Singapore isn’t just a good place to live. It’s a great place to live!
OK, we know what you’re thinking. It’s always hot and humid in Singapore. And it’s expensive.
Yes, that may be kind of true. But, there is so much more that this city has to offer!
Did you know that Singapore has two seasons? And no, it’s not the typical summer and winter. Here, we have the indoor and outdoor seasons! (As it feels like another season with air conditioners!)
Singapore has undergone a remarkable transformation over the past 50 years. Once a politically unstable, resource-poor, and unskilled ex-colony, it has now emerged as a thriving financial hub.
It was one of the world’s best cities to live in, and there are reasons for that!
Here are just a few things that’ll leave you mad for Singapore…
Move up the career ladder
This city offers a seemingly infinite variety of job opportunities.
Many professionals choose to set up camp in Singapore in order to take advantage of the career progression that’s available here.
There are plenty of openings in finance, banking, marketing, and I.T. distribution. Many corporations are setting up APAC headquarters in Singapore, namely Dyson, Sony, BMW, Facebook, Apple etc.
The fact that the city is full of professionals also gives it an edgy, up and coming feel, as well as contributes to the thriving social scene.
The possibilities are endless!
Transport Links
It’s easy getting around the city thanks to a great network of MRT, with trains arriving at stations frequently during peak hours, so if you miss one you won’t have to wait long! Buses also provide easy access to areas that are not directly served by MRT.
The city has multiple vehicle booking apps like Grab and Gojek. These apps allow you to hop on a car or taxi whenever you’re looking for a faster option, at a reasonable fee.
Quality Living
Although the cost of living in Singapore is comparatively higher than the other top cities worldwide, if you manage your expenses wisely, it will not be a burden to your pockets.
For people moving into Singapore, paying the rent or purchasing a decent living space will be the biggest expense. Individuals should expect around 942 SGD – 4,709 SGD per month to pay for rent.
There is a wide variety of housing options available in Singapore to suit different budgets and lifestyles. Whether you prefer a traditional landed property, a modern high-rise apartment, or a shared co-living space, there is something for everyone in this dynamic city-state.
Green Spaces
Singapore is a beautiful garden city with abundant lush greenery and a clean environment. If you like to get away on weekends, there are islands and nature reserves to visit around Singapore. With just a short MRT journey, you can find yourself in the middle of a tropical rainforest, taking in the marvels of tropical trees.
You can even get away to the surrounding islands like Pulau Ubin with just a 5-10 minute ferry ride. You can take a leisurely stroll or ride a bike to explore the island and experience the old Singaporean Kampong culture.
The coast is nearby, with places like East Coast Park and Pasir Ris Beach Park just a short walking distance away from MRT stations. And with a 10-minute express LRT ride from Vivo City in HarbourFront, you could be swimming in Sentosa, an island situated in southern Singapore.
When it comes to green spaces, Singapore has a lot to offer. The Botanic Gardens is the oldest garden in Singapore, established in 1859, and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Gardens by the Bay, on the other hand, is a modern marvel that boasts futuristic structures and garden landscapes.
Buzzing Nightlife
Whether you’re a party person or like having chilled drinks with friends, Singapore has something for all tastes.
Singapore’s famed dining and nightlife spot, Clarke Quay has it all. It’s full of restaurants and bars and offers fresh taste trends and live music venues.
Singapore’s nightlife is mainly concentrated around the city centre. Start your evening in Singapore with dinner on Chinatown’s Club Street, then move to Marina Bay for a cocktail while enjoying the magnificent view of the cityscape.
Don’t be surprised if you see one group of revellers in their best clothes and another in shirt dresses and jeans dancing side by side in a club. Due to the hot and humid weather all year round, Singaporeans prefer dressing casually, however, most clubs enforce a smart-casual dress code, so shorts and flip-flops are not allowed.
The People
The weather in Singapore can be hot and humid, but the warmth of the people more than makes up for it.
The country is a melting pot of cultures and races, with the three main ethnic groups being Chinese (74.3%), Malays (13.4%), Indians (9.0%), and others (3.3%) including Eurasians. This diversity is reflected in the four official languages of Singapore, which are English, Malay, Mandarin Chinese, and Tamil.
And the locals are famed for their friendly and polite personalities.
If you ever need help while exploring the city, don’t hesitate to ask, as people are usually more than happy to assist. And with low crime rates and a strong emphasis on safety, you can feel secure when living in this city.
The Size of the City
With a land mass of about 730 sqkm, Singapore is a fairly small city (it’s the twentieth smallest country in the world), but that means you won’t be dedicating huge chunks of your time to navigating across the city!
Most places within the city can be reached within an hour, maximum. The most central places are also easy to access on foot.
Shopping
One of the best things to do in Singapore is to go shopping.
There are a multitude of shops to suit all tastes. Whether you’re looking for high street brands on the main shopping street, Orchard Road, or exotic stores in Little India or Chinatown, you won’t be left empty handed.
Haji Lane is where you can find boutique labels, while Bugis Street offers a flea market experience, both situated in the downtown area.
Universities
Singapore is home to more than one top university and has a thriving student population.
The most famous institution is the National University of Singapore, which has produced many international prize winners, and boasts impressive scientific discoveries and research facilities.
Nanyang Technological University is situated close by.
This emphasis on higher education is one of the reasons why Singapore is home to such a melting pot of international people. Students flock to Singapore from all over the world to study here, and the city has high retention rate for graduates.
Stunning Architecture
Living in Singapore means you will be surrounded by an eclectic mix of modern and historic architecture. As a former British colony, Singapore boasts a number of well-preserved colonial buildings that showcase the city’s rich history. One such example is the iconic Raffles Hotel, which was built in 1887. Another notable building is the Fullerton Hotel, which was originally built in 1928 as the city’s main post office.
There are also other styles of architecture that are unique to Singapore, such as Peranakan shophouses. These colourful buildings were built in the late 19th and early 20th centuries and feature a fusion of Chinese and Malay design elements.
In addition to its historic architecture, Singapore also boasts some of the most innovative and unique modern buildings in the world. The Marina Bay Sands, for example, is a stunning piece of architecture that features three towers topped with a massive rooftop infinity pool, and Esplanade is a performing arts centre that features two dome-shaped structures that have been likened to giant durian fruit.