Originally Posted by
Bionic Leek
I'm a happy future resident of the area, and I'll gladly correct all and sundry the next 351,500 times that they refer to my part of Singapore as Balestier.
It's Novena. I enter from Jalan Tan Tock Seng from Irrawaddy Road, or from Moulmein, Or from Sinaran Drive, and i leave from the same three ways. Only late at night when I'm heading towards Bishan/AMK do I drive along Balestier.
Its worth a lot because:
1) Its really peaceful and quiet throughout all hours of the day. Pav 11, Montebleu, the area is ridiculously quiet and free from hustle and bustle. All the noise and the maddening crowds happen on the main Balestier and Thomson Roads an acceptable distance away.
2) I can walk 2 mins to find food at any hour of the day/night.
3) The neighbourhood is getting more crowded, but simultaneously much more modern and attractive. If you count the number of developments of 5years or less in age, you'll realise its a brand new middle class community. All of which are condominiums.
4) Accessibility is fantastic. You can access CTE/PIE, you can still walk to the MRT, although it IS a slightly longer than comfortable walk from Montebleu, anyone below 18 years of age would have no problems doing it daily (simply because their limbs have not degenerated from having access to a car on an every day basis)
5) The neighbourhood can only become more valuable over time. Balestier has mostly cleaned out its streetwalkers and Walled KTVs flanked by burly men. Yes there are some questionable hotels around, but rather than detracting, I think they add a little bit of flavor to the area. Like condiments, a little sprinkle adds flavour, a lot ruins the meal.
Plus, the buildings are all getting newer: CDL still has some plots to develop. The most questionable sites are already earmarked for redevelopment. We still have the Arte, Vista Residences, Bliss Loft and the upcoming one that i've forgotten behind shaw to continue increasing the value of the neighborhood
So basically, you get 24hr food, respectably decent neighbors, great medical accessibility (highest rate of heart attack survival in Singapore) 24/7, quiet peaceful settings, ease of access, newer and better buildings replacing the few stolid old developments...
What's not to like? =) I love the neighborhood already and I don't even live there yet.