Every parent desires to raise their child in the best environment with the best resources. Good thing you’ve got the first one covered, at least. Out of 176 nations, Singapore was voted the best place in the world to raise children.

Still, ‘kiasu-ism’ is ingrained in our DNA. We want our children to live in the best neighbourhood in Singapore with the best schools and facilities we can afford for them.

Bluenest lists down 5 ideal neighbourhoods to raise your kids in Singapore.

1. Potong Pasir (Central)

This may come as a surprise, since you may not have heard about Potong Pasir. Despite being revamped recently, Potong Pasir preserves the kampung character from its early days. People are close-knit in this community, participating in many activities together. There’s also plenty of space for kids to play.

Photo credit: The Straits Times

There’s no lack of good schools as well. Right at the heart of Potong Pasir is St. Andrew’s Village. You can plan your son’s education all the way up to Junior College in the same neighbourhood.

Your children will have the chance to experience the famed rugby culture and watch a live boxing match on National Day. For girls, Cedar Girls’ is just a 10-minute walk away!

Plus, it’s convenient to get around if you live in Potong Pasir. It’s an 8-minute train ride to town or a 20-minute drive to the East. It won’t be long before you’re home to your kids.

It may not be the most happening town, but it’s definitely a comfortable neighbourhood to raise a family. From landed properties to condos and HDB flats, there’s a good range of choices to accommodate every budget.

There’s even a BTO launch coming up in 2020 with Toa Payoh and Potong Pasir as the nearest MRT stations. If you’re looking for a resale flat, there are many just a stone’s throw away from Potong Pasir MRT station. (Don’t forget to check out the recent changes to the CPF housing grants, which will benefit you if you’re looking at resale flats.)

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2. Sentosa (South)

It’s undeniable that Sentosa has its charms. It’s the local equivalent of coastal life. There’s plenty to engage the entire family, from paddleboarding to surfing and cycling. Oh! Did we mention that Universal Studios is at your back door? Your child can head out for all the attractions and rides anytime.

Living in Sentosa (or Telok Blangah) is like a permanent vacation. The surroundings are good for exposing your kids to a life away from the city. You can take a trip to the nearby hawker centres for more affordable meals as well.

At the right price, it can be the right home. Studies show that exposure to nature helps with a child’s upbringing. Maybe this could be one of the good reasons to move over.

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3. Katong (East)

It’s every Singaporean’s instinct to hunt for good food. Katong has no lack of local delicacies that’ll satisfy your taste buds. This eastern neighbourhood paints a harmonious picture of shophouses, landed properties and condos. You get to see a bit of everything!

Photo credit: Visit Singapore

There’s plenty of access to nature with East Coast Park (ECP) next door. ECP’s the venue for family-friendly recreational activities such as cycling, skating and picnics. Its vast space is perfect for young kids to expend their energy.

Also, imagine getting to have your quiet time and being able to connect with other parents while watching over your children from the cool comforts of a café.

Many reputable schools are in the vicinity too. There are institutions with rich heritages like St. Patrick’s School and Victoria School for the boys.

You can consider CHIJ (Katong) and Tanjong Katong Girls’ School for the girls. Each school has produced renowned alumni. If you don’t fancy the local school system, the Canadian International School may be your cup of tea.

And with the Thomson-East Coast Line, it adds to the convenience of getting around and gives you faster access to town.

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4. Tiong Bahru (West)

Tiong Bahru – the hippest part of Singapore is best for millennial parents. Surrounded by hipster cafes, boutique stores and wall murals, Tiong Bahru offers some of the most appealing local art culture. Tiong Bahru’s the place for an artsy upbringing. And who knows, one day, your child might be contributing to the many masterpieces in the art galleries there!

Despite its hipster background, Tiong Bahru’s not remotely located. In fact, it’s recommended by CNA as one of the most convenient estates to rent. It’s perfect for new parents to rent a place and be immersed in the environment until they’re confident enough to settle down in the area.

Check out the quaint bookstores in the area such as BooksActually that features a good selection of local authors and Woods in The Books where they are well-known for picture and children’s books.

Take your child to explore different architectural pieces inspired by the 1930s art deco movement. There’s plenty of retro pictures you can take with your child as they learn about Singapore’s heritage.

Even the play areas are unique. The Tiong Bahru Adventure Playground has its own flying fox and angled playhouses. It’s every child’s mission to conquer them. At Block 44B’s rooftop, kids can play soccer to their heart’s content and there are safety nets to prevent accidents.

Tiong Bahru is also home to local food gems and traditional businesses. Several food stalls above the wet market are Michelin-certified and have been around for decades. The old-school provision shops are great when you’re looking for certain household items. It’s a blast to the past.

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5. Tanglin (Central)

Tanglin is located on the outskirts of Orchard Road. The once hilly land has evolved into low-rise private estates, characterised by early colonial influences.

Its strategic location gives you access to various landmarks. If you’re looking for a good picnic spot, Singapore Botanic Gardens is just next door – the entire array of colourful florals will make good memories as your kids can learn something new each time.

If your kids are urbanites, Orchard Road is just a 10-minute walk away. There’s something for everyone – shopping malls, libraries, art galleries and skate parks.

Photo credit: Expat Living

You can head to Tanglin Mall to pick up your groceries and browse the boutique stores for children’s clothes and toys. Look no further than Dempsey Hill if you’re looking to revamp your place. They offer a diverse collection of furniture and art pieces for your choosing and they’re only a 10-minute bus ride.

There is no lack of quality education with award-winning international schools: Tanglin Trust School and Invictus International School. These schools offer holistic education from infancy to Grade 12 (18 years old). ASPN Tanglin Special School offers a wholesome programme for kids with special needs.

We hope this has given you some insights into some of the ideal neighbourhoods in Singapore and hopefully help you narrow down your choices!

This article was contributed by Bluenest.

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