Choosing the right home for a family of five in Singapore is a major decision. Space, schools, connectivity, and long-term liveability all matter. Two highly anticipated new condominium launches — River Modern and Chuan Park — are often compared by family buyers. This article breaks down which development is more suitable for a typical Singapore family with three children.
1. Location & Connectivity
River Modern is located in District 9, within the River Valley and Great World area. It enjoys direct access to Great World MRT on the Thomson-East Coast Line, offering seamless connectivity to Orchard Road, the CBD, and Marina Bay. This makes daily commuting extremely convenient for working parents and families who enjoy city living.
Chuan Park is located in District 19 and sits right next to Lorong Chuan MRT on the Circle Line. The Circle Line provides excellent island-wide connectivity, making it easy for children to travel to schools, enrichment centres, and activities across Singapore. Being in a mature residential estate, daily amenities are also readily available.
For parents working in the city, River Modern has an edge. For families prioritising convenience for school runs and daily activities across multiple locations, Chuan Park offers greater flexibility.
2. Space & Unit Layouts
Space is often the deciding factor for families with three children.
River Modern offers unit types ranging mainly from 2-bedroom to 4-bedroom layouts. While the larger units are well-designed and premium in feel, they tend to be more compact due to the central location. Families of five may find space adequate but tighter, especially as children grow older.
Chuan Park, on the other hand, offers a wider range of unit sizes, including true 5-bedroom layouts. These larger homes provide dedicated rooms for children, study spaces, and more comfortable living and dining areas. This flexibility is especially valuable for growing families or multi-generational living.
For space and long-term comfort, Chuan Park clearly has the advantage.
3. Schools & Education
River Modern benefits from proximity to River Valley Primary School, one of the most sought-after primary schools in Singapore. This is a strong draw for parents with young children planning for Primary One registration. Several other reputable schools and enrichment centres are also accessible within a short distance.
Chuan Park is surrounded by a cluster of established schools, including well-known primary and secondary schools in the Serangoon and Bishan areas. Families have a wider choice of schools, reducing reliance on a single institution and offering more flexibility as children progress through different education levels.
Both developments perform well in this category, though Chuan Park offers greater variety, while River Modern offers prestige and proximity to a top-tier primary school.
4. Family Lifestyle & Facilities
River Modern is designed as a premium, integrated development with landscaped gardens, swimming pools, children’s play areas, and direct access to retail and dining options. The riverside environment and nearby parks create a pleasant urban lifestyle with nature close by.
Chuan Park is built on a large land parcel and provides a comprehensive range of family-oriented facilities. These include multiple pools, playgrounds, lawns, BBQ areas, and communal spaces. The scale of the development encourages community interaction and gives children more room to play within the estate.
Families who enjoy urban convenience and a refined lifestyle may prefer River Modern, while those who value space, greenery, and community living may lean towards Chuan Park.
5. Practical Considerations & Value
River Modern’s central location places it in a higher price bracket. Buyers pay a premium for the address, integration with MRT and retail, and proximity to Orchard and the CBD. While this may support long-term value, families must be comfortable with smaller living spaces at a higher cost per square foot.
Chuan Park generally offers better value in terms of space. Larger units at more competitive price points make it appealing to families who prioritise comfort and usability over prestige location.
Final Verdict: Which Is Better for a Family of 5?
River Modern is ideal for families who prioritise central living, excellent transport connectivity, and access to a prestigious primary school. It suits families who are comfortable with more compact living in exchange for lifestyle convenience.
Chuan Park is generally more suitable for a family of five. Its larger unit sizes, wide range of schools, doorstep MRT access, and family-friendly facilities make it a more practical and comfortable long-term home for bigger households.
Ultimately, the right choice depends on your family’s priorities — whether that is space and flexibility, or centrality and lifestyle convenience.
