CHINATOWN AREA (CENTRAL)

About: : Chinatown is situated in the Central Business DistrictmCBD area, many advertising agencies and design firms seem to prefer conducting business here mainly because there more conservation shophouses here than any other part of Singapore. It was given conservation status on 7 July 1989.
History: Chinatown was originally designated for the Chinese by Stamford Raffles. This historical district of Chinatown is the cultural hub of the Chinese community in Singapore and is rich in Chinese heritage. It has four sub districts - Kreta Ayer,  Telok Ayer , Tanjong Pajar and Bukit Pasoh.

Kreta Ayer  – The name comes from ox-drawn carts that wre used to deliver water to the area. When you are in this area, look out for Sri Mariamman Temple at 242 South Bridge Road, Jamae Mosque on 218 South Bridge Road and 37 Pagoda Street.  Look out for the rich architecture buildings while you are here.
Telok Ayer  – This place used to be the main Chinese commercial district in the late 1800’s. Singapore’s oldest temple (built between 1839 – 1842), Thian Hock Keng Temple on 158 Telok Ayer Street. You can also find Singapore’s first Chinese Methodist Church at 235 Telok Ayer Street. The building features a distinct Chinese pavilion on the roof with upturned eaves and its columns and beams reflect the art deco style.
Tanjong Pagar – This place used to be a fishing village but was later turned into nutmeg plantations and fruit orchards in the 1800s. Though rickshaws is a thing of the past now, 1 Neil Road used to be Jinricksha station (built in 1903) that used to house rickshaws then. When rickshaws was replaced by trishaws in 1946, the building was used as a maternity and childcare center. Today this place is a karaoke lounge.
Bukit Pasoh – This place today is a spot for residential, association and commercial activities. 140 Neil Road was the address of the first People Action’s Party (PAP) Branch here in Singapore. The PAP is Singapore’s ruling party and has governed Singapore to what it is today since 1959.

Residential: Chinatown has its own charm of housing. Conservation homes and offices are very popular in this part of Singapore. Living in this area is very convenient as you can almost walk to the financial district, but it is also well conneted with buses and trains (MRT) plying almost in seconds.
Property: There are hundreds of conservation homes of the past and some condominums for sale and rent. There are not many choices as they are limited as this is more of a business center. Neverthless living in one of the historical homes will be an experience of a life time. Rentals range from S$3,000 to S$6,000 and conservation homes range from S$4,000 to S$9,000 per month. To view types of accommodation in this area, click here….

KATONG-EAST COAST (EAST)
About: Katong area was originally inhabited by both the Peranakans as well as the Eurasians. The Peranakans are usually known to come from a mixture of Chinese and Malay backgrounds, but there are also Indian Peranakans called the Chetty. The Eurasians can be a combination of European races of Armenian, British, Danish, Dutch, French, German, Portuguese and/or Swedish, with the Asian races of Chinese, Indian and/or Malay. Some Eurasians are so extremely diverse in their racial roots that they have completely no idea the actual number of ethnic groups they belong to!
History - The distinctive charm of Katong can be traced back to its Peranakan roots. It is a quiet residential area formerly dominated by wealthy Straits Chinese families or what we call, the Peranakans. Many of the older Peranakan homes in Katong, once seaside villas, still stand tall and picturesque today. Katong is the place to go for colourful Nonya sarong kebayas (traditional dress of female Peranakans), exquisite beaded slippers and handbags, and of course home-made Peranakan cuisine like ayam buah keluak and curry laksa  
The Eurasians also retain a good amount of history in this region. The Eurasian Heritage Centre, located at the Eurasian Association's community house, offers fascinating insight into the Eurasian culture, from music, local celebrities and even language. Visitors can also sample delicious Eurasian fare at the Association's very own Eurasian restaurant - Eddie's Place.
Residential: Katong or commonly known as the East Coast, is one of the most vibrant location as it is located by the seaside. Clustered with seaside villas, Conservation homes, houses, bungalows and modern condominums with breathtaking view of the islands of Indonesia. It is a paradise of food including the best seafood, whether you are dining in the comfort of air conditioning or alfresco. Minutes to the financial district / business center and Changi Airport
Property: There are hundreds of properties for sale and rent. It ranges from high scrappers to low rise condominums, apartments, houses, townhouses, conservation homes, houses and bungalows. You could find some black and white bungalows in this zone. Cost of living is considerably cheaper than the prime dristricts of 9, 10, or 11. Rentals range from S$2,000 to S$10,000 per month for apartments and condominums. Houses, bungalows and conservation range from S$3,500 to $12,000 per month.

LITTLE INDIA (CENTRAL EAST)

About: However modern and forward-thinking Indians in Singapore are today, they still retain the customs and traditions of their forefathers. Religion, family ties and food continue to be an integral part of their lives. Vibrant festivals and exuberant multi-generation family affairs with much-anticipated feasting are a fitting testimony to this.
A colourful, thriving hub of activity, Little India will truly fascinate all your senses. From the riot of colours in jeweled-hued saris and brilliant flower garlands, to the tantalizing aroma of its delectable cuisine, to the pulsating beat of a Hindi pop-song, to the thrill of having an intricate henna ‘tattoo’ or even your fortune told by a bird.
Here, shops abound with brassware, fabrics, bangles and traditional snacks or sweets. Jewellery stores are sometimes found beside pawnshops. And side streets may reveal a fully-restored building adjoining one that’s crumbling and deserted.
And while the Indians have proudly put their own unmistakable stamp on the area, it has not remained untouched by other Asian influences. You will be pleasantly surprised to find a Chinese-style market and hawker centre here, with churches and mosques located nearby.
Residential: There are not much choice of apartments, condominums or houses for rent or sale in this area apart from public housing and commercial which seems to cluster this zone.