Village Neighbourhood Guide

28 Farrer Road, Singapore 268831

Number of units: 44
Year built: 1989

Why did you pick your condo?
We used to live at LevelZ next door which is newer but the units are tiny. We looked over at Sutton Place and fell in love with the resort-like pool, the greenery with palm trees, and the more relaxed vibe.

What are the facilities like?
The facilities are very old but working. There’s a small playground, a gym, a lovely pool and baby pool, squash courts, and a function room area (not air-con or enclosed).

Is it family-friendly?
Yes in that there is a pool and playground but it is not one of the most social condos (which is also why we like it – the pool is often quiet).

What are the pros and cons?

Pros: Very quiet, leafy well take care of garden, wonderful big often very light units, lovely pool.

Cons: Not much of a social scene for kids. Also many of the units are very old and not very looked after inside. Especially bathrooms and kitchen areas. There is a construction site right next door now too which means it can be noisy and dusty during the week and on Saturdays!

What would you say is the demographic breakdown?
Many Singaporeans (we don’t often see their kids playing outside or using the facilities though), some expats of all nationalities with kids around 5yrs-12 yrs old.

What do you like about your neighbourhood, what are the transportation links like?
Love being close to Botanic Gardens, shops at Holland Village are easy to pop to. There are lots of dining options at Dempsey and it is just super central and convenient.

Why do you like living in your condo?
We love the space of our open plan living room and dining room – great for entertaining and dinner parties. We have a ground floor unit so the kids can head to the pool when they want easily. There are only 44 units so it is much more of a boutique feel compared to the larger more social condos.

– B

20 Balmoral Park, Singapore 259849

Number of units: 81
Year built: 1986

Why did you pick your condo?
We fell in love with the apartment first, as it was a newly renovated unit. But the bonus was that it came in a great condo with lots of kids out playing every day! That was what was important to us, as we have 2 young kids.  The location also played a factor. We had been living in Balmoral Park for 4½ years prior to moving and we wanted to stay in this neighborhood. We just wanted a better condo with better facilities and more of a social scene with neighbors and kids!

What are the facilities like?
We have a really large pool, a brand new playground that the kids love spending time at, and we have a tennis court. There’s also a small gym that surprisingly gets used quite frequently, with just enough weights and machines to get your workout on!

Is it family-friendly?
Totally! That’s what we loved about it. It’s a safe condo for the kids to run around unsupervised! There are always kids at the playground or running around the condo having Nerf gun wars! The pool is popular on the weekends and after school lets out, and the parents don’t mind sitting and watching them swim while we enjoy a bottle of wine together!

What are the pros and cons?

Pros: My kids love it here and can always find someone to play with! I’ve also met some amazing ladies here. We have a really good community of families! The location is also a plus, being a short walk to the bus stop on Stevens Road or a longer walk straight to Orchard Road or the American and Tanglin Clubs. It’s also a 40-year-old condo, so the apartments and townhouses are huge! We have lots of living space and lots of windows to let in the light. There are various floor plan options including maisonettes, flats, and 3-story townhouses. We also love all the greenery, plenty of trees and plants all around the condo give it life!

Cons: It’s old… so there aren’t easy access ramps for moms with strollers. There are tons of stairs all over the condo, inside and out. That can get frustrating for the elderly or moms with little ones. The management has recently changed, so we are still deciding if that’s a good thing. The security guards change quite frequently, which can be frustrating. Otherwise, I don’t really have many negative things to say about the condo. We don’t plan to move from here!

What would you say is the demographic breakdown?
The Balmoral is a good mix of expats and locals. There are a lot of kids of all ages here, from babies up to teenagers. The teens like to hang at the pool in the evenings when there are fewer adults and little kids swimming. The younger kids enjoy running around at all times of the day or hanging at someone’s house when its raining out.  There are SAS families and Dover and French School, and Tanglin and Dulwich kids here, as well as local school kids and other international schools.

What do you like about your neighbourhood? What are the transportation links like?
The neighborhood has been our home for over 6 years. It’s a nice quiet circle mixed with other condos and some houses. The Novotel just built a huge hotel in front of Balmoral Park, which at first we weren’t thrilled about. But now that it’s open, there are restaurants to walk down to enjoy — including pizza, seafood, and local cuisine, as well as two lobby bars to grab a coffee or a cocktail. The bus stop is just in front of the Novotel, offering three different buses that will take you into town.  You can also walk 15 minutes up Stevens Road to hop on the Downtown Line MRT. Orchard Road is a short 15-minute walk as well.

Why do you like living in your condo? 
We like living here for all the above reasons mentioned – location, families, facilities… We also love our specific apartment because it’s spacious and nicely renovated. We have made it our home and feel happy here!
-Erika

Image sourced via EdgeProp

261 Bukit Timah Road, Singapore 259703

Number of units: 210
Year built: 2013

Why did you pick your condo?

1. It is less than 5 minutes walk to the MRT (Newton)
2. Pool, gym, green space, feel and the apartments are newer
3. Central location
4. Apartment has lovely outlook, lots of natural light and a great sized deck
5. We wanted to lock and leave which is why we didn’t consider houses or town houses

What are the facilities like?
The facilities are great: 50m pool, sun loungers, usable gym with outlook over pool and green space, very hospitable concierge and security staff, 2 tennis courts, bbq and other shared meeting spaces also available.

Is it family-friendly?
It must be as there are lots of little kiddies around. Less teenagers, but lots of littler ones with helpers. The playground and green space are really popular with kids.

What are the pros and cons?
Pros: I always feel safe and secure yet it manages to retain a reasonably relaxed feel. The staff know us and are very obliging.

The biggest con is not being allowed to kick a ball in the air, throw balls or frisbees or fully use the lovely big green space in the middle of the complex. There are many rules around what you can and cannot do which frustrates my sporty boys who like to be active outside.

What would you say is the demographic breakdown?
There seems to be a mix of expats and owner occupiers. There are plenty of kids, without it being overrun by young families. There are several teenagers around as well – it’s close to the MRT and Orchard.

There seems to be quite a mix of nationalities European/American/Australian/Japanese expats as well as owner occupier families from Singapore, China and Southeast Asia.

What do you like about your neighbourhood? What are the transportation links like?
I love that it’s less than 5 minutes to Newton MRT and there are buses outside the door. There is a Cold Storage across the road and Newton Food Centre is about 5-6 minutes walk. There is cold beer at the pub at Balmoral Plaza right next door, along with fish and chips, Thai, Subway and pizza if you need convenient dinner takeaways.

Why do you like living in your condo?
I need sun to get me going in a day so I love our condo because it gets morning and afternoon sun. We’re on Bukit Timah Road so I expected traffic noise but our condo is very quiet. The surroundings are zen-like with the well designed stone, water and garden features. It’s a nice place to come home to.
–Michelle

91 Grange Road, Singapore 249613

Number of units: 164
Year built: 2004

Why did you pick your condo?
We picked it because it is incredibly convenient (across from Tanglin Mall) and the living space is bright and open. We were new to Singapore and wanted to be in the middle of it all while we learned our way around.

What are the facilities like?
There is a kids and adults pool and a playground for the kids as well as green space to play. There is also a gym and tennis courts as well.

Is it family friendly?
Very. All the units are 3-4 bedrooms and the kids’ rooms connect with a shared bathroom with a great big tub — perfect for loads of toys and bubbles! The complex is quiet all day but at around 3pm all the kids come out to play and once the school buses drop off it is really fun. There are groups of kids at each age running and climbing and riding scooters and bikes. There are usually a few swim instructors in the pool giving lessons and families swimming as well. Everyone knows everyone and we all keep an eye out for each other’s kids. The moms also get together and organize events for the kids around the holidays like a big Easter egg hunt and trick or treating.

What are the pros and cons?
Pros: Super convenient to Tanglin Mall where you can get everything you need, the post office, Gleneagles and Camden Medical, Orchard Road, and the Botanic Gardens.

Cons: You can live your whole life on this little corner so you need to make sure you get out and explore the city, too!

What would you say is the demographic breakdown?
Mostly expat families of all nationalities. Great for families with younger kids as there are no stairs.

What do you like about your neighborhood? What are the transportation links like?
It’s very walkable. We frequently walk to the Botanic Gardens and Orchard. There are lots of restaurants around and the Tanglin food court is very fast and affordable for a quick family dinner. There are also several bus routes and loads of taxis, too.

Why do you like living in your condo?
My kids have loads of friends here and are always asking to go out to play. The mall makes shopping and picking up last minute items very easy. I like knowing all our neighbors and they are all very helpful as well (sharing coolers for birthday parties, toys, playdates, etc).
-S.

Image sourced via Urban Architecture Now

Read more: Holland Village Neighbourhood Guide

31 Jalan Mutiara, Singapore 249206

Number of units: 127
Year built: 2011 

Why did you pick your condo?
I like the simple front-loading rectangular layout and the good use of space. Plus it’s located near heaps of restaurants and Great World City Mall.

What are the facilities like?
There is a gym, a lagoon shaped salt water swimming pool, baby pool, a tennis court, a playground and a ball area.

Is it family-friendly?
Yes! Extremely!

What are the pros and cons?
Pros: It’s super super convenient. Everything is within walking distance.

Cons: The MRT line will only be ready next year, and there’s lots of construction in the meantime.

What would you say is the demographic breakdown?
A good mixed of expats and locals. A lot of Americans and Australians. Wide range of kids and teens.

What do you like about your neighbourhood, what are the transportation links like?
There are a lot of restaurants, both local and international cuisines. Boon Tong Kee, Five Star Chicken Rice, Spize (Prata), Pepperoni Pizza, cibo Italian, 2it Italian to name a few. Plus there’s Great World City Mall with its own cinema and Valley Point Mall that has Little Farms organic grocer. Transportation: there are multiple buses to town and a new MRT line coming.

Why do you like living in your condo?
I love the breeze! Latitude is standing on a hill so it’s very breezy. It’s one of the few estates that has a saltwater pool. It’s a big, big plus! My boys have bad sinuses and they often suffer from colds and ear infections. After moving to Latitude, they hardly fall sick! Moreover, it has a tennis court and it’s secluded and peaceful whilst being near major roads. It’s 3-5 minutes away from the PIE and AYE, 5-8 minutes away from Orchard, and 5 minutes in the other direction to Tiong Bahru if I want to enjoy some vintage charm.
–Sharon

Image sourced via ST Property

371 Holland Road, Singapore 278698

Number of units: 89
Year built: 2004

Why did you pick your condo?
It’s newer than our previous condo, the facilities are nice, it was at the same rent as our previous apartment and it’s convenient for our daily routine. Our two daughters’ daycare is right across the street.

What are the facilities like?
The highlights are the pool (vast, has slides, jacuzzi function), the playground sits in a semi-grassy area where kids can run around, the gym is spacious and has well-maintained equipment, and we like the tennis court.

Is it family-friendly?
Yes — especially with the pool and playground.

What are the pros and cons?
Pro: the facilities and balcony in our unit.

Cons: Management and security are ill-trained. Other con is the location aside from proximity to the kids’ school. There are only buses coming through. Otherwise you have to walk 15 minutes to the MRT station or drive/cab it.

What would you say is the demographic breakdown?
Mostly Singaporeans with young families who will have or already have kids at Henry Park Primary School.

What do you like about your neighbourhood? What are the transportation links like?
It’s nothing special, really. When we first moved here almost 7 years ago I found it so boring and residential. But after we had our first kid, I quickly changed my mind. It’s also full of families with a good mix of locals and expats. There are only buses, and it’s 15 minutes away from the closest MRT station (Dover).

Why do you like living in your condo?
Privacy as we all have private access to our floor but that’s sometimes isolating otherwise it’s the newer build of the unit and the facilities.
–Stephanie

Image sourced via EdgeProp

Read more: Holland Village Neighbourhood Guide

77 Farrer Drive, Singapore 259282

Number of units: 456
Year built: 1978

Why did you pick your condo?
We chose Sommerville Park as it is quiet, green and importantly a very family-friendly condo. It is an old condo so is spacious both inside and out.

What are the facilities like?
The facilities are good: a 50m lap pool and separate wading pool, gym, squash courts, tennis courts, 2 playgrounds, a large function room and a mini-mart.

Is it family-friendly?
The condo is extremely family-friendly.

What are the pros and cons?
Pros: family-friendly, a host of activities held within the condo, swimming lessons, play groups, fitness classes; mini-mart; good transport links; helpers can accompany babies/kids in the swimming pool; most if not all international school buses pick up and drop off at the condo.

Cons: As the condo is old some of the facilities are a bit dated and in need of an upgrade, particularly the play parks. It is not maintained as well as it could be.

What would you say is the demographic breakdown?
The demographic is very diverse, a good mix of expats and locals, which is great. Babies and kids of all ages, no shortage of play date opportunities or friends for your kids.

What do you like about your neighbourhood? What are the transportation links like?
Its lush greenery and close proximity to many places, Botanic Gardens, Holland Village, Tanglin, Orchard Road. The transportation links are great, Farrer Road MRT is a 5 minute walk and there is an abundance of buses available at both the Farrer Road and Holland Road exits.

Why do you like living in your condo?
I love the greenery and seeing so many kids playing and having fun outside. With so many children and activities available you don’t really need to leave the condo! The residents are genuinely lovely and there is a real village feel in my opinion. If you need something there is always someone willing to help.
–Elaine

Image sourced via Locanto

Read more: Holland Village Neighbourhood Guide

1 Ridley Park, Singapore 248464

Number of units: 274
Year built: 1989 

Why did you pick your condo?
I was new to Singapore and had looked only at modern, newer condos with small rooms and beautiful common areas I could just picture my kids destroying. Tanglin Park was the first place I could actually imagine our family living. I loved how green it was, and all the little kids everywhere. Also, it was the first condo I saw with a helper’s room that wasn’t a bomb shelter. We never regretted it.

What are the facilities like?
The pool is lovely — one of the best in Singapore. It has a true deep end and plenty of loungers. The other facilities are probably on-par with other condos this age and price range…nothing to get excited about but the gym, function room, playground, squash court, etc all fit their purpose.

Is it family-friendly?
YES!

What are the pros and cons?
Pros: Family-friendly; walking distance to Tanglin Mall, Dempsey Hill and the Botanic Gardens; Great community and place to make friends.

Cons: Road safety. There have been improvements along Tanglin Road, but it’s still a dangerous and busy crossing. And the back road to Loewen Gardens and Dempsey is lovely to walk along, but it can be terrifying with the kids with the cars speeding by.

What would you say is the demographic breakdown?
Mostly expat but there are quite a few locals, too. The breakdown is really all over the place — you meet people from everywhere at Tanglin Park. Tons of little kids but not as many tweens/teens around as there used to be.

What do you like about your neighbourhood? What are the transportation links like?
The greenery and the convenience. I’d love a closer MRT but there is a bus stop right outside.

Why do you like living in your condo?
My kids feel at home here and I’ve made my closest friends at Tanglin Park.

–Lisa

Image sourced via Cyber Homes

100 Laurel Wood Avenue, Singapore 275833

Number of units: 148
Year built: 2004 

Why did you pick your condo?
I wanted to feel like we lived in a house; a cluster house is the perfect mix of shared facilities. Cluster developments are terraced houses or semi-detached, typically, they have two or three storeys, although this one at the Teneriffe has 4 levels.

What are the facilities like?
Fantastic pool, hot tubs, steam rooms + saunas; it feels like a resort in Bali. There is a small but functional kids’ playground, too.

Is it family-friendly?
Absolutely! There is a Facebook page for the condo, everyone chats around the pool. Kids make natural friends with those they go to school with, and mums get to chat while waiting for the buses to arrive.

What are the pros and cons?
Pros: location, location, location! It’s bang on Sixth Avenue, if you turn left then you are on to Bukit Timah & Downtown Line, turn right and you are heading towards Holland Village. The Botanic Gardens are 2 stops away on the Downtown Line. Regular buses to City, Orchard Road and Holland Village.

Cons: Stairs! If you choose not to live in a condo, cluster houses have many levels, the only time I really suffered with multiple levels was when heavily pregnant and carrying my daughter up and down.

What would you say is the demographic breakdown?
Hmm hard to say, there is a big mix of locals, British, French, Japanese, Dutch…

What do you like about your neighbourhood? What are the transportation links like?
So many hidden gems; great preschools in the area, Namly Avenue has a great playpark and a Baker & Cook for fabulous coffee. Holland Village has everything I need, and Bukit Timah and the MRT are a short walk away.

Why do you like living in your condo?
All of the reasons above!
–Abigail

Image sourced via Locanto

63 Holland Road, Singapore 258887

Number of units: 75
Year built: 2014

Why did you pick your condo?
The cluster house we have was exactly what we were looking for — gave us a sense of privacy, yet still able to leverage the common condo facilities

What are the facilities like?
Facilities are limited: Pool is excellent, gym very small but ok for those wanting to just get on treadmill or CrossFit. The function room is so small so barely used.

Is it family-friendly?
It is family-friendly but there’s barely any space for kids to run around and play. The only spot for kids to play is in the pool.

What are the pros and cons?
Pros: Fabulous location. Our side of condo is very quiet. All the residents we have met are super lovely.

Con: No really green or open spaces for kids to play.

What would you say is the demographic breakdown?
Definitely more expat-friendly but a few local families too. Lots of babies and little kids but not many older kids. Mixed bag with nationalities.

What do you like about your neighbourhood? What are the transportation links like?
Excellent transportation links, close to Orchard Road and Botanical Gardens. Very close to Dempsey Hill and Holland Village. Everything is conveniently walkable.

Why do you like living in your condo?
It’s very quiet but yet so central. Our place is very light and is surrounded by greenery.

-Krish

Image sourced via Key Location Singapore

104 Taman Nakhoda, Singapore 257795

Number of units: 104
Year built: 1982

Why did you pick your condo?
We loved the location – close to the Botanic Gardens, Holland Village, and Dempsey (where we found a preschool we really liked), and one side borders actual jungle despite the fact you’re in the middle of the city! The two-story, maisonette-style units are also super spacious (2800-3000sqf), and there’s a great family-friendly vibe. 

What are the facilities like?
Limited, haha. There’s a nice pool (it’s basic, no waterfalls or anything, but a good size and beautifully landscaped), a small baby splash pool, two BBQ pits, a kids’ playground (with swings, a small slide, and monkey bars), and one tennis court. There is NO gym. The grounds and landscaping are absolutely gorgeous; I consider the lush walking paths and grassy expanses to be the condo’s best amenity! 

Is it family-friendly?
Definitely. Because the property is so low-density there is lots of space and greenery for kids to play without too much worry about traffic. It’s also super dog-friendly; I’d guess that more than half the tenants have dogs! Oh and the condo is also famous for its Halloween trick-or-treating. It’s really fun. 

What are the pros and cons?

Pros: Units are spacious, many are beautifully renovated, and the ground floor units have particularly amazing terraces big enough for dining tables and lounge chairs or even sofas. You’ll always see lots of dinner parties on the weekends! It’s walking/biking distance to Dempsey, the Botanic Gardens and Holland Village, and Orchard is also easily reachable. It’s so amazing having unspoilt jungle on one side of the property; despite being just off noisy Holland Road it is SO quiet, lush and green. Also because it’s an old condo, helpers get a real bedroom (with windows!) and bathroom, they don’t have to sleep in the bomb shelter.

Cons: The lack of a gym is kind of a drag if you enjoy working out in air conditioning. The upstairs units are all third-floor walk-ups, which is tricky if you’re carrying groceries or a heavy baby. If you don’t have a car, the closest MRT (Farrer Road) is about 15 minutes away, and while there is a bus stop right outside the condo entrance, the stop going in the other direction takes 5-10 minutes longer to walk back from. Because the condo is so old, some of the infrastructure (roofs/plumbing) is not great, and noisy renovations do occur from time to time. I also wish we had a place to store our bikes! 

What would you say is the demographic breakdown?
Let’s just say this is the first place I’ve been in Singapore where my blonde daughter is in the majority. I’d guess it’s maybe 80-90% expat? (Most of the units are owned by REITs, not individuals.) The most prominent nationality seems to be French, although there are also Brits, Aussies, Kiwis, Germans, Swiss, and of course families with mixed nationalities. There are babies and kids of all ages; at different times of day you’ll see packs of strollers, then later in the afternoon kids on bikes, scooters, and skateboards, and each morning lots of buses from various international schools come through.

What do you like about your neighbourhood? What are the transportation links like?
I LOVE being so close to the Botanic Gardens and bordering the jungle; we can sit on our balcony and spot all kinds of colourful birds. We’ll also see the occasional monkey or monitor lizard (my helper also thinks she saw a cobra, but I choose not to dwell on that!). There are restaurants and shops in every direction (Dempsey, Holland Village, Cluny Court) though stuff is generally on the pricier side and I wish there was a FairPrice closer by (I try to get as much as I can from the wet market in Holland Village). Holland Road is also very noisy and busy to walk along. As aforementioned, there is a bus stop with eight different bus lines right outside the condo, which is handy when you’re heading in to town, but the stop on the other side is across a busy road and down the hill. Farrer Road and Botanic Gardens are the closest MRT stations (each a hilly 15-20 minute walk away).

Why do you like living in your condo?
I love working on my balcony and hearing nothing but chirping birds. I love that when we moved in my daughter instantly made friends because there were five other kids in her age range. I love having enough space so that toys and kid stuff don’t overtake our life (as they did in our previous apartment). Residents are super friendly and supportive of each other. I can’t tell you how many times my next-door neighbor and I have passed each other a teaspoon of vanilla extract, or an avocado, or something else over the balcony, and every other day someone will have a garage sale or be giving away used toys or books. It’s just a really lovely, kid- and pet-friendly vibe.

–Kate

12 Balmoral Road, Singapore 259820

Number of units: 85
Year Built: 2014

Why did you pick your condo?
We were here from NYC looking for a place (had four days to decide) and we found the Volari most appealing for its layout, location to Orchard, amenities, and most of all sunlight! We also love the view of Goodwood Park  (almost feels like Central Park)! The overall construction and design of the condo has great energy and lighting throughout. These qualities really set it apart from other places we saw.

What are the facilities like?
The pool is the star facility. It’s like an oasis, beautiful and expansive. The gym is small but it’s also quite empty so it’s easy to get on the machines or do personal training.

Is it family-friendly?
There are several families in the building. The expansive pool and several shallow pools are extremely conducive to children as well as a small playground. There is enough land for good scooting around and ball playing.

What are the pros and cons?
The pros are definitely being able to walk to Orchard and get a bit of a “city-like” feeling. So far we haven’t found any cons in this condominium but it’s just a question of if we require more space as the children grow bigger. But, as a 4-bedroom this is one of our favourite layouts that we have seen in this neighbourhood.

What would you say is the demographic breakdown?
Our neighbours are from all over and we have quite a few young families here as well. Generally, it’s a quiet condo and never too crowded (which we love).

What do you like about your neighbourhood? What are the transportation links like?
The condo is walking distance to Orchard, close by to an MRT and bus stop. It’s a great location in a wonderful district.

Why do you like living in your condo?
Living in this condo definitely has now made us realize that we love new homes and amenities (as this was brand new when we moved in). All the fixtures and the layout are very modern with clean lines. The feng shui and great vibes make it hard to consider another location. Most importantly, our family is super happy here.  I think we value some of the things that came along with brand new development, and would prioritize over more space at this point.

–Asema

Image sourced via Edge Prop

9 Newton Road, Singapore 307945

Number of units: 205
Year built: 2012

Why did you pick your condo?  
It is located just 5 minutes walking distance from our son’s school and close enough to the MRT (Newton) for my husband, who works in the CBD.  We do not have a car so convenience is key.  The condo itself is modern and the layout is perfect for our family.  Also, we have an amazing unobstructed city view on the higher floors and a huge balcony for entertaining.  It wasn’t the deciding factor but it is certainly a bonus.

What are the facilities like?  
A large lap pool, kids’ swimming pool, and a separate water fountain play area for the kids makes up for the mediocre playground. We also have a good size gym and tennis court.

Is it family-friendly?  
Very.

What are the pros and cons? 
Pros: location location location – proximity to the Newton MRT station (North-South (red) and Downtown (blue) Lines), a bus stop just downstairs, a five minute walk to our son’s school, and 8 minutes to either Velocity or United Square shopping malls, both of which have a Cold Storage. Little Farms is in United Square so that’s saving me a taxi trip to and from River Valley. Two Men Bagel Co. opened a new location down the street in Novena so carb loading has become much easier.

Cons: Here’s a first world problem if you’ve ever heard one: no coffee shop just downstairs to pop into with friends. Have to walk to Novena for that.

What would you say is the demographic breakdown?  
Trilight is probably 60/40 Expat/Local which is quite nice. We have a fair distribution of residents with and without children and a very diverse international population.

What do you like about your neighbourhood? What are the transportation links like?  
I like Newton because it is quiet, but only a 2-minute ride to Orchard Road if you need a bit of hustle and bustle. As previously mentioned, we are close to the Newton MRT stop and a bus station just downstairs. There are 6 different bus routes serving that stop alone. Although we do not have a car it is very easy to catch a taxi outside or get a Grab.  Also, we have Newton Hawker Center around the corner from the house — we go often enough that the aunties recognize us and the kids.

Why do you like living in your condo?  
Convenience, above all, and proximity to shopping, school, and work.

-YK

Images sourced via architects61

4 Suffolk Walk, Singapore 307463

Number of units: 235
Year built: 2013

Why did you pick your condo?
-Location near to CBD & Changi (for work); schools & transport; and shops.
-Bright, good condition.
-Landlord was willing to implement a few changes (eg install ceiling fans and child locks) at our request, unlike other condos on our shortlist.
-Bright and modern looking. No awkward corners or odd-shaped rooms!

What are the facilities like?
Very good. Function room amongst the best that I have seen around for this price range of condos in terms of having fully functioning kitchen facilities including oven and wine fridge and full crockery sets for entertaining, minimizing the need for my pet peeve — disposables. Staff wash up and clean the room for you at the end! Deposit required but no payment.

Tennis courts look great (I’ve never used though!); 3 BBQ pits – charcoal based not gas; Small playground; Basketball or other enclosed court area; Gym; Small indoor children’s playroom; Covered but open air reading/lounge area with fan.

Is it family-friendly?
Yes. It never feels overrun with children but there are many around to find friends.

What are the pros and cons?
Pros:
-Well maintained grounds.
-Cleaners and gardeners always around.
-Pool is extremely attractive (a 50m, along with 4 smaller pools. Water features/waterfalls).
-Kids have fun but the condo itself looks very modern and ‘grown-up’.
-Thomson playground is on the other side of the wall from the condo so it’s very close for kids to go to a park area.

Cons:
– No seats near the baby pool for parents to relax and watch their kids (seats all around just not outside that section!)
– No one, big grassy area for kids to play within sight of parents near the pool, but kids do play all around the pool or in the other areas of the condo to kick a ball around, or they go to the park mentioned earlier.
-No Wi-Fi 

What would you say is the demographic breakdown?
– A mix of expats and locals. There’s a sizeable Japanese community.
– Majority of kids from 0-12yrs.

What do you like about your neighbourhood? What are the transportation links like?
Transport is excellent. Bus stops 2-3 mins walk, Novena MRT is a 7-minute walk, Newton MRT is a 12-15 minute walk. Plenty of eateries, good coffeeshops, supermarkets and almost everything you need can be found within 2-10 minutes walk. Has a good balance between local Singapore life and expat comforts.

Why do you like living in your condo?
It’s bright, has a resort-like feel as we overlook the pool, and the fountain noise muffles any city/traffic noise. Despite being so close to the CBD and a variety of facilities, you don’t feel like you are in a really busy area.

It’s extremely convenient. United Square Shopping Mall (including Cold Storage and Little Farms!) is just steps from the back gate.  Large variety of eateries and Velocity Mall within 10 minutes. And we are in the main hub of all the hospitals and clinics! (KK Hospital, Mt E Novena, Tan Tock Seng, Thomson Medical, Novena Specialist Center etc). 

–Louise

Image sourced via Edge Prop

993 Bukit Timah Road, Singapore 589631

Year built: 1997
No. of Units: 697 (split between I think 4 buildings)

Why did you pick your condo?
For a few reasons- the first which is quite obvious is that we loved the resort-like feel. It’s super green and leafy! Pre Covid times when we had guests they said the same. The next is convenience, King Albert Park mrt is 300 meters away and there are a half dozen bus routes also along Bukit Timah Rd.

What are the facilities like?
We have them all! 2 Pools (one kiddie pool), sauna (haha is that necessary), gym, tennis courts, squash courts, basketball courts, 2 playgrounds, outdoor exercise machines, community garden, multifunction room, meeting rooms and you can even reserve the outdoor pavilion. We also had an on-site convenience store (think like a 7-11), a TCM clinic and even a restaurant which did change a few times over the 3 years we were there, also I cannot vouch for the quality of the last two as we never used TCM and the restaurants were open at off hours for us. Some of these facilities were a bit dated, but the gym was recently refurbished and I believe the pool will be redone later this year (this would be important for people moving in I think as it would probably close for a while).

Is it family-friendly?<
This was one thing that I didn’t mention initially above as to why we moved here because it deserves its own mention! When we first toured it there were literally dozens of kids and families hanging out at the pool and we were hoping to make friends for ourselves and the kids, which we did. There was also a Maple Woods playgroup that the aunties created amongst themselves for meetups.

What are the pros and cons?

Bukit Timah Road, Singapore 589645

Number of units: 536
Year built: 2011

Why do you pick this condo?
We liked this condo the moment we reached the guardhouse; we felt relaxed listening to the waterfall near the entrance. Most of the units are bright and windy. Lots of natural light in the houses and the facade looks clean and well-maintained. The condo is less than 10 years old. The penthouses with open rooftops are the perfect place for a lazy afternoon, or stargazing at night.

What are the facilities like?
There is a really large pool, kids’ pool and jacuzzi pool. There are beautiful koi fish ponds among 3 cosy pavilions to just sit and read a book among the fishes, or you can get some packets of fish food from the guardhouse to feed the fish. There’s also a library, level 2 gym overlooking the pool, a tennis court, basketball court, kids’ playground and bbq pits among the greenery.

Is it family- friendly?
Yes. The large pools, playground, koi fish ponds for feeding fish, and large compound are definitely all kid- and family-friendly.

What are the pros and cons?

Pros: Quiet and peaceful environment. The blocks facing inside face the lush greenery, while the blocks facing the roads have unblocked views of good class bungalows.

Cons: Limited eateries nearby. There are only two restaurants and a cafe in the next building and across the road.

What would you say is the demographic breakdown?
Mainly expats from Europe, South Korea, Japanese, and a small number of locals.

What do you like about your neighbourhood, what are the transportation links like?
The bus stop outside the condo has many buses going to the city and Orchard. There are a number of good schools and international schools within the vicinity or a short drive away. It’s 1 bus stop or a 300m walk to King Albert MRT.

Why do you like living in your condo?
We love our penthouse with its open to sky rooftop for relaxing afternoons, stargazing nights, or chilling out with family and friends. My child loves the facility and feeding the fish weekly. It feels like a resort.

–Zoulla

Image via The Cascadia

180 Depot Road, Singapore 109684

Number of units: 1,040
Year built: 2013

Why did you pick your condo?
It is very close to my husband’s office at Mapletree, and my kids’ school in Jurong is a 20-minute car ride away down the AYE. There are so many kids from the Interlace at their school that two school buses go straight there from the condo!

What are the facilities like?
Long answer to this one! Big! We have several swimming pools. We have four in the main area: main pool, kids water play, a Jacuzzi and a round smaller pool that is great for little kids or swimming lessons.

There is a Spa area with small pools and Jacuzzis, great for jet lag. We also have a gym – my favorite facility – with two big rooms, tons of good quality machines, weights area with plenty of equipment. There are two tennis courts and a multi-purpose court where kids can play basketball and football etc…There is a running track that is great for walking or running. We’ve also got a games room, where little kids play indoors with air conditioning. A party pavilion with three more pools to do parties.

There’s a karaoke room, two cinema rooms, one billiards room, two grocers, a hairdresser, a dry cleaner, a yoga studio, function rooms, and BBQ pits, which are sort of useless are they’re far from the pool. We also have several public gardens in all the 7 and 13 floors with different themes, a doctor’s office, a pastry shop…two playgrounds for kids and plenty of space to bike or skate. I am sure I am forgetting something.

Is it family-friendly?
Yes, it is but it is so big that it is a different vibe to smaller condos where everyone knows each other by name, and there is only one playground by the pool where everyone hangs out.

What are the pros and cons?

Pros: The units are big and new, which is rare in Singapore. Management is relaxed, not the kind that is telling kids off all the time.

Cons: Feels too big sometimes for me. Also we need the access card to go to other units, which makes playdates a bit less spontaneous, but I guess is also safer as it is very big. Another pro is that we have a shuttle bus but a con is that it feels a bit isolated if you only use public transportation and taxis tend to get lost in the basement, which is really big, so you need to keep that in mind when you are ordering a taxi a allow some extra time for them to get into the Interlace.

What would you say is the demographic breakdown? 
Very mixed, a bit of everything, from single people to families, both locals and expats.

What do you like about your neighbourhood, what are the transportation links like?
My neighbourhood feels quite spread out (compared to the East Coast where I lived before and I had so many amenities at the doorstep of the condo). We’ve Labrador Park, and Gilman Barracks and Alexandra trails nearby. Behind is the IKEA Alexandra area and the main shopping mall is in Vivo City. We normally use the Interlace shuttle bus (not free anymore as from 2020). We have a couple of bus stops outside the condo but I either take the shuttle or taxis to save time.

Why do you like living in your condo?
Mostly I like our apartment unit because it is big, spacious and new, and the gym is great.

–Maria

Image by Jérémy Binard/Stack via Wikimedia Commons

4 – 46 Keppel Bay Drive, Singapore

Number of units: 969
Year built: 2004

Why did you pick your condo?
It’s a funny story. Originally we were going to live in the East Coast to be near my brother-in-law and his family. I spent nearly two weeks looking for the perfect condo in the East Coast, narrowed it down to three and then we were going to have one final look. Just prior to making a decision we were invited to the Caribbean condo, at Keppel Bay for a BBQ with friends of friends. We spent the entire day there, swimming in the 50m pool overlooking that amazing Marina vista. On the way out of the condo in the taxi, my husband turns to me and said ‘We are moving here’. He took me by surprise but hey I wasn’t going to argue!

What are the facilities like?
The Caribbean is over 10 years old but it is very well kept. There are numerous swimming pools and a 50m pool with views of the Keppel Bay Marina from the Clubhouse. With 9 BBQ Pits, 2 nicely kitted kids playgrounds, 3 tennis courts and a basketball court which my son uses to play football with his friends after school, there are plenty of onsite facilities to use. They have a pretty good gym too with all the usual gym equipment and weights.

Is it family-friendly?
It is very family-friendly. Perfect for families with young kids as well as older ones. It is such a big condo that we even have outside kids activity companies conduct classes within the condo during the week – Sports4Kids, Centre Stage, Swim Schools, Amazing Toy Box and some other art and music classes. And for the mums and dads there are plenty of Pilates, yoga and boot camps to go around.

What are the pros and cons?
Pros: What I love the most about the Caribbean is that everywhere above ground is pedestrianized. All the cars go underground. So my kids run freely within the condo without me having to worry about the dangers of traffic. I also personally love living by the water. Something about having that sea breeze and that resort living makes me feel that I am on holiday most of the time. It’s also great for dogs. There is a great scenic walk to take your pooch every day and Labrador Park is just around the corner. We have a very social community so it’s not hard to make friends and have ready-made playdates whenever we head down to the common areas.

Cons: I wish there were larger sized units. We’ve been in ours for 7 years and I feel that we are slowly outgrowing it.

What would you say is the demographic breakdown?
It is very mixed. We have pockets of Japanese, Korean and locals as well as a healthy mix of expats. Families tend to stay here long-term and I know families like us that have been living at the Caribbean for over 7-10 years.

What do you like about your neighbourhood, what are the transportation links like?
The beauty of living at Keppel Bay is its vicinity to Vivo City, Harbourfront and Sentosa. We haven’t had a car here in 7 years and I think it’s hard to find a condo which is convenient enough not to have one. It’s an 8-minute walk to Vivo City and there are bus stops directly outside the condo. Habourfront MRT is also a short-walk away. We also pay a very small annual family fee for the Cable Car which gets you into Sentosa for free also on the monorail. My husband works in the CBD and it takes him less than 10 minutes to get home in the evening.

Why do you like living in your condo?
It’s got a lot going for it and ticks all the boxes for our family. Super convenient location and has all the facilities we need and more. As most of our neighbours or visitors say – it’s like we live in a resort and we are on a never-ending holiday!

–Andrea

Image by Erwin Soo via Wikimedia Commons

Keppel Bay View, Singapore 098417

Number of units: 1129
Year built: 2013

Why did you pick your condo?
Because of the vicinity to our old condo (Caribbean) and it had all the great things we love in an environment to live…water views, boardwalk for children to ride scooters and bikes, lovely holiday setting. Reflections provided more space, which is what we needed for a growing family.

What are the facilities like?
Reflections has everything you need…two tennis courts, baby pool, Olympic Swimming pool, spa, gym and tennis courts. It also has a function room (which could be bigger) and a great grocery store at good prices.

Is it family-friendly?
Definitely. Having a mini daycare centre at the park is a big reason why we picked it. Also most of the high-rise apartments don’t have balconies which is great for us with a one-year-old.

What are the pros and cons?
Everything above mentioned is a pro including the fact It’s fairly new with quality finishes.
Cons: Things do break down…this is rather costly. Rent is also a little pricey, even for Singapore standards.

What would you say is the demographic breakdown? 
Mostly expats from Australia, Europe or Japan, but lots of other nationalities. You have a mix of teenagers and toddlers and in between.

What do you like about your neighbourhood, what are the transportation links like? 
Transportation is great. Public buses and trains are available within a 7-10 minute walk from the condo. There is also a private shuttle bus for people living at Reflections that takes you direct to Harbourfront for $1.

Why do you like living in your condo?
It has all the elements that are required for a beautiful living place….and it is close to school and work.

–Deana

295 Ocean Drive, Sentosa

Number of units: 264
Year built: 2010

Why did you pick your condo?
It was the easiest decision ever – that view! To walk into your home with floor to ceiling windows overlooking the gorgeous sea and St. johns island! Just wow.

What are the facilities like?
The condo has all you need – a basic gym with a few running machines, bikes, cross trainers and free weights.
There are 4 pool areas – a larger, deeper more adult focussed one great for swimming lengths. A baby pool. And then 2 in between pools great for children. There are also sun beds and 3 large cabanas.
There is a large BBQ area with some nice outdoor seating. A small playground for younger kids.
There are 2 work/ function rooms. Lots of parking for cars and bikes.

Is it family-friendly?
Absolutely! The pool and play area are definitely family-friendly however there aren’t any open areas for ball games. Saying that, the beauty of having Sentosa on your doorstep is you don’t have to go far for open spaces or fabulous paths for biking or scooting.

What are the pros and cons?
Pros: AMAZING VIEWS. Fabulous balcony life!

Cons: Lack of free space for kids to play or adults to hold fitness classes inside the condo but this is available just a short walk away.

What would you say is the demographic breakdown? 
Good mix of expats (European, Australian, American) and some locals.

What do you like about the neighbourhood?
Sentosa has a lovely village feel. It’s hard to go out for a walk without seeing a familiar face. The surrounding nature is breathtaking. The facilities are great so many restaurants, bars, cafes are walking distance. There are many fitness classes available you will always see yoga, pilates, boot camps and HIIT classes happening around the cove.

What are transport links like?
Grab is usually fine, there is sometimes a wait during peak hours. The island has a number of bus routes within the coves and also to VivoCity/HarbourFront and once you there then it’s easy access to the rest of SG.

Why do you like living in your condo?
The full package – friendly neighbours, good facilities, great location, and of course those views!

– Mandy 

Image sourced via PropertyGuru

86 Punggol Central, Singapore 828721

Why did you pick your condo?
We wanted to move to Punggol because it was a fast developing neighbourhood at the time with many young families. We were staying in Hougang before and we liked this district so much that we didn’t want to move far. Second reason was because we found a perfect apartment for us and the young kids with a huge ground floor patio!

What are the facilities like?
Pretty standard like a main pool, jacuzzi pool, kids’ pool, gym, function rooms, BBQ pits, kids’ play area and tennis courts.

Is it family-friendly?
It is family-friendly because of the amenities nearby. Punggol has many primary schools and some are new too so school registration shouldn’t be too stressful if you live here!

The residents committee is also really good at putting on events for the whole family to enjoy, particularly around religious festivals and also Halloween. We really appreciate the effort the team puts in.

What are the pros and cons?
Pros: you get a lot more space for your money compared to an apartment costing the same price closer to town! There’s lots of amenities close by, and the condo facilities are never too busy, so it’s usually easy to book.

Cons: taxi fares have increased a lot recently and it seems harder to get a cab to come to Punggol from town (luckily we’re close to the MRT so it’s not too big a deal). The noise of the jets flying directly over our place can be pretty loud!

What would you say is the demographic breakdown?
Mostly young families I’d say. Not that many expats in our condo, but more and more are discovering Punggol all the time, which is great to see them try districts outside the traditional areas.

What do you like about the neighbourhood?
Punggol was one of those neighbourhoods that no one really visits cause they claim it’s off the grid but it’s now known to be pretty hip! I mean our main mall has Tiong Bahru Bakery, Marks and Spencer food and Scoop! And we have an amazing waterway that goes in for miles and is linked to Coney Island, which is great for animal spotting, cycling or running. Because there are many young families, there are so many amenities for them. Playgrounds are aplenty especially by the waterway which means great views! We get many carnivals here too, plus new year/National Day fireworks are often just over the road.

What are transport links like?
Our condo is next to a bus interchange and Punggol MRT/LRT station which is along the purple line which is linked to many other train lines so it is very easy to get around! It’s also really close to the TPE, which is connected to both the KPE and CTE. When traffic is good, you can get to Orchard or Sentosa in no time at all. We’re less than 15 minutes away from Changi Airport too!

Why do you like living in your condo?
We love this condo mainly because we love our apartment. We were lucky to have been able to score this ground unit with a patio as big as the apartment itself and we spend a lot of time out there. During lockdown, it felt like we were always outdoors. We love that we are close to supermarkets, malls and my children’s school!

– Shirin

14 West Coast Road, Singapore 127298

Number of units: 162
Year built: 2008

Why did you pick your condo?
We picked our condo because of the easy access to West Coast Park and because of the close proximity to UWCSEA. We also loved the tropical feel to it, including our own plunge pool, as we are on the ground floor.

What are the facilities like?
The facilities include BBQ pits; large swimming pool; multiple jacuzzis; tennis court; gym; and a kids playground.

Is it family-friendly?
There are lots of families here. The security guards are friendly and like to engage with our kids and others also. It’s a safe place to be able to allow your kids to ride their bikes or scooters etc with minimal supervision; the pool is huuuge, so you’re less likely to be worried about being in people’s way; there’s no concern about traffic.

What are the pros and cons?
Pros: the close proximity to school; the F45 training centre we go to is close by; easy access to West Coast Park for my kids and our dog; super friendly security guards; amazing sea breeze.

Cons: not as many local bars/ pubs within easy access; a bit noisy because of traffic from the west side of our flat; smaller internal space (but love the deck and our own plunge pool); not as easy to access downtown.

What would you say is the demographic breakdown?
There is a range of nationalities and cultures in The Stellar. There are many expat families and also a lovely mix of local families. There is a range of kids including newborns, toddlers, primary school age, tweens and some teens.

What do you like about your neighbourhood? What are the transportation links like?
Our condo is across the road from a 7-Eleven and we feel safe knowing that our 10-year-old can pop over to pick up eggs or bread or any last minute needs. There are also many local restaurants, a fabulous Nana Thai eatery, a Western establishment and an amazing Formosa Chinese restaurant and of course, Darios Italian. West Coast Plaza is a 3 minute drive or 4 bus stops away and in the same vicinity is Sheng Shiong, fruit and vegetable markets and a wet market. The bus stop about 50m from the front gate also services Haw Par Villa MRT for easy access to Vivo City and Harbourfront etc.

–Brooke

Image sourced via Greyloft

60 Bayshore Road, Singapore 469985

Number of units: 1093
Year built: 1986

Why did you pick your condo?
It ticked our boxes for a 4-bedroom condo with balcony and sea view under $5,000. Plus we needed a condo near my children’s local primary school in Bedok.

What are the facilities like?
It’s a complete resort condo with 2 large swimming pools, a small hawker center with 4 restaurants, large grocery store, Indian grocery store, 2 spas/hair salon, Thai restaurant/bar, local coffee shop restaurant, and dry cleaner. Plus an indoor outdoor gym, walking track, tennis courts, squash courts, and BBQ rental space and multipurpose rooms for events. There’s also a large playground with swings for children.

Is it family-friendly?
Yes it’s quite family-friendly with a large playground for children to run around. It’s the largest condo playground I have seen in Singapore. It’s also walking distance to several preschools/kindergartens.

What are the pros and cons?
Pros:
-It’s an older park-style condo so has an amazing collection of mature landscaping and a serene and peaceful vibe – like entering a summer camp or resort. Bayshore Park has a large fenced campus so I feel comfortable letting my children run free without adult chaperones.
-I love the large supermarket and restaurants on site.
-The public areas are well maintained and they continue to do maintenance on the public areas.
-The rooms are large, and our apartment has a great view of the sea and East Coast Park. Our balcony is bigger than our master bedroom.
-Easy access to neighbourhood amenities: underpass to ECP, close to Siglap shopping and restaurants.

Cons:
-Riding public transport requires a bit of walking to the bus stop or using the shuttle to Bedok MRT (1.6km away).
-The condo is older so not everything is shiny and new and the corridors have a bit of an industrial vibe.
-The walking track is a bit hilly and my children are unable to ride their bicycles on the path. Sadly there is no good place on the campus to ride a bicycle safely for small children.
-The breeze off the coast sometimes is so intense we cannot use our balcony and have to dry clothes inside.
-Our current floorplan is quirky with no official helper room, but a small bedroom that has an attached utility area with laundry hookups and a small bathroom. 

What would you say is the demographic breakdown?
This condo has a quite diverse and international feel. Quite a lot of local owners, many now past retirement age. If I had to guess, 50% local Chinese and 25% Indian expats, 25% other expats, and a strong population of Caucasian expats, plus many mixed marriages between locals, Asians, and Western Expats. Mixed age of kids from babies to teenagers. But it’s so spread out and the retirees don’t mingle, so it’s hard to get a feel.

What do you like about your neighbourhood? What are the transportation links like?
Bedok is close to East Coast Park, nearby to the Singapore Hokkien Huay Kuan that offers excellent Chinese enrichment and student care, close to Siglap restaurants, but overall the area has a quiet and laid-back vibe. Transportation is public buses or riding the shuttle to the Bedok MRT, or booking a taxi/Grab.

Why do you like living in your condo?
It offers an excellent value for money and rooms are spacious. It’s close to my children’s school and it offers so many amenities that we are spoiled to even leave. Other condos feel small and have hardly any green space, at Bayshore Park I really feel like it is a park and gives you a sanctuary type feeling.

–Heather

Image sourced via Bayshore Living

68 Bayshore Road, Singapore 469986

Number of units: 906
Year built: 2004

Why did you pick your condo?
Easy access to East Coast Park

What are the facilities like?
Spacious grounds with multiple pools.

Is it family-friendly?
Yes, kids pool, Two playgrounds, occasionally there will be a fun event.

What are the pros and cons?
Cons: The layout isn’t as private as some other condos. Also there’s not much shopping or restaurants around. 

What would you say is the demographic breakdown?
Mostly expats, primarily Indian nationals

What do you like about your neighbourhood, what are the transportation links like?
We like being near the beach but the Nearest MRT isn’t close. Even the bus is a decent walk.

Why do you like living in your condo?
Good for an active lifestyle away from the city.

-Louise

Image sourced via Team Design Architects

55 Meyer Road, Singapore 437978

Number of units: 327
Year built: 2011

Why did you pick your condo?
The Seafront is known to have good-sized layouts, it’s opposite East Coast park with an underpass directly behind the condo – so you’re in the park in less than 5 mins walk. Super walkable area, approx a 10-minute walk to Tanjong Katong and 20-minute walk to Katong/ East Coast rd. Also quite a few options of preschools, primary schools close by.

What are the facilities like?
Facilities are great, we have a big pool and large children’s pool with very cool water fountains. Tennis courts, BBQ pits, nice children’s playground, a herb gardens and relation deck.

Is it family-friendly?
Super family-friendly, kids of all nationalities playing together every day downstairs riding around on their bikes and scooters or in the playground. This condo has a lovely little community feel, people are always greeting each other!

What are the pros and cons?
Pros:
– Location close to amenities, schools and the park.
– Large size of units.
– They’re also building an MRT right outside

Cons:
The rental units can be pricey.

What would you say is the demographic breakdown?
Complete mix of nationalities, local, Indian and Western. Kids age range from babies to early teens.

What do you like about your neighbourhood? What are the transportation links like?
MRT will be opening either end of 2022 or 2023, right outside and approx 5 min walk from a bus stop with links into the city. Approx 10-15 min walk to Mountbatten MRT

Why do you like living in your condo?
Love that we live so close to East Coast park, very family-friendly condo, over the road from our Preschool and close to Stadium, Tanjong Katong and East Coast Rd/ Joo Chiat

– Kate A.

1 Rhu Cross, Singapore 437431

Number of units: 737
Year built: 1998

Why did you pick your condo?
Way back when I lived pre-kids at another condo in another area, I had a friend who lived at Costa Rhu who had children and whenever I visited her, Costa Rhu always struck me as being ever so family-friendly. So when I started my own family, it was top of the list of where I wanted to live with children.

What are the facilities like?
Somewhat dated but generally good. I don’t use the gym that much (there’s an excellent independent gym/studio next door to the condo which I much prefer), nor the tennis courts. There are baby/toddler friendly pools, my only gripe being that they can be somewhat cold, particularly in the mornings before it heats up. The playground is great and serves as a social hub.

Is it family-friendly?
Definitely. There are so so so many children and my own children have regular play dates in the condo — each family/helper takes it in turns to host so plenty of playing and social interaction for the little ones without having to leave the condo at all. Plus we have Dancing Kids and Jiggle Wigs every week in our function room and there are football classes and Kidmando held on the field next door to the condo. My children don’t attend it but there is also a pre-school/nursery on site (next door to the well stocked and well priced mini mart).

What are the pros and cons?
It is old, well, old by Singapore standards (built 1998). Its age is both a pro and con. It’s a pro because the condo units are huge. We have a 4-bedroom unit which is spacious and much bigger than friends’ in newer condos. Plus the maid’s rooms are a decent size with a window and air con. It’s also a con as it’s dated — my bathrooms have browny pinky tiles which are too awful for words and the age makes it hard to keep it clean. Some of the units have been modernized, though.

What would you say is the demographic breakdown?
Pretty mixed. Lots of Indian nationals, locals and caucasians from across the globe. There are so many children from newborns to 10 years of age playing all the time at the playground and on the condo’s putting green (the latter being a general play area, never having seen a putting club!), that my children have friends from all over.

What do you like about your neighbourhood? What are the transportation links like?
Even though we are pretty central, I really feel like we live in a green area, or at least in a ‘garden city’. There are numerous walking/running/bike paths on our very doorstep which lead to the East Coast, Kallang, Goodman Art, Gardens by the Bay… Our bikes get a lot of use. We don’t own a car and tend to mainly use our bikes and buses (both public ones and private run). We only get taxis once or twice a week. The closest MRT station is Stadium (about 20 minutes away on foot)

Why do you like living in your condo?
I feel like I’m giving my children as close-to-nature environment as we are going to get here in Singapore whilst maintaining easy and close links to the office, preschool, the shops and the city. So basically the best of both worlds.

-Kirsty

Image sourced via Pinterest

21 – 37 Elliot Road, Singapore 458703

Number of units: 119
Year built: 2013

Why did you pick your condo?
We were looking for a family-friendly, low-rise condo with at least 4 bedrooms in the East and since the Elliot is only 5 storeys high (one apartment per floor), it was a great fit.

What are the facilities like?
We have a 50 meter lap pool as well as a shallow kids’ pools, a relax pool, 3 jacuzzis and sun beds in the water! A gym, a function room by the pool, BBQ area, outdoor playground with padded flooring, outdoor fitness station, undercover car park and security (but who needs that in Singapore?!).

Is it family-friendly?
Super family-friendly which is why we love it! There are kids of all ages scooting, biking and rolling by on their skateboards on a daily basis. Impromptu play dates and swims are never an issue. Happy kids – happy mama 🙂

What are the pros and cons?
Pros: It is literally the “epitome of urban resort living” (as stated on my key card): lush greenery, swaying palm trees, magnolia and frangipani trees dotting the condo’s timber boardwalks and pools, tasteful lighting. It’s as though we live in a relaxing holiday resort!

Cons: There is no privacy when living in a condo. You can hear your upstairs / downstairs / next door neighbours if they are noisy, as well as the neighbours living across from you because sound travels across water… We have a few (childless) people in the condo who love to complain (anonymously of course!) to our strict Condo Manager (or the security guards when it’s evening/night) about any noise, noisy kids, noisy pooping pets and drinks by the pool…

What would you say is the demographic breakdown? 
50/50 Local/Expat
Nationalities: It’s like the United Colours of Benetton of the East with Singaporean, Dutch, English, Spanish, South African, Irish, Italian, American, Danish, Vietnamese, Swedish, Polish, Australian, French, Indian, Greek, Bangladeshi and Hong Kongers!
We have newborns, babies, toddlers, kids, pre-teens and teenagers.

What do you like about your neighbourhood? What are the transportation links like?
Siglap is a bustling area on the East Coast and The Elliot is walking distance from yummy coffee, a bakery, supermarkets, massage parlours, an F45 gym(!) and a decent Indian and Japanese restaurant.

– Great coffee spots: Stamping Ground and Dutch Colony within a 5-10 min walk.
– Good bread at Baker & Cook/Plank Pizza Swan Lake Avenue within a 15 minute walk.
– Great Indian restaurant Kinara around the corner.
– Authentic Japanese at Megumi within a 5 minute walk.
– NTUC Fair Price and Cold Storage within a 5 minute walk.
– Butcher and Oh Deli and wild fishmonger “The Alaska Guys” within a 10 minute bike ride
– Halal butcher Zac’s within a 10 minute walk.
– Lots of other restaurants, bike shops, wine shops, multiple massage places, dry cleaners, Starbucks, yoga studios, post office along the main road (all within a 5 minute walk).

We are only a 10 minute walk from East Cast Park which has a good food court (for fresh coconuts and satay), skate park, playground, wake boarding lake, beach and a Long Beach seafood restaurant.

Buses galore on both sides of the condo (Marine Parade Road and Upper East Coast Road) with frequent buses going everywhere. Hopefully sooner rather than later they will finish the new MRT line from the East to the West which will have a stop within 5 minutes walking distance!

Why do you like living in your condo?
It’s a fabulous condo with a warm and friendly community of people. Our kids happily play together and both the mamas and dads frequently stop for a friendly chat. Many friendships have evolved from the Elliot. As we like to say in Dutch: better a good neighbour than a far away friend!

-Carlijn

Image sourced via V3 Construction

31 – 39 Amber Gardens, Singapore 439968

Number of units: 400
Year built: 2008 

Why did you pick your condo?
1. It was close to the school we shortlisted
2. It has maximum storage space
3. It has a diverse international population (as does the neighborhood in general)
4. Good public transport connections

What are the facilities like?
They’re pretty good; better than most condos we visited. There are 2 tennis courts, an extra large swimming pool with additional family and children’s pools, indoor and outdoor gym, toddler playground, 2 function rooms and multiple bbq pits.

Is it family friendly?
Absolutely

What are the pros and cons?
Pros: Convenient location, good storage space, diverse population. Also the pool area is never crowded. There is definitely toddler social hour on weekend mornings, but by midday you can often have a whole section to yourself. Walking traffic in and out of the building is mostly through the parking area so the poolside stays very quiet and calm.

Cons: The kids’ outdoor playground is quite small and mostly suited for 4yrs and below. There’s a lot of MRT construction in the neighbourhood; for now it hasn’t been an issue, but there are rumours about upcoming construction on the south side of the building (for high floor units this may not be an issue).

What would you say is the demographic breakdown? 
The building has a real mix with many locals as well as expats from all over. There isn’t the sense of any one major nationality.

What do you like about your neighbourhood, what are the transportation links like? 
Transport connectivity is very good. Easy walk to Parkway Parade, I12 Katong, and all the smaller shops along Tanjong Katong, East Coast Road, and Joo Chiat Road.

Why do you like living in your condo?
All of the reasons above 🙂

-Shruti

Image sourced via Property Guru

Joo Chiat Place, Singapore

Number of units: 100
Year built: 2005

Why did you pick your condo?
We loved the location in the heart of Joo Chiat – you’re pretty much surrounded by super charming shophouses, restaurants, and all the action on Joo Chiat Road, yet the neighborhood is all quiet tree-lined streets. The condo is only five stories tall, and there are no big towers anywhere in sight. Visiting friends often remarked on its “resort feel”.

What are the facilities like?
There are three nice-sized (but not huge) pools: a family pool, a kiddy splash pool, and a lap pool, plus a small BBQ area. There’s a very small gym room (basically two treadmills, a bike, and one weights machine), a badminton court, and a function room. There’s a small playground area with a seesaw, but no swings or slides. There are two fab playgrounds (at Joo Chiat Terrace Park, and the new one at Koon Seng) within a block, though.

Is it family-friendly?
Yes, for sure. All of the units are 3BR and it seems like families live in almost all of them! Haig Girls’ School is right across Joo Chiat Lane, there are lots of little parks and playgrounds nearby, and of course you’ve got the three pools. At 5pm tons of kids, parents and helpers come down for unofficial social hour. 

What are the pros and cons?
Pros: Charming location with lots of amenities within walking distance; nice mix of expats and locals; Joo Chiat is a foodie paradise; a really social atmosphere for kids and helpers; lots of nice quiet streets (particularly for walking dogs!). Some of the ground-floor units have nice-sized patios.

Cons: There’s only one bus line (the 33) nearby and if it’s raining, it feels like a long ways away! The closest MRT stop is Eunos, 10-15 minutes away on foot and awfully crowded in the mornings. The units aren’t huge, there’s not a true helper’s room (only a bomb shelter), and because all units overlook a central courtyard area it can get noisy (and feel like everyone knows your business). There will also be occasional noise from the school and the temple across the street.

What would you say is the demographic breakdown?
Maybe 60/40 local/expat? There are lots of multi-generational local families, and no one dominant nationality of expats. Our daughter calls all older kids xie xie (big sister) and kor kor (big brother), which she picked up on the condo playground.

What do you like about your neighbourhood? What are the transportation links like?
Joo Chiat has got to be one of the most charming neighbourhoods in Singapore with its heritage shophouses and restaurants. We also kind of like the grittiness of Joo Chiat Road (which at night is buzzing with KTV bars and Vietnamese prostitutes). Right outside the condo gates you’ve got Fei Fei wanton noodles and kopitiam, which is open 24/7, and there’s also a 7-Eleven a block away. There’s a FairPrice a few blocks north at Geylang Serai, a Giant around the corner, and a Marketplace (and movie theatre) about 15 minutes away at I12 Katong (not to mention all the other eateries along East Coast Road). As aforementioned the MRT and bus options are limited, and it can be hard to get a taxi. On the plus side, the airport is only about 15 minutes away.

Why do you like living in your condo?
Location was the number one selling point, but we also liked the small, communal feel of the condo.

–Kate

Image sourced via Property Guru

121 Meyer Road, Singapore 437932

Number of units: 504
Year built: 1998

Why did you pick your condo?
It ticked our boxes for a 3-bedroom condo under $4,000 within walking distance of Montessori for Children, and it had bus access to my husband’s work.

What are the facilities like?
It’s a resort condo with basic amenities — 1 large swimming pool, probably the largest I have seen in Singapore (and a small baby pool), a small pizza restaurant, small grocery store, dry cleaner, and East Coast Family Clinic (doctor). Plus indoor gym, tennis courts, squash courts, a putting green and BBQ rental and multipurpose rooms for events. There are playgrounds (with swings) for children.

Is it family-friendly?
Yes it’s quite family-friendly with a playground for children to run around and old school swings in the corner of the condo. Within walking distance of several kindergartens. Sometimes the playground gets overcrowded in the evenings. Across the street is Meyer Park, which is a block long shady public park with a playground and exercise area (currently under construction for the MRT). Often guards would police the size of pool floats that children would bring to the main pool, which was annoying. Original floor plans have tubs, which is great for bathing small kids. My kids were constantly attending birthday parties for condo friends.

What are the pros and cons?
Pros:
-There are many choices on Meyer Road, but Makena offers real value for money. It was built in 1998 but the management keeps the grounds well maintained — far better than other condos I toured of the same era.
-High-end finishing such as marble in public areas and all units.
-Lots of kids at the playground every day for fast friends and close to Meyer Park for picnics and unstructured play.
-Having a doctor on site was a godsend as we had small kids needing vaccinations or treatment for random rashes and fevers.
-On site underpass to East Coast Park.
-Value allowed us to put our helper in an extra bedroom vs. the cramped bomb shelter.

Cons:
-Long, hot walk to the bus stop to pick up main lines, only premium bus service on Meyer Road.
-Amenities are adequate but not fantastic and you will easily get bored of the expensive pizza and lack of variety in the supermarket.
-There is no shade at the pool and it can be brutal.
-While there are well kept grounds, the security enforces the “no ball” rule and children cannot play ball sports on the grass.
-Because of the ethnic makeup of the residents, it can be difficult to break into social life at the condo if you are not part of the majority group.
-Very small balconies. There is not much within walking distance in terms of shopping and restaurants, unless you are willing to walk up to 2km to get to Marine Parade.
-Helper rooms can be quite small if non-existent depending on floor plan.
-Smaller units have no balcony so air drying clothes can be problematic for a family.

What would you say is the demographic breakdown?
My guesstimate: 80% Hindi-speaking Indian expats, 10% local Chinese and 10% Caucasian expats. Also there is a sizable population of Indian grandparents living at Makena. Kids seemed to trend younger with not many teenagers but lots of babies, preschoolers and primary school children. I see more teenagers at my current condo, which I think is a symptom of a high rental population vs. local owners.

What do you like about your neighbourhood? What are the transportation links like?
Meyer Road is a residential neighbourhood close to East Coast Park. Transportation is premium buses or a 500 meter walk down Crescent Road to other bus stops.  I typically did a combo of bus to MRT to get most places. Compared to neighbourhoods closer to the CBD, this has a quiet relaxed feel that is family friendly and slower paced.

Why do you like living in your condo?
It offers an excellent value for money, with rent sometimes half the price of other condos on the same road, comparing square footage. My kids made fast friends and we are close to parks and their school.

-Heather

Image sourced via Edge Prop

50 Marine Parade Road, Singapore 449307

Number of units: 383
Year built: 2014

Why did you pick your condo?
We fell in love with the view — all units above the 9th floor overlook the water. We also loved the facilities and the fact that it’s right next to East Coast Park (there’s a tunnel that goes straight to the park from outside the condo). Units were also brand new when we moved in with great layouts.

What are the facilities like?
Amazing. I have not seen any condo that is better. There are 2 x 50m pools and a number of kids pools, as well as a nice playground and tennis courts. The BBQ pits and function rooms are out of this world. Really great equipment – all of them have a fridge, oven, gas BBQ etc. There are 2 “sky pavilions” with amazing views and hot tubs that you can book.

Is it family-friendly?
Definitely, we moved here just before having our first daughter. There are lots of kids in the condo and they usually come down to play with each other in the afternoon. On Halloween we usually have condo-wide trick-or-treating.

What are the pros and cons?
Pros: Great condo layout, great location, great facilities, amazing view, really friendly neighbours, kid-friendly.

Cons: If you need a unit bigger than 3 bedrooms the price point jumps significantly, making it hard for bigger families. Also the sea air seems to make everything break down a lot faster (if you keep the windows open). Being next to the highway, there can also be a lot of dust.

What would you say is the demographic breakdown?
Mainly expats – I’d say there are “clusters” of Chinese, Japanese, and then “others” – each of the groups seem to intermix with themselves. Seems to be a higher proportion of younger kids under 5 but it may just be that the younger kids spend more time outside?

What do you like about your neighbourhood? What are the transportation links like?

Really love the neighborhood — it has a good mix of local flair & expat amenities, which means prices aren’t exorbitant. Parkway Parade is five minutes away which is super convenient — there are supermarkets, a cinema, restaurants and some good clinics. It’s in the east but still really easy to get into town – 10 minutes by taxi to CBD. There are tons of buses including some good express ones. They are constructing the MRT in the area at the moment but that won’t be done for a few years.

Why do you like living in your condo?
Love it. We’ve renewed our lease twice already. It’s perfect for a family with young kids and you feel like you’re living in a resort!  

–Candy

Image sourced via SKK

22-32 Woodlands Crescent, Singapore 738084

Number of units: 720
Year built: 2001

Why did you pick your condo?
It was very reasonably priced at the time (2007) so couple that with the great facilities and location, and we were sold!

What are the facilities like?
There’s a decent-sized gym with 3-4 treadmills and a few other pieces of equipment; what I’d like to think of as an Olympic-sized swimming pool, a large jacuzzi pool (although, without hot water) and a great kids’ pool with a large slide; a squash court; a tennis court; a reading room; a function room; 3 barbecue pits – one’s right beside the function room and kids’ pool, the other 2 by the adult pool; and public bathrooms with showers and a sauna. There are also regular yoga classes, and the management sometimes holds field trips for the residents for a minimal fee.

Is it family-friendly?
Yes, the function room doubles as a kindergarten centre during the day and the condo is close to a secondary school. The condo also holds regular kids’ swimming classes, and I’ve seen the same instructor teaching these lessons the past 12 years! And the amazing playground at Admiralty Park is nearby!

What are the pros and cons?
Pros: Secure environment with round the clock patrol of security guards
-Regular audits of management funds
-Frequent upgrade and maintenance of facilities
-Close to amenities, schools, supermarket and upcoming Thomson MRT line
-Also close getaway drive to Malaysia

Cons: There used to be a shuttle service to the nearest mall but it has ceased. I personally don’t have a problem with it but think it might be something people consider since it’s a common service among condos.

What would you say is the demographic breakdown?
It’s very mixed, but mostly locals (feels like it’s evenly split between Malay/Indian/Chinese) with some Chinese nationals, Philippine nationals and a few expats.

The playground is always crowded in the afternoons so kids of all ages! Babies, toddlers, primary school age and secondary school age (although these older kids prefer the nearby Woodlands Crescent Park).

What do you like about your neighbourhood? What are the transportation links like?
We’re just two bus stops away from Admiralty MRT station (also doable by walking/biking) and about 5 stops away from Woodlands MRT.

Admiralty Station is where we have the wet market, Giant Supermarket and Prime Supermarket for groceries, and the brand new Kampung Admiralty – an open-concept building with a great food court, food establishments like Makisan, Mr Bean, Ya Kun Kaya Toast, Yassin Kampung Seafood, Starbucks and Chateraise and a POSB bank branch. They actually call it a retirement village, as higher up in the building are studio apartments with elderly-friendly facilities and Admiralty Medical Centre with a pharmacy on the first floor. We love going here because you can get so much done in one place. And when you’ve bought lots of groceries it’s easy to get a taxi home (and so cheap too, since we live so near!).

At nearby Woodlands MRT there’s Causeway Point, the neighbourhood mall which has a lot of great things under one roof – Metro department store, Cold Storage, so many food options, Uniqlo, and the neighbourhood library just across the street at Woodlands Civic Centre.

Both Admiralty and Woodlands are on the North-South (red) line, which are just a few stops from Jurong East on the East-West (green) line and Bishan on the Circle (orange) line. Orchard, City Hall and Marina Bay are all about 30-50 minutes away on the train.

Why do you like about living in your condo?
The location is fantastic. We’re tucked in a corner of the Woodlands perimeter so it’s really quiet despite being near a junction. The nearby park is right across our main gate, so we like to go there for walks. Getting a bus is easy too, and we can also head to Yishun easily – which is where the nearest hospital is and we get to enjoy the huge upgrade to Northpoint Mall.

The condo grounds itself are really lovely. When the sky is blue and clear we like to imagine we’re in Santorini since all our buildings are white, and just chill by the pool side on the comfortable lounge chairs. The condo staff are all really nice folks and neighbours are lovely. The management also organises joint social events with the condo next to ours so there’s a great community feel.

-Syaz

Image sourced via Rent in Singapore

94 Miltonia Close, Singapore 768233

Number of units: 254
Year built: 2006

What are the facilities like?
The Shaugnessy is a leasehold strata house condo with the following facilities:
– 2 swimming pools
– Jacuzzi
– Tennis court
– Gymnasium
– Function rooms

Is it family-friendly?
It’s a child friendly estate with a resort-like feel. Good mix of locals – young families and 3 generational families live here. Northland Primary School, which is very popular, is within 1km of The Shaugnessy.

What would you say is the demographic breakdown?
A good number of expats rent here as XCL and Seletar Aerospace are within a 5 mins driving radius.

What do you like about your neighbourhood? What are the transportation links like?
There is a shuttle bus service that drops residents off at Khatib & Yishun MRT Station. There are also a lot of buses that go through those MRT stations and into central/southern Singapore.

Why do you like about living in your condo?
There are nearby amenities like supermarkets around a 5- 10 min walking distance.

– Hema

Image sourced via 7figureconsulting

23 Pasir Ris Link, Singapore 518169

Number of units: 416
Year built: 2016

Why did you pick your condo?
Two factors that were important at the time: it was close to my daughter’s preschool, and it was close to my mom’s house (important for babysitting needs!).

What are the facilities like?
Full facilities with a big pool, kids pool, gym, tennis courts, BBQ pits, playground, the works!

Is it family-friendly?
Not too bad; there are plenty of young families in the condo. I would say about 80% of the residents have young children of primary school or pre-school ages. The playgrounds and swimming pool are more than enough to entertain them. There are always kids playing in the pool on weekends that my daughter would randomly play with so my mom could sip her tea by the poolside with a magazine!

What are the pros and cons?
For me the biggest pro was being so close to my family. It’s also right next to Downtown East and Wild Wild Wet!

Con: It’s SO FAR from everything else in Singapore!

What would you say is the demographic breakdown?

Mostly locals — young families between 30-35 with kids of primary or preschool ages.

What do you like about your neighbourhood? What are the transportation links like?
The neighbourhood is super convenient. It’s two bus stops (or a bicycle ride) away from Pasir Ris MRT which also has White Sands Mall. You can get everything at White Sands from restaurants to a food court, and most of the types of shops you’d find in any big neighbourhood mall. It’s ONE train stop away from Tampines, which has EVERYTHING you need without having to make the trip all the way to Orchard or somewhere more central. Even nearer to the condo (5 min walk) is Downtown East which has loads of F&B options plus Wild Wild Wet water park.

Why do you like living in your condo?
Just the fact that it’s got everything I need nearby: facilities, convenience, and my family!

–Nadia

Image sourced via Executive Condo NewLaunch