Singaporeans are a territorial bunch. After all, one of the most contentious—but friendly— topics we love to debate is whether the East Side or West Side is better. Many have waxed lyrical about #eastsidebestside and how the East Coast Plan will make things even greater.
However, here at Uchify, we’ve noticed how the West Side, Jurong in particular, has been slowly shedding its status as an ulu suburb that requires you to bring your passport to visit. If you need a little bit more convincing, here are a few reasons why you should consider buying a home in Jurong and make it your home base.
1. Easy access to 4 MRT lines by 2030
Image credit: Jurong Region Line
One of the biggest gripes that most people have about Jurong and the West Side is how inaccessible it is. But that won’t be the case by 2030, as the district will be serviced by 4 MRT lines: the East-West Line, North-South Line, Jurong Region Line, and Cross Island Line.
We’re all familiar with the main MRT stations in Jurong, mainly Jurong East MRT, Lakeside MRT, Chinese Garden MRT, and Boon Lay MRT. But in the years to come, residents will also have quicker access to public transport by way of Jurong Town Hall MRT and Pandan Reservoir on the Jurong Region Line, and Jurong Lake District MRT on the Cross Island Line.
While 2030 might seem like a long time away, those who are set to move into Jurong in the coming years will be pleased to know that the Jurong Region Line will be opening in stages from 2027 onwards.
2. Amazing waterfront views & plenty of greenery around
Image credit: TheSmartLocal
It wouldn’t be called Jurong Lake District if there wasn’t a lake being its distinct feature: Jurong Lake. This also means that many of the properties around Jurong will have waterfront views without paying a premium for being near the ocean.
The Neram Streams at Jurong Lake.
Image credit: TheSmartLocal
Apart from the panoramic views of the calm waters, Jurong Lake will also have waterfront spaces that span a whopping 17KM. You and your loved ones will be able to go on scenic walks and have picnics by the water whenever you desire.
Those who prefer lush green spaces will have the Jurong Lake Gardens—one of Singapore’s 3 national gardens—in their backyard.
Fun fact: around 40% of Jurong Lake District will consist of parks, greenery, and water bodies, so it’s not just another concrete jungle.
3. There’ll be a new Science Centre designed by Zaha Hadid
Image credit: Zaha Hadid
Many of us would have nostalgic memories of the old Science Centre and its many mind-blowing exhibitions. Come 2027, a new generation will have their scientific curiosities satisfied when the new Science Centre opens its doors next to the Chinese Garden MRT Station.
The new observatory.
Image credit: Zaha Hadid
Designed by Zaha Hadid, the new Science Centre will be 25% larger than its predecessor and boasts a more expansive children’s gallery, a remake of the popular fire tornado show, and a new observatory equipped with a telescope for stargazing. The last would be something we could see Jurong residents indulging in as a weekend paktor activity.
4. Many shopping malls around Jurong to fulfil your shopaholic needs
Image credit: TheSmartLocal
At the heart of every neighbourhood is a shopping mall. In Jurong, that number is upped to 5. JEM, Westgate, IMM, Jurong Point, and Taman Jurong Shopping Centre, are all within walking distance of most Jurong residents. It’s almost as though this is a “Little Orchard” with the number of retail shops, restaurants, and supermarkets available.
5. Plenty of schools & educational institutions from primary to university
The Hive at NTU is one of the most stunning architectural landmarks.
Image credit: TheSmartLocal
Whether you end up settling in Jurong East or Jurong West, there are countless schools to enrol your kids into so that they never need to travel out of Jurong for education. Primary schools, secondary schools, junior colleges and even a university are all within reach. The only exceptions are the polytechnics, and even then the nearest ones are just a few MRT stops away.
For parents with young children, not having to spend an hour sending them to school is a godsend.
Why you should consider Sora in the Jurong Lake District as an investment
While it might have taken Jurong some time to catch up, it’s clear that the West Side is on the up and up. It’s also the perfect time for a change of scenery and settle down in Jurong if you’re considering a move. By the time the last brick is laid in your new digs, many of these amenities and attractions will be up and running.
An artist’s impression of an aerial view of Sora.
Image credit: Sora
There are also plenty of upcoming developments if you want to live in a condo rather than an HDB flat. One of them is Sora, a 440-unit residential development that’s slated to launch in the coming days. Here are all the details you might want to know about the project.
Why you should live at Sora
An artist’s impression of Sora overlooking Jurong Lake.
Image credit: Sora
Taking over the site of the former Park View Mansions, Sora will be one of the few developments that can call Jurong Lake Gardens and all 90 hectares of its lush greenery its literal backyard. In fact, it’s the only one that has 300m of length land frontage overlooking the Jurong Lake Gardens.
An artist’s impression of Sora’s family pool.
Image credit: Sora
The condo will feature 440 units spread out over 4 blocks with configurations ranging from 1 bedroom with a study to 5 bedroom units. Residents will also get to enjoy over 60 facilities including pools, putting greens, and BBQ pits.
Size of units at Sora
The units are also not small, mind you. The 1-bedroom with study units starts from 538sqft, while 3-bedroom units start from 947sqft and go up to 1,410sqft. These configurations offer more space than many of the recent launches that have hit the market. Should you need even more room for your family, the 4- and 5-bedroom units range from 1,528-1,926sqft.
| Unit Type | No. of Units | Estimated Size |
| 1 Bedroom + Study | 36 | 538-689 sqft |
| 2 Bedroom Deluxe | 60 | 646-807 sqft |
| 2 Bedroom Deluxe + Study | 138 | 732-915 sqft |
| 3 Bedroom Deluxe | 22 | 936-1,119 sqft |
| 3 Bedroom Premium | 64 | 1,098-1,313 sqft |
| 3 Bedroom Premium + Study | 84 | 1152-1,410 sqft |
| 4 Bedroom Luxury | 18 | 1,528-1,787 sqft |
| 5 Bedroom Luxury | 18 | 1,679-1,927 sqft |
Sora’s features and amenities
An artist’s impression of SKY 360, the rooftop lounge at Sora.
Image credit: Sora
The condo will also be home to many facilities that will make you not want to leave, including the Sky 360 rooftop terrace with panoramic views, a mini theatre, a karaoke room and an inviting 50m-long swimming pool.
Sora’s location
As you can see, Sora is right next to the Jurong Lake Gardens.
Image credit: Sora
Its location—a brisk 5-minute cycle away from Lakeside MRT—also means that you’re always connected to the rest of Singapore, including the other hubs like the Woodlands Regional Centre, Paya Lebar Central, and Punggol District.
Sora is set to launch soon with a preview in the coming days.
Find out more about Sora
This post was brought to you by Lakeside Residential Ptd. Ltd.
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