Living
River Valley
River Valley is one long stretch of condominiums from Clemenceau Avenue all the way to the Alexandra Road. The buildings range from older high-rises to brand new condos with all the facilities. Many of the older buildings are prime targets for en bloc sale, after which they will be torn down and a new condo put up in their place. While it’s not a shopping area, it is walking distance to Orchard Road and has some great little restaurants. Many expats choose to make their home here as they’ll be near schools and amenities.
Shopping & Amenities
Accommodation
There are two big condo developments at the far eastern end of River Valley, UE Square and Aspen Heights. Moving west takes you into the heart of condo-country, with high-rises and older walk-ups lining River Valley and its surrounding roads all the way to Alexandra Road. You can find anything from an old no-facilities walk-up to some of the most luxurious condos in the country here. Prices for walk-ups can start at $1,500 while newer condos won’t go for less than $3,500 and then keep on going.
Shopping & Amenities
You won’t find many shops along River Valley. There’s an NTUC Fairprice on Killiney Road and a Cold Storage in UE Square, but that’s about it. Luckily, Orchard Road and Great World City are close at hand.
Entertainment & Leisure
River Valley has some good entertainment options. At its far eastern end is Clarke Quay, which is fast turning into one of the hottest restaurant and nightlife spots. Fort Canning, a green refuge from the malls and condos, is just across the road. Further west is the bar-lined Mohamed Sultan Road, but things have toned down here considerably since its heyday five or ten years ago. Killiney Road has an interesting stretch of smaller restaurants leading down to Orchard Road. At the far western end of River Valley, near the corner with Zion Road, is a row of locally famous eating establishments. And if that’s not enough, there’s always Orchard Road just a short walk away.
Healthcare
There are no medical clinics or hospitals on River Valley Road, but it’s a short walk or taxi ride to the medical centres at Orchard Road and Tanglin. These include Camden Medical Centre, Gleneagles and Mount Elizabeth Hospitals and the clinics in Tanglin and Paragon Shopping Centres.
Education
The Brighton Montessori School is right on River Valley Road at the corner with Oxley Road (where former prime minister Lee Kuan Yew lives). Within walking distance are the International School Singapore (elementary and middle schools) and the Overseas Family School.
Traffic & Parking
Traffic on River Valley rarely gets backed up outside of short delays at peak periods. Parking for residents and visitors is available at all the condos and roadside parking is possible outside many of the older walk-ups, though you may have to wait for a spot to open up.
Safety & Annoyances
The only disturbance here may come from late night revellers leaving the bars on Mohamed Sultan Road, but that only affects two or three condos in the area.
