Living
Newton
The Newton area, centred around the Newton and Novena MRT stations, is a relatively sleepy part of town, with not much in the way of entertainment other than the Novena Square and United Square shopping centres. The only place open late is the Newton Circus hawker centre. Housing is primarily in large high-rise condos, but there are a number of landed houses in the streets west of Newton Road. It’s centrally located and enjoys quick access to Orchard, Bukit Timah and Little India.
Accommodation
The Newton area is chock-a-block with modern condos, and new ones are being built all the time. There are also a couple of unique black and white apartment buildings on Monk’s Hill Road and a row of older black and white terrace houses on Monk’s Hill Terrace. Hooper Road, on the other side of Bukit Timah, also has a great little community of black and white bungalows. Rents for these go from $1,500 to $3,000. There are also landed houses along Gentle Road and Chancery Lane that go for between $5,000 and $15,000.
Shopping & Amenities
For shopping, the focus is firmly on Novena Square and United Square, both large malls with the usual array of shops and services. Novena Square has a Cold Storage, and there’s one at Chancery Court on Bukit Timah as well. Beyond this there really isn’t much on offer.
Entertainment & Leisure
With Orchard Road not far away, Newton is close to a lot of entertainment options, but doesn’t actually have many of its own. There is the Newton Circus hawker centre (p.427), one of Singapore’s largest and most famous with undeniably good food, although it is accused of being a bit of a tourist trap at times. Novena Square and United Square have a few dining options, but they’re really not all that exciting. Francophiles will be happy to know that the Alliance Francaise is just a few minutes walk from Newton MRT station.
Healthcare
With three hospitals in the area, medical assistance is never far away – all have accident and emergency departments. Tan Tock Seng Hospital is right next to Novena Square and KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital (the top paediatric hospital) is a few minutes from Newton Circus. The privately run Thomson Medical Centre is a two-minute drive from Novena Square and has a full range of outpatient and specialist clinics.
Education
Beyond The Kiddiewinkie Place, a nursery just next to the carpark at Newton Circus, there are no schools in the immediate area. But it’s a straight shot to the Australian School at Bishan and an easy drive down Bukit Timah to the British, Hollandse and German European Schools. The Overseas Family School and International School Singapore’s elementary and middle schools aren’t that far away either.
Traffic & Parking
Traffic is reasonable, although Newton Circus roundabout can get busy at peak times, as can Newton Road. MRT stations at Novena and Newton make public transport an easy option and there are bus routes along the major roads. Taxis are easy to flag down, but you’ll have to walk to a main road if you live in one of the smaller back streets.
Safety & Annoyances
The Newton area is safe and pleasant for families. The main hindrance will come from occasional traffic noise and construction as new condos are put up.
