The friendly island debate
If you’ve lived here long enough, you’ve heard it: “East side best side!” — cue a Westie’s eye-roll. On forums, the debate pops up again and again. Easties praise sea breeze and supper runs, while Westies stand by quiet streets and good value. The truth is simple: every region has its own rhythm. The “best” one is the one that fits your daily life.
The East: breezy, beach-adjacent, food-loving
Vibe: Weekend cyclists, family picnics by the beach, and late-night supper culture. The East feels open and relaxed, with neighbourhoods that stretch towards the sea.
Why people love it
- Beach life, for real. East Coast Park is a lifestyle anchor. You can cycle, skate, BBQ, or take long walks by the water. It is one of Singapore’s most popular weekend spots.
- Easy airport hops. Living near Changi makes trips and pick-ups simple.
- Park connectors. The Eastern Coastal Park Connector links long rides to reservoirs and northern parks. Great if you like staying active.
Watch-outs: Coastal areas are busy on weekends. The lively seafront is not everyone’s idea of quiet.
Best for: People who want outdoor time, regular cycling or runs, and lots of food choices nearby.
Popular rental areas
- Katong / Joo Chiat: Heritage shophouses, cafés, supper; near East Coast Park; mix of condos and walk-ups.
- Marine Parade / Amber: Beach-adjacent living with park connectors; many mid–high tier condos; easy bus links to the city.
- Bedok / Bayshore: Big-town amenities and strong connector access; wide range of HDB and condo options.
The West: quietly convenient, with campuses and new hubs growing
Vibe: Calm streets between big knowledge hubs like NUS and one-north. Many residents say it feels more “neighbourhood” than “downtown”.
Why people love it
- Steady everyday rhythm. Many West-side estates feel unhurried and clean once you step off the main roads.
- Big plans ahead. Jurong Lake District is becoming a major mixed-use hub — new homes, jobs, and waterfront public spaces. More amenities are coming, so daily life can stay local.
Watch-outs: Some pockets feel industrial between town centres. Cafés and hawkers may be more spread out than in the East or Central. Plan your commute.
Best for: People who want good value, quiet nights, and easy access to campuses and tech parks.
Popular rental areas
- Clementi: Near NUS/one-north; mature town with malls and markets; strong bus/MRT options for students and young pros.
- Jurong East: Major hub with malls (JEM, Westgate) and frequent trains; convenient for West-side jobs.
- West Coast / Dover: Quieter pockets close to campuses and business parks; calm evenings.
The North: green lungs, big skies, slower pace
Vibe: Reservoir breezes, wildlife parks, and long green corridors for cycling. Town centres are quieter, and nature is close by.
Why people love it
- Nature on tap. The Mandai wildlife and nature precinct anchors the North. The Zoo, Night Safari, River Wonders, and Bird Paradise make this a major eco-playground. Park connectors link to marshes and reservoirs.
- Room to breathe. Lower Seletar, Yishun Pond, and the Ulu Sembawang trails offer water views and forest-like paths. Perfect for a slow evening walk.
Watch-outs: If your social life is in the city, your door-to-door time will be longer. You trade nightlife for greenery.
Best for: Nature lovers, runners and cyclists, and families who want a quieter pace with weekend trails at the doorstep.
Popular rental areas
- Yishun: Big-town convenience (Northpoint, parks, ponds); broad housing mix; good value with green spaces nearby.
- Woodlands: Regional centre with Causeway Point, libraries, and connectors; solid MRT links and spacious estates.
- Sembawang: More low-rise feel and neighbourhood parks; suits families seeking calmer nights.
The North-East: waterway towns, young families, lively heartland food
Vibe: Riverside promenades and park connectors, newer estates, and big town hubs. Daily life mixes family-friendly parks with busy food streets.
Why people love it
- Waterway living and parks. Punggol Waterway Park and links to Coney Island make cycling and jogging easy. Many estates have green paths right downstairs.
- Heartland hubs. Big malls and food spots — like NEX in Serangoon, Heartland Mall in Kovan, and Waterway Point in Punggol — keep errands simple.
Watch-outs: Peak-hour trains can feel packed. Some pockets sit farther from the CBD, so factor in travel time.
Best for: Young families, first-time renters, and cyclists who want easy park connector access and strong town amenities.
Popular rental areas
- Serangoon / Kovan: Mature food streets, handy town hub, and quick links around the island.
- Hougang: Classic heartland feel with parks and markets; good value across HDB and condos.
- Sengkang / Punggol: Newer estates near the waterway and parks; popular with families who want space and playgrounds.
The Central: walkable, buzzy, plans at your doorstep
Vibe: Coffee within minutes, dinner within blocks, and something to do most nights. Think Tiong Bahru’s heritage-and-café mix, Bugis and Bras Basah for arts and museums, River Valley and Robertson Quay for riverside dining, and Chinatown for strong food options.
Why people love it
- Everything is near. Getting to work or meeting friends is fast.
- Character streets. Tiong Bahru has Art Deco blocks, a loved market and hawker centre, and a relaxed café scene. See more.
- Hang-out zones. Clarke Quay, Keong Saik, Ann Siang, and Haji Lane are easy to reach, so ride-hailing costs can stay low.
Watch-outs: Central homes cost more and the area can feel “always on”. If you want quiet, pick inner-residential pockets away from major roads.
Best for: Car-free city folks, food explorers, and anyone who likes walkable weeks with plans close by.
Popular rental areas
- Tiong Bahru: Art Deco blocks, loved market/hawker centre, relaxed cafés; quick hops to the CBD.
- River Valley / Robertson Quay: Riverside dining and easy city access; popular with professionals seeking walkability.
- Bugis / Bras Basah: Museums, schools, and shopping within reach; strong bus/MRT connections across the island.
So… which side is “best”?
- Pick East if you want beach weekends, long park-connector rides, and a wide food map.
- Pick West if you want calm value today and quick access to Jurong’s upcoming hub.
- Pick North if you want green corridors, reservoir time, and a family-friendly pace.
- Pick North-East if you want waterway parks, young-town energy, and heartland food streets.
- Pick Central if you like walkable living and having most plans nearby.
Singapore is compact. You can live your weekday rhythm in one region and still enjoy another on the weekend. The “best side” is the one that matches your habits: your commute, your downtime, your social life — and how you want your week to flow.