The Most Popular Neighborhoods for Renters in Singapore (2025)
According to Cove’s internal search data from over 50,000 users, Orchard and River Valley remain the most searched rental locations in Singapore for 2025.
However, we are seeing a significant shift toward "City Fringe" districts like Lavender-Farrer Park, which are now seeing higher interest than traditional favorites like Tiong Bahru.
Where are Renters Actually Looking?
If you are looking for a room for rent in Singapore, standard advice often points to areas like Holland Village for expats or Clementi for students.
But does that match current rental behavior?
To find out, we analyzed page view data on our platform to see exactly which neighborhoods users are prioritizing in 2025.
Key Takeaways
- Orchard Remains Top Choice: Despite being a premium area, it retains the highest search volume (#1).
- Growth in the "City Fringe": Areas like Lavender and Farrer Park (#4) are seeing strong demand, likely due to their balance of location and value.
- Proximity to Work: Tanjong Pagar (#3) ranks highly, suggesting many professionals are prioritizing a walking commute to the CBD.
1. The Top Choices: Orchard & River Valley
(Ranked #1 and #2 in User Interest)

Orchard and River Valley continue to account for the majority of specific search traffic on Cove.sg.
- The Appeal: Unmatched convenience with immediate access to major MRT interchanges like Somerset and Dhoby Ghaut.
- Why it ranks #1: For many newcomers, living centrally provides the easiest transition into Singapore life.
- Who is looking here? We see high interest from new expats and professionals who want to minimize travel time. This area is also a frequent choice for short-term rentals while tenants get familiar with the city.
- Average Price: Generally higher than the island average, though co-living options can make it more attainable.
2. The Central Hub: Tanjong Pagar
(Ranked #3 in User Interest)

Tanjong Pagar’s high ranking confirms that proximity to the office is a major priority for renters.
- The Appeal: It offers a unique mix of modern skyscrapers and preserved shophouses, right next to the financial district.
- The Commute: For those working in the CBD, this location eliminates the daily commute entirely.
- Who is looking here? Primarily finance and tech professionals who appreciate the convenience of walking to work.
3. The Rising Star: Lavender & Farrer Park
(Ranked #4 in User Interest)

One of the more notable trends in our data is the strong interest in the Lavender and Farrer Park districts, which ranked higher than some traditionally popular estates.
- The Appeal: These areas offer a distinct character with heritage shophouses and a wide variety of local food options (near Little India and Jalan Besar).
- Why it’s popular: Situated on the "City Fringe," it offers quick access to the city center (2 stops to City Hall) often at a more competitive price point than Orchard.
- Connectivity: serviced by both the East-West (Green) and North-East (Purple) lines.
- Featured Area: Our units at 211 Geylang Road have been particularly popular in this district.
4. The Westside Hub: One-North & Buona Vista
(Strong Mid-Tier Performance)
We see consistent traffic for the West, specifically clustered around One-North.
- The Appeal: A greener, more spacious environment that feels distinct from the density of the city center.
- Who is looking here? This area is a key search destination for students (near NUS, INSEAD, ESSEC) and professionals working in the nearby tech and science parks.
- Commute: ideal for those whose daily life revolves around the university or One-North business district.
Summary: Choosing the Right Neighborhood
Based on current search trends, here is a quick guide to help you decide:
If you are looking for... | Most Popular Option (Data) | Search Volume Rank |
|---|---|---|
Central Convenience | Orchard | #1 |
Expat Community | River Valley | #2 |
Walking to CBD | Tanjong Pagar | #3 |
Heritage & Value | Lavender / Farrer Park | #4 |
Campus / Tech Hub | One-North / Buona Vista | #5 |
Finding Your Home
While the top districts see the most activity, the right neighborhood ultimately depends on your personal commute and lifestyle needs.