Novena

Best known for hospitals, but with genuinely leafy residential streets behind them.

Central · medical hub, quiet residential pockets

total resident population: 49,330 (2020 census)
HDB-resident population: Not published — Novena is not one of HDB's 26 designated HDB towns, so no town-level figure is reported in HDB's Annual Report.
housing mix: HDB 8,370 · Condo/apt 7,641 · Landed 2,193 (of 18,281 total households, 2020 census)

Singapore only publishes a full per-area population breakdown every 10 years at the census. The HDB figure above is the most recent official update available, but it only covers HDB residents — it can't be directly compared to the total population figure.

What it's like to live here

Novena is known for hospitals first, but behind the medical cluster are genuinely quiet, leafy residential streets that feel surprisingly removed from the bustle.

Who it suits

Buyers wanting central convenience with proximity to top medical care — often appeals to families with elderly parents. Less suited to those wanting a lively, retail-dense feel.

Popular schools

Primary

Anglo-Chinese School (Junior)
Catholic High School (Primary, nearby)

Secondary

Whitley Secondary School

Must-try food

Balestier Food Centre — Ah Hui Big Prawn Noodle, Chong Pang Huat chicken wings
Novena Square food options

Nature spots

Goldhill Plaza green corridor
MacRitchie Reservoir (nearby)

Interesting fact

Novena is anchored by Singapore's largest cluster of private hospitals, including Tan Tock Seng and Mount Elizabeth Novena — making it one of the most medically dense square kilometres in the country.

to confirm "most medically dense" superlative before publishing

MG's honest take

"Clients buying in Novena are often thinking ahead about aging parents — having Tan Tock Seng and Mount Elizabeth Novena minutes away matters more than people expect."

Thinking about Novena? Let's talk through whether it actually fits what you need.

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