We chat to NADINE JOL from Germany who works as a Personal trainer and is a mum of three about why she loves Leonie Hill in River Valley.
The Specifics
What’s the name of the street where you live? Leonie Hill Road.
Exact words you tell a taxi driver to get home? “Leonie Hill Road, off River Valley Road.”
What’s the name of your neighbourhood? River Valley.
Closest MRT station? Somerset and Orchard MRT (North South Line).
How long have you lived here? On and off for 17 years in Singapore, and four years in this neighbourhood.
Why here? It’s super convenient. We have everything we need within walking distance. There’s shopping on Orchard Road and at Great World City, grocery stores are five-to-ten minute walks away, and we have bars, restaurants and entertainment at Robertson Quay. There are also loads of things to do for children such as scooting along the river, play gyms, playgrounds, movie theatres, trampoline and skate parks.
The Scene
When you walk out of your place, the first thing you see is: More condos and trees along the street.
The closest store to your front door is: Great World City.
Your neighbours are great, but you wouldn’t mind a little less: Actually, my neighbours are fantastic and I wouldn’t want anything to change. They probably wouldn’t mind a little less noise, if you’d ask them!
The unofficial uniform of your street is: T-shirts, shorts and flip-flops; very casual.
When you’re in need of a dose of culture, you: Drive to Chinatown, which is only 10 minutes away by car. Then there is Little India, which is also only 15 minutes away. Another lovely area where there is loads to see and do is Arab Street.
If you’re missing home, you: Shop for goodies at the German Market Place or have some food at Huber’s Butchery at Dempsey
A mandatory stop for out-of-town guests is: There’s so much to do, from the Night Safari, Chinatown and Little India to the Singapore Botanic Gardens, Marina Bay and Gardens by the Bay, just to name a few.
A massive late-night rager on your street is likely to be: Someone in the neighbouring condo has a Lamborghini or Ferrari, which he likes to take for late-night spins up and down the road.
The Superlatives
Your hands-down favourite neighbourhood joints are: PS Café and Common Man Coffee Roasters at Martin Road, Super Loco, Wine Connection and Boon Tong Kee.
You won’t find better local food than at: Boon Tong Kee for their chicken rice.
The guiltiest pleasure in your area is: The spa Natureland on Unity Street.
One thing you’d never change is: The relaxed vibe of the area.
But one thing you wouldn’t mind seeing go is: The constant construction; there’s always something going on.
One thing you’d never change is: The proximity to public transport, the open space outside the MRT station and the tree-lined walkway from Anthony Road to Newton MRT.
The city gives you $5 million to soup up your street. You use it to: Repaint and modernise the older condos and their facilities. I would also plant more trees and build a nice large public playground.
The Condo
Name of condo: Leonie Condotel
Facilities: Pool, gym, tennis court, playground, indoor kids playroom and snooker table
Size: 128 units
Vibe: Casual and kid-friendly
Looking to lease a home in Singapore? Call 6223 5223 or head to fareast.com.sg/homes-for-rent
For more helpful tips head to our living in Singapore section.
Starting a business in Singapore
This article first appeared in the March 2019 edition of Expat Living. You can purchase a copy or subscribe so you never miss an issue!
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