The mature estate of Toa Payoh has come a long way since its days as a squatter and agricultural district in the 1960s. Formerly a notorious hotbed of crime, the Toa Payoh of today is safe and modern, with accessibility that makes it one of the most desirable districts to live in.
Located in District 12 and on the fringe of the Central Business District, Toa Payoh is centrally located and surrounded by all kinds of transportation options, such as the MRT’s North-South Line, the Toa Payoh Integrated Transport Hub, and connections to many major expressways like the Pan Island Expressway (PIE) and Central Expressway (CTE).
In addition, several schools pepper the district for children of all levels, many of them being Singapore’s top schools. In this blog post, we’ll look at why families love living in Toa Payoh and what this mature estate offers.
Schools in Toa Payoh
One of the main reasons why families living in Toa Payoh is the estate’s numerous schools of all levels. Here’s a quick rundown of some of the schools around the district.
Preschools
- My Little Campus
- Montessori
- MindChamps
- TwinkleKidz Playhouse
- Emile Preschool @ Toa Payoh
- Toa Payoh Methodist Preschool
- Marymount Preschool
- Little Sage International Preschool
- My First Skool @ Block 192
- Sunflower Baby House & Preschool
- Rainbow Cove
- Mulberry Learning
- Star Learners @ Toa Payoh
- Little Seeds Preschool
- BrilliantTOTS
- NurtureStars @ SAFRA Toa Payoh
Primary Schools
- CHIJ Toa Payoh Primary
- Pei Chun Public School
- Kheng Cheng School
- First Toa Payoh Primary School
- Marymount Convent
- Cedar Primary School
- Maris Stella Primary School
- St. Andrews Junior School
Secondary Schools
- Bartley Secondary School
- Raffles Girls Secondary
- St. Joseph’s Institution
- Cedar Girls’ Secondary School
- Beatty Secondary School
- CHIJ Toa Payoh Secondary
- Maris Stella High School
- St. Andrews Secondary
Tertiary
- Nanyang Junior College
- Catholic Junior College
- St. Andrews Junior College
Retail Amenities Around Toa Payoh
Singapore is a shopaholic’s paradise, and Toa Payoh is no different. Here are just some of the retail complexes dotting the estate.
Toa Payoh Town Centre – The heart of the estate has to be the Toa Payoh Town Centre, a bustling hub where Toa Payoh Hub and Toa Payoh Mall are. There, you’ll find everything under the sun from electronics and fashion to beauty salons and bookstores. The area is also home to many supermarkets like Sheng Shiong, Fairprice, and Giant.
A short walk away is 600 @ Toa Payoh, where you’ll find a pool, eateries, and other amenities. Slightly further out, you have Woodleigh Mall, Balestier Plaza, Zhongshan Mall, United Square, Velocity, Junction 8, and Thomson Plaza, all within a couple of MRT stops away.
Accessibility of Toa Payoh
Toa Payoh’s central location is one of the key reasons for its popularity. Drivers can easily access the PIE and CTE for connectivity to the rest of the island. Located within the Toa Payoh Integrated Transport Hub is a bus interchange with countless routes connecting residents all over the country.
In addition, Toa Payoh MRT station lies a mere two stops from Bishan, three stops from Orchard, five stops from Dhoby Gaut, and six from City Hall, giving residents easy access to all the lines including the North-South Line, North-East Line, Circle Line, Downtown Line, and East-West line.
Recreational Opportunities in Toa Payoh
Toa Payoh isn’t surrounded by lush greenery the way some districts in the east are, but nature lovers can enjoy MacRitchie Reservoir Park which is a 10-minute drive or a short bus ride away.
Within the estate, active residents can visit the Toa Payoh Sports Centre, a comprehensive facility that includes a stadium, sports hall, and swimming pool. SAFRA Toa Payoh is a family-friendly club offering pools, a gym, bowling alleys, and karaoke rooms.
In the heart of the estate in Lorong 6, Toa Payoh Town Park is a serene green space for walks, jogs, picnics, and other family-friendly activities. The nearby Toa Payoh Sensory Park is designed to engage all your five senses through meticulously crafted zones.
Toa Payoh is also home to one of two remaining dragon playgrounds, the other being in Ang Mo Kio, another mature estate. The playground, built in 1979, is a beloved nostalgic icon that is fast disappearing to make way for newer developments. Almost all of us growing up in the late 20th century would have had our fondest childhood memories of frolicking in such a playground, an opportunity that our new generation sadly does not have.
Final Thoughts
Bustling and vibrant, Toa Payoh is fast becoming a popular choice for young families, mainly because of its proximity to top schools across all levels and excellent connectivity to the rest of the island.
With the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) planning new housing projects, recreational options, and social spaces, Toa Payoh is poised to become even more vibrant for the community! One such development is the exciting upcominig The Orie, luxury condo development in Lorong 1. Check out The Orie’s floor plan here!