Gene and I love the architecture and urban planning here. One of our favorite activities is walking in our neighborhood and in other beautiful areas that are so easy to get to by train. Every neighborhood seems to have a walking path, playground, park, public shelter, covered walkway (to shade sun and block rain) covered over street walkway, seating, and exercise area. We see many people outside playing and exercising including the very old. Practicing good health and exercise are practically mandated here. (please see the photos below).
There are often shops and medical services on the ground floor of the public housing and schools nearby. The developments we’ve seen are attractive, well kept, clean, and have lots of green spaces and activities. And, since owning a car is relatively uncommon, transportation is amazingly convenient, inexpensive and arrives every few minutes, and every kind of shopping is readily available.
With Singapore’s population of nearly 6 million people on an island that is 14 miles by 27 miles, high rise living (25-45+ stories) is the norm. We live on the 18th floor of a 44 story condo. The high rise housing for the vast majority of Singaporeans, whether owned or rented, is government built and affordable based on income. If you’re not Singaporean like us, or you are and you want a higher-end place with amenities like a pool and gym, there are many private condos to own or rent. These two housing types are intermixed across the island.
And, Singaporeans who are found to be homeless are provided housing. We’ve been told that police keep an eye on people who are seen for a few days on the streets and they refer them to a government agency. Homeless are provided with a single room occupancy alone or with a roommate in a building with services and amenities. You won’t see many single family homes or even low rises in Singapore since land is at such a premium.
Worth noting, a cultural shift has begun where more younger adults and married couples are moving out on their own, not choosing the tradition of living with their parents into their 30’s, or living with the husband’s family permanently. As a result, senior citizens do not have young family members to take care of them. Now there is a growing need for senior housing and assisted living and many projects have begun being built.
The experience of Singapore’s urban planning and architecture is a big part of what makes this place a world class city-state.
Cricket field with apartments in the background.
Redhill train in front of our condo
Neighborhood amenities-big food market, train and bus access in front of our building
Common sight of covered walkways from apartment bldgs to bus shelters
Aparments across street from our condo
Common sight of covered walkways over streets
Canal path with apartments in background. Lots of green spaces.
Paths and exercise areas along paths.
Creative playground structures.
Outdoor exercise equipment
School and covered walk across from apartments
Muslim Temple near on canal path
Nice covered walkway from apartment building to bus shelter and grocery store
Buddhist Clinic on main floor of apartment building
1950’s-60’s Art Deco low rise apartments in adjoining neighborhood of Tiong Bahru.
Colorful apartment building in Tiong Bahru
Rainbows from our 18th floor condo.
Night view of apartments on left and condos on right from our balcony
