Once a predominantly industrial region within Singapore, the North East has been given an exciting makeover during the past decade. Today, this densely populated region is home to vibrant new towns, waterfront living, busy commercial areas and plenty of public green spaces.
The North East is a melange of old and new, from the young towns of Punggol, Serangoon and Sengkang to the heritage towns of Hougang and Ang Mo Kio. While the region has seen plenty of changes since the turn of the millennium – with new malls, MRT lines and attractions – it is still rich in rustic charm.
The past is remembered with black-and-white colonial-styled bungalows in Seletar, and nature is abundant in the region’s reservoirs, wetlands, canals and coastline. Residents can escape the hustle and bustle of city life in the family-friendly Punggol Waterway Park, the scenic Punggol Promenade Waterfront Walk, and the eateries at Punggol Settlement. Elsewhere, you can enjoy the great outdoors at Singapore’s newest nature park on Coney Island, see wildlife on the Night Safari experience, and walk, cycle and jog around Sengkang Riverside Park. You can also soak up the nightlife in Serangoon Gardens, and shop ‘til you drop at the region’s largest mall, Nex.
There’s a wide choice of rented properties, both condos and apartments, and most homes cater to the expat lifestyle with plenty of modern amenities, shops, restaurants and parks all within walking distance. The largest town is Hougang with a population of more than 800,000. Serangoon is home to many Australian and French expat families due to its proximity to the Australian International School Singapore and the French School of Singapore. Other international schools in the North East include DPS International School and Hillside World Academy.
It may be far from the Central region, but the North East has fast links to the rest of the city thanks to the North-East and Circle MRT lines, and the Tampines Expressway (TPE), the Central Expressway (CTE) and the Kallang–Paya Lebar Expressway (KPE).