As the most vibrant area with the highest land value in Singapore, the Core Central Region (CCR) includes prestigious districts such as Orchard Road, Bukit Timah, Marina Bay, Sentosa, and River Valley. It brings together high-end residential properties, commercial hubs, and cultural heritage sites. The following offers a comprehensive analysis of the living experience in the CCR from a lifestyle perspective.

‌ I. Geographical Location and Definition

The CCR is situated in the central part of southern Singapore, encompassing:
• Postal Districts 9-11 (Orchard Road, River Valley, Tanglin, Bukit Timah, Newton , Novena)
• Part of Marina Bay, Sentosa
• Parts of Tanjong Pagar , the CBD, Bugis and Chinatown

II. Analysis of Living Facilities

Transportation Network

• MRT: The Red, Yellow, Blue, Green, and Brown Lines intersect, covering major hub stations such as Botanic Gardens, Orchard, Dhoby Ghaut, Marina Bay, City Hall, and Raffles Place, providing convenient transportation.  
Highways: The Central Expressway (CTE) runs through the area.  

• Buses: Dense bus routes connect the entire island, and the night bus service is well-developed.

Commerce and Shopping
• Top-tier Shopping Malls: ION Orchard, Ngee Ann City, and The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands，known for their concentration of  luxury goods.
• Supermarkets: Cold Storage ,offering high-end imported goods, and FairPrice Finest ,a preferred choice for local families.

Educational Resources
• International Schools: EtonHouse International School, Chatsworth International School, and ISS International School.  .
• Local Renowned Schools: Local Renowned Schools: Hwa Chong Institution, Nanyang Girls' High School, ACS Primary, and Nanyang Primary School. The premium for high-quality school district housing within 1 kilometer can reach 15%-20%.

Medical Resources
• General Hospitals: Gleneagles Hospital and Mount Elizabeth Hospital, known for high-end private medical treatment.  
• Community Clinics: Multiple 24-hour Urgent Care centers, such as Raffles Medical.

Parks and Recreation
• Urban Green Spaces: Fort Canning Park，known for its historical significance, and Gardens by the Bay ,a landmark landscape.
• Sports Facilities: The Green Corridor and Sentosa Golf Club.

Museums and Theaters  
• Museums: National Museum of Singapore and Singapore Art Museum  
• Theaters: Esplanade - Theatres on the Bay (often referred to as "The Durian"), Victoria Theatre, and Sands Theatre

III. Housing Price For reference (Year 2025)

Note:
• The transaction price of landmark condos on Orchard Road ,like The Marq On Paterson Hill, exceeds S$5,000 per square foot.
• Small condos (2-bedroom) in River Valley start at about S$1.6 million, making them more suitable for young families.

‌IV. Recommended Popular Areas and Notable Projects

Orchard Road
o Positioning: A blend of commerce and residence, suitable for high-net-worth families.
o Notable Residential Complexes: The Orchard Residences (large units, sky garden, directly above the shopping mall ION Orchard), The Marq On Paterson Hill (top-tier development, large complex, excellent concierge service, all units are 3,000 and 6,000 square feet).

Ardmore Park Areas
o Positioning: Suitable for high-net-worth individuals who enjoy living near Orchard Road but prefer a quieter environment.
o Notable Residential Complexes: Ardmore Park (a prestigious development with TOP in 2001, featuring 2,885 square feet 4-bedroom units, well-designed layouts, numerous facilities on a large land); Le Nouvel Ardmore (a top-tier development with large units, unobstructed high-floor views, and transaction prices reaching up to S$6,000 per square foot).

Nassim Road
o Positioning: Located in a prime area with lot of GCB Areas and embassies, within walking distance to the Botanic Gardens, and just a 3-5 minute drive to Orchard Road. It is considered the pinnacle of Singapore apartments, suitable for high-net-worth clients who enjoy living close to natural landscapes.
o Notable Residential Complexes: Les Maisons Nassim (the latest top-tier condominium with only 14 units, residents are either wealthy or influential); Nassim Park Residences (a rare large complex with all units being spacious four-bedroom layouts, featuring luxury design and pricing).

Holland Village
o Positioning: Compared to other upscale areas, Holland Village has a more vibrant and down-to-earth atmosphere, with plenty of eateries and bars.
o Notable Residential Complexes: One Holland Village Residences (the latest large-scale integrated project featuring a subway station, offices, shopping mall, serviced apartments, and comprehensive facilities); 15 Holland Hill (a high-end development completed two years ago, located on Holland Hill, offering a luxurious living environment where you can hear birds chirping).

River Valley
o Positioning: Rich in cultural atmosphere, a top choice for middle-class families.
o Notable Residential Complexes: Rivière (river-view apartments);  The Avenir (the latest high-end residence in the area, featuring well-designed layouts and convenient surrounding amenities).

Sentosa
o Positioning: Luxury mansions with an island resort style, a gathering place for expatriate executives.
o Representative Residential Complexes: Sentosa Sandy Island (villas by the yacht marina), Ocean Drive (coastal villas), The Residences at W Singapore (with hotel-style services).

Marina Bay
o Positioning: City skyline view, the first choice for financial professionals.
o Notable Residential Complexes: Marina One Residences (an ecological building), Wallich Residence (the tallest residential building in Singapore).

V. Comparison of Advantages and Disadvantages

VI. Housing Recommendations

o Budget Allocation: If your rental budget is limited but you want to live near the CCR (Central Core Region), consider the outskirts of the CCR (such as Tiong Bahru) or older neighborhoods within the CCR.

o Family Needs: For those with a higher budget, Ardmore Park is a top choice due to its prime location, favored by high-net-worth expatriate families.
o Investment Logic: There is high rental demand for properties in the CCR, but it's important to pay closely attention to changes in the government's Additional Buyer's Stamp Duty (ABSD) policies.

Overall , the CCR is Singapore's "premium living area," ideal for those who prioritize convenience and quality. However, it's important to balance costs and needs!