As a non-core residential area outside the Central Region of Singapore, the Outside Central Region (OCR) attracts families and young groups with its high cost-effectiveness and ecological livability. Renting in Singapore.The following analyzes the living experience in the OCR from a daily life perspective:

I. Geographical Location and Scope

The OCR covers a vast area outside the Central Region, mainly including postal districts: D19 (Hougang), D22 (Jurong), D25 (Woodlands), D27 (Punggol), and D18 (Tampines), etc.
Popular areas include:
- Jurong (D22): A commercial hub in the west, adjacent to Jurong Lake Gardens.
- Punggol (D19): A waterfront ecological new town, a gathering place for young families.
- Tampines (D18): A mature community in the east with dense living facilities.

II. Analysis of Living Facilities

Transportation Network
o ‌MRT: The East-West Line (Jurong East Station), the North-East Line (Punggol Station), and the Cross Island Line (extension section in 2030) cover the entire area, with a commute to the city center taking about 30-45 minutes.
o Highways: The Pan Island Expressway (PIE) and the Tampines Expressway (TPE) connect the whole island, with a drive to Changi Airport from D18 taking about 20 minutes..
o Buses: More than 50 trunk lines link the communities. The Tampines interchange offers a 24-hour night bus service (NiteRider), with the last bus departing at 3 a.m.

Commerce and Shopping
o Large Shopping Malls: Westgate, JEM, and IMM in Jurong East, and Waterway Point in Punggol.
o Community Markets: Hougang Mall in Hougang and Heartland Mall near Kovan MRT Station, with Tampines Street Market retaining the traditional wet market culture.

Educational Resources
o Renowned Public Schools: Rosyth Primary School - Located in District 19, it has a long history and is one of the nine primary schools with a Gifted Education Program (GEP)；St. Hilda's Primary School - Located in Tampines, it is renowned for its excellent academic performance and holistic educational approach, and is also a GEP school.; Rulang Primary School - Situated in Jurong West, it is highly regarded by parents for its strong academic achievements and dedication to holistic student development.

o International Schools: Singapore American School (SAS) (located in Woodlands) is a top-tier international school in Singapore. It offers the Advanced Placement (AP) program. They provide a wide range of AP courses, allowing high school students to engage in college-level coursework；
The biggest highlight of Dulwich College Singapore (located in Jurong West) is its combination of British educational traditions and global perspectives, offering outstanding bilingual education alongside diverse curriculum options like the IBDP and IGCSE, complemented by state-of-the-art campus facilities to foster holistic development.  

Medical Resources
o General Hospitals: Ng Teng Fong General Hospital (located in Jurong East) and Khoo Teck Puat Hospital (located in Yishun) provide emergency and specialized medical services.
o Community Clinics: The density of General Practitioners (GPs) is 1.2 clinics per square kilometer, with a waiting time of less than 15 minutes.

Parks and Recreation
o Natural Landscapes: Jurong Lake Gardens (lakeside walking paths) and Punggol Waterway (for kayaking and cycling) offer experiences close to nature.
o Community Facilities: Woodlands Sports Centre ( with a swimming complex and badminton courts) and Tampines Eco Green (a wetland for bird watching).

III. Housing Price Levels (2025 Data)

Notes:
• The average price of new HDB flats (5-room type) in Punggol (D19) is approximately S$750,000, and waterfront condominiums commanding a price premium of 10%-15%.
• The monthly rent for a renovated apartment (2-bedroom) in Jurong East (D22) is about S$4,500. The demand is strong due to its proximity to the business park.

IV. Recommended Popular Residential Areas

1. Jurong East (D22)
o Positioning: A commercial center in the west, suitable for professional.

o Representative Residential Complexes: J Gateway (a newer condominium near Jurong East MRT) ;The Centris (a mixed-use development with a bus interchange, MRT, and shopping mall).

2. Punggol (D19)
o Positioning: A waterfront ecological community, a preferred choice for young families.
o Representative Residential Complexes: Watertown (a river-view condominium) and Punggol Point Cove (waterfront HDB flats).

3. Tampines (D18)
o Positioning: A mature community in the east with high living convenience.
o Representative Residential Complexes: Treasure at Tampines (a large condominium complex) and Tampines GreenVines (HDB flats with ecological design).

4. Woodlands (D25)
o Positioning: A cross-border hub in the north, adjacent to Johor Bahru.
o Representative Residential Complexes: Woodhaven (a popular condominium near the Singaproe American School) and Woodlands Horizon (HDB flats near the MRT).

V. Comparison of Advantages and Disadvantages

✅ Summary
With its green ecological living environment and high cost-effectiveness, OCR has become an ideal choice for budget-sensitive Singaporean families, particularly for long-term residents who seek a balance between nature and practicality.

You can easily search for listings on Housebell, Singapore's first bilingual real estate platform. It offers a vast selection of authentic listings, all sourced from CEA-certified agents, to assist you in finding your dream home. If you have any questions, feel free to contact the online customer service for professional assistance.