Newton and Novena are two unexpectedly low-key residential areas amidst a bustling island metropolis that is Singapore. In recent years, Newton became a hub for construction of new condos, but it still retains its old-world feel with rows of shop houses preserved from the mindless demolition for the sake of development. The nearby Novena neighborhood is slightly busier and more happening, with shopping and dining, yet still retains the homey neighborhood feel.
Wiki Travel lists Newton as one of the neighborhoods with a significant expat population. It is no wonder so many expats make Newton and Novena their home. Newton is close to all the major areas of the city. It is close to Orchard Road that has all the shopping and only a stone throw away from Novena with the nearest mall and grocery store for all the household needs. Yet, it is still untouched by the traffic gridlock and, despite all the construction that is going on for the new condos, Newton is one of the quietest center areas in Singapore.
The shop houses in Newton retain the charm of pre-modern day Singapore. It is one of the few areas where the shop houses are still prevalent and most residents can enjoy blooming gardens and the greenery of front yard palm trees as they walk out of their front door. Even though it is rare to find a vacant room for rent in one of the shop houses, as they are often occupied by generations of the locals, it is still possible to find a room in those houses that have been purchased by the international expats. The rent is on the higher end for a room but is worth the price, considering the refuse and repose from very impersonal, very artificially manufactured high rise living.
Some areas of Newton are hard to reach by cabs, as the intensive construction has created many new roads and enclaves with which the technology-clueless cab drivers are not familiar. The shop houses are also slightly difficult to find as there are no major landmarks or shopping center around them and the cab passenger has to direct the cab driver street by street. However, Newton MRT, the nearest subway station, is located very prominently and conveniently right next to the Newton Circus Hawker Center. From the MRT, residents of Newton can easily walk to their houses.
According to Time Out Singapore, the Newton Circus Hawker Center is one of the very few big destinations in Newton but, due to its popularity and round-the-clock hours of operation, draws a large crowd of foreigners and locals alike at all hours of the day and night. Due to the tourist appeal, the food is slightly pricier than at any other hawker center. However, tourists should not fear getting ripped off – Newton hawker Center is worth going to for the experience and for the picturesque outdoor seating amidst the palm trees and the food stands. The smells from the different food areas alone can work up a tremendous appetite.
Novena is Newton’s closest neighbor and can provide a Newton resident with all of the day-to-day shopping needs. With United Square Mall housing the big grocery chain Cold Storage and a multitude of clothing shops and chain restaurants, one can be sure to not go bored or hungry. A small outdoor beer garden at the basement level of the mall that spills out to the outside and to the LED-lit man-made waterfall is always busy with expats coming to take a break after a busy day of work with an ice cold brew.
Velocity, located diagonally across from United Square mall, is another hub for shopping and entertaining. More focused on selling sports and workout apparel (due to a California Fitness location on the third level), it is another place to go spend time with friends without going to one of the typical entertainment destinations in Singapore.
Around Novena, more commonly-seen condominium living is the norm. More built-up than Newton, Novena does not have much construction going on but is still busier and livelier than Newton and is easy to reach by cabs due to its visible location.
With a number of new condos going up around Newton area, both Newton and Novena will be likely to see increasing levels of activity with more and more residents moving into the area and exploring the neighborhoods. This change can bring about an end to the relatively peaceful existence of the currently Newton/Novena residents but can also bring a lot of new and exciting restaurants, cafes, eateries and bars that are now lacking in the area. Whether Newton and Novena are destined to be the next must-go-to hubs in Singapore or not, the futures of the two neighborhoods are secured in the promise of popularity due to their sheer location to many major destinations in the city.
Sources:
“Balestier Travel Guide”, WikiTravel.
“Newton Circus Hawker Centre”, Time Out Singapore