Thinking about moving to Tiong Bahru? Below we highlight some of the pros and cons of living in Tiong Bahru.
Located in the central region of Singapore, Tiong Bahru is one of the oldest and most charming neighborhoods in the city-state. Known for its unique blend of old and new, Tiong Bahru is a place where traditional shophouses stand alongside modern high-rise apartments, and where trendy cafes coexist with traditional hawker centers. But like any other place, living in Tiong Bahru has its pros and cons. In this article, we will delve into the advantages and disadvantages of residing in this unique neighborhood.
Pros of Living in Tiong Bahru
One of the biggest advantages of living in Tiong Bahru is its rich history and culture. The neighborhood is one of the oldest housing estates in Singapore, and it is filled with pre-war and post-war buildings that have been preserved and restored. These buildings, with their unique Art Deco and Streamline Moderne architecture, give Tiong Bahru a distinct character that is hard to find in other parts of Singapore.
Another advantage of living in Tiong Bahru is its vibrant food scene. The neighborhood is home to one of the most famous hawker centers in Singapore, the Tiong Bahru Market, where you can find a wide variety of local dishes such as Hainanese chicken rice, char kway teow, and laksa. In addition to the hawker center, Tiong Bahru also boasts a number of trendy cafes and restaurants, such as Tiong Bahru Bakery, which is known for its delicious pastries and coffee, and Bincho, a unique yakitori restaurant that is housed in a former 70-year-old traditional coffee shop.
Tiong Bahru is also known for its thriving arts scene. The neighborhood is home to several art galleries and bookstores, including the popular BooksActually, which is known for its collection of Singaporean literature. The Tiong Bahru Art Walk, a self-guided tour that takes you through the neighborhood’s murals and sculptures, is a popular activity for both locals and tourists.
Another pro of living in Tiong Bahru is its convenient location. The neighborhood is located just a few kilometers from the Central Business District, making it an ideal place for those who work in the city. Tiong Bahru is also well-connected by public transportation, with its own MRT station and several bus services that can take you to other parts of Singapore.
Lastly, despite being located in the city, Tiong Bahru offers a sense of community that is often lacking in other urban neighborhoods. The neighborhood has a number of community centers and organizations, such as the Tiong Bahru Community Centre and the Tiong Bahru Residents’ Committee, where residents can participate in various activities and events. The Tiong Bahru Adventure Playground, a popular spot for families, is a testament to the neighborhood’s family-friendly atmosphere.
Cons of Living in Tiong Bahru, Singapore
While Tiong Bahru has many advantages, it also has its share of disadvantages. One of the biggest cons of living in Tiong Bahru is the high cost of living. As one of the most sought-after neighborhoods in Singapore, property prices in Tiong Bahru are significantly higher than in other parts of the city. Renting a one-bedroom apartment in Tiong Bahru can cost upwards of SGD 2,000 per month, while buying a property can set you back by several million dollars.
Another disadvantage of living in Tiong Bahru is the lack of green spaces. While the neighborhood has a few small parks, such as the Tiong Bahru Park and the Kim Pong Park, they are relatively small compared to the large parks and nature reserves found in other parts of Singapore. For those who enjoy outdoor activities, this can be a significant drawback.
The popularity of Tiong Bahru among tourists can also be a disadvantage. On weekends and public holidays, the neighborhood can get quite crowded, especially the Tiong Bahru Market and the trendy cafes and restaurants. This can lead to long queues and a lack of parking spaces, which can be inconvenient for residents.
Lastly, while Tiong Bahru is well-connected by public transportation, it can still be quite inconvenient for those who own a car. The neighborhood has limited parking spaces, and the traffic can get quite heavy during peak hours. Furthermore, the narrow streets of Tiong Bahru, which were designed in the pre-war era, are not well-suited for large vehicles.
In conclusion, Tiong Bahru is a unique neighborhood that offers a blend of old and new, tradition and modernity. While it has its share of disadvantages, such as the high cost of living and the lack of green spaces, it also has many advantages, such as its rich history and culture, vibrant food scene, and convenient location. Whether or not Tiong Bahru is the right place for you to live in depends on your personal preferences and lifestyle.
