Living in Singapore's Rest of Central Region(RCR): 2025 Guide
Basic Knowledge
1 months ago
Living in Singapore's Rest of Central Region(RCR): 2025 Guide

As an extension of Singapore’s Core Central Region (CCR), the Rest of Central Region (RCR) is renowned for its high cost-effectiveness and diverse living scenarios. It retains the convenience of the core area while offering community livability. Renting in Singapore's RCR.The following comprehensively analyzes the living experience in RCR from a daily life perspective:


I. Geographical Location and Scope

The Rest of Central Region (RCR) in Singapore includes parts of several postal districts. Here's a breakdown:
District 1 (Part): Marina South
District 2 (Part): Chinatown
District 3: Queenstown, Alexandra, Tiong Bahru
District 4 (Part): Harbourfront, Keppel, Telok Blangah
District 5 (Part): Buona Vista, Dover, Pasir Panjang
District 6 (Part): Fort Canning
District 7 (Part): Rochor
District 8: Little India, Farrer Park
District 12: Balestier, Whampoa, Toa Payoh
District 13 (Part): Potong Pasir, Bidadari, MacPherson, Upper Aljunied
District 14 (Part): Geylang, Dakota, Paya Lebar Central
District 15 (Part): Tanjong Rhu, Amber, Meyer, Katong
District 20 (Part): Bishan, Thomson


Key sub-districts include:
• Queenstown (D3): A mature community blending historical heritage with modern amenities.
• Bishan-Toa Payoh (D20): A family-friendly ecological residential area.
• Tiong Bahru (D2 fringe): A cultural and vibrant old town merging art and local life.
• Geylang (D14): A cost-effective living area with both a red-light district and popular eateries, requiring careful selection of safe streets.


RCR in Singapore


II. Analysis of Living Facilities


Transportation Network
o MRT: The Circle Line and East-West Line run through the region, with key stations like Queenstown and Tiong Bahru providing direct access to Marina Bay CBD within 15 minutes.
o Highways: The Central Expressway (CTE) and Pan Island Expressway (PIE) connect the entire island, with a 25-minute drive to Changi Airport.
o Buses: 23 trunk routes cover all postal districts. Populous areas like Geylang (D14) have added Nite Owl night buses, with the last service running until 2 AM.


Commerce and Shopping
o Community Malls: Community Malls: Queenstown Shopping Centre (sports goods) and Tiong Bahru Plaza (supermarkets and dining) meet daily needs.
o Featured Commercial District: Geylang Road's night food streets (durian stalls, frog porridge, satay grills) showcase local street culture.

Educational Resources
o Local Renowned Schools: Local Renowned Schools: Catholic High School, CHIJ Primary, Raffles Girls' School, and Raffles Institution are among the top public schools clustered in the Bishan-Toa Payoh area.
o Higher Education: The National University of Singapore (NUS) is located in D5, adjacent to the southwestern RCR.
o International Schools: Tanglin Trust School and United World College of South East Asia (UWCSEA).


Medical Resources
o General Hospitals: Alexandra Hospital (community-focused) and Mount Alvernia Hospital (private specialty care) address common medical needs.
o Community Clinics: There is a high density of general practitioners (GPs) with emergency response times of under 10 minutes.


Parks and Recreation
o Natural Green Spaces: Kent Ridge Park (hiking and cycling) and Tiong Bahru Park (family-friendly play facilities) provide opportunities to connect with nature.
o Cultural Spaces: Redhill Library and Tiong Bahru Art Market blend traditional and modern cultural elements.  


Singapore RCR

III. Housing Price Levels (2025 Data)


Singapore RCR housing price


Notes:
• Queenstown (D3) experiences significant resale HDB price premiums due to its top school districts, with 4-room flats averaging around S$850,000.
• Renovated 1-bedroom apartments in Tiong Bahru (D2 fringe) rent for approximately S$4,000 per month, attracting young professionals.‌


IV. Recommended Popular Living Areas


1. ‌Queenstown(D3)‌
o Positioning:A mature community suitable for multigenerational families.
o Representative Residential Complexes: Dawson SkyTerrace (innovative HDB design), The Crest (residential towers with blooming petal design).


2. ‌Tiong Bahru(D2)‌
o Positioning: Balances artistry and convenience, ideal for young families and expatriates.
o Representative Area: Tiong Bahru Estate (conserved shophouse architecture).


3. ‌Bishan(D20)‌
o Positioning: Low-density, ecological community near Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park.
o Representative Residential Complexes: JadeScape (large-scale development), Sky Habitat (iconic high-rise apartments).


4. Geylang(D14)‌
o Positioning: Cost-effective living area, requiring careful selection of safe streets.
o Representative Residential Complexes: Sims Urban Oasis (rich community facilities), Parc Esta (direct MRT access to the city ).


V. Comparison of Advantages and Disadvantages


Singapore RCR


✅ Summary:
The Rest of Central Region (RCR) is a top choice for middle-class families and young professionals due to its diversity and affordability. It offers urban convenience while avoiding the high costs associated with the core region.


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