Upper Serangoon Road, Singapore
Upper Serangoon Road is one of the major arterial roads in Singapore, stretching from Serangoon Road in the south to Sengkang East Drive in the north. It serves as a key north-south connector, running through Postal Districts 13 and 19 and traversing the Kallang Planning Area, as well as the planning areas of Serangoon, Hougang, and Toa Payoh. With a mix of residential estates, commercial hubs, and heritage landmarks, the road has long been a vital artery of Singapore’s urban development.
Overview of Upper Serangoon Road
Upper Serangoon Road is a wide, bustling street that accommodates heavy traffic, serving both private vehicles and public buses. It cuts through diverse neighbourhoods, including mature housing estates and newer developments, creating a unique blend of old-world charm and modern vibrancy. The road connects seamlessly to smaller streets such as Upper Aljunied Road, Bartley Road, and Hougang Avenue, forming an extensive network that supports local and regional traffic flow.
The southern section of the road lies closer to the central region of Singapore, while the northern end links directly with Sengkang, one of the newer residential towns. This duality allows Upper Serangoon Road to serve both as a commuter route and as a local lifeline for neighbourhoods along its length.
Connecting Streets
- Bartley Road
- Boundary Road
- Braddell Road
- Buangkok Drive
- Buangkok East Drive
- Charlton Road
- Florence Close
- Florence Road
- Flower Road
- Hillside Drive
- Hougang Avenue 2
- Hougang Avenue 4
- Hougang Avenue 5
- Hougang Avenue 7
- Hougang Avenue 8
- Hougang Avenue 10
- Hougang Central
- Hougang Street 21
- Jalan Lye Kwee
- Jalan Naung
- Jalan Payoh Lai
- Jalan Toa Payoh
- Joon Hiang Road
- Lim Ah Pin Road
- Lim Tua Tow Road
- Lorong Batawi
- Lorong 1 Realty Park
- Lorong Lew Lian
- Lorong Low Koon
- Lowland Road
- Meyappa Chettiar Road
- Pan Island Expressway
- Potong Pasir Avenue 1
- Recreation Lane
- Recreation Road
- Sengkang East Drive
- Serangoon Avenue 2
- Serangoon Central
- Simon Road
- Sommerville Road
- St Xavier's Lane
- Sunshine Terrace
- Surin Road
- Tampines Road
- Teck Chye GTerrace
- Upper Aljunied Road
- Upper Paya Lebar Road
- Valley Road
- Veragoo Clsoe
- Wan Tho Avenue
- Wolskel Road
- Woodleigh Link
- Woodleigh Park
- Woodleigh Underpass
- Yio Chu Kang Road
- Youngberg Terrace
History of Upper Serangoon Road
Upper Serangoon Road is among the oldest roads in Singapore, with origins tracing back to the early 19th century1. It was historically a track used by gambier and pepper farmers, connecting rural villages to central trading areas. By the mid-1800s, the road became a crucial route for Indian and Chinese settlers moving into the Serangoon district. It gradually expanded and was officially named "Upper Serangoon Road" to distinguish it from Serangoon Road, the older route leading into the city centre.
How the Road Got Its Name
The term "Serangoon" has origins debated by historians. Some suggest it derives from "serang", a Malay word for a chief or overseer, while others believe it comes from "rangoon", possibly linked to Burmese traders. The road is pronounced as Ser-an-goon, with the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) notation being /səˈræŋ.ɡuːn/. "Upper" was added to designate its location north of the original Serangoon Road.
Character of the Road and Surroundings
The character of Upper Serangoon Road varies significantly along its length. Near the southern end, close to Potong Pasir MRT Station, the area is filled with older HDB estates, quaint coffee shops, and small businesses that have thrived for decades. Moving further north towards Hougang and Sengkang, the landscape transforms into modern housing estates, shopping malls, and newer amenities.
The road is flanked by diverse communities, reflecting the multi-ethnic fabric of Singapore. Indian temples, Chinese clan associations, and churches can be found along or near the road, giving it a culturally rich identity. Streets branching off Upper Serangoon Road are often quieter, lined with housing estates and neighbourhood parks.
Interesting Sights Along the Road
- Potong Pasir Estate – Known for its distinctive sloped-roof HDB flats, this estate is a landmark in its own right.
- Serangoon Central – A lively hub with NEX Mall, one of the largest suburban malls in Singapore.
- Hougang Town Centre – A bustling area with food centres, markets, and shopping amenities.
- Religious Landmarks – Temples and churches dot the stretch, showcasing the area’s heritage.
Real Estate Along Upper Serangoon Road
The property market along Upper Serangoon Road reflects its strategic location and excellent connectivity. As of August 2025, HDB flats in the Potong Pasir and Hougang estates are priced between SGD 500,000 and SGD 750,000 for 4-room units (approx. 1,000 sq ft / 93 sq m)2. Larger executive apartments may fetch over SGD 900,000.
Private condominiums near Serangoon MRT and Hougang MRT, such as The Minton and The Gazania, average around SGD 1,600–1,800 per sq ft. A 1,200 sq ft (111 sq m) unit could cost between SGD 1.9–2.2 million. Rental prices range from SGD 2,800–3,800 per month for a 2-bedroom unit, depending on proximity to MRT stations and amenities.
Compared to central Singapore, property here is more affordable, but its strong transport links and amenities make it highly sought after by families and investors.
Transport and Connectivity
Upper Serangoon Road is well served by public transport. The nearest MRT stations include:
Numerous bus stops line the road, providing direct services to the Central Business District, Orchard Road, and other parts of Singapore. Services such as 100, 107, and 153 are commonly used by commuters.
Fun Facts
A fun fact about Upper Serangoon Road is that it is home to some of Singapore’s most beloved food haunts. Longstanding eateries such as Punggol Nasi Lemak and famous bak kut teh stalls along its stretch attract foodies from across the island.
Quick Facts
- Length: Connects Serangoon Road in the south to Sengkang East Drive in the north
- Postal Districts: 13 and 19
- Planning Areas: Kallang, Toa Payoh, Serangoon, Hougang
- Nearest MRT Stations: Potong Pasir (NE10), Serangoon (CC13/NE12)
- Main Surroundings: HDB estates, condominiums, shopping malls, religious landmarks
- Property Prices (2025): HDB 4-room units ~ SGD 500k–750k; condos ~ SGD 1,600–1,800 psf
- Pronunciation: Ser-an-goon /səˈræŋ.ɡuːn/
References
Map of Upper Serangoon Road, Singapore
Page Details
This page was created on 30 August 2025. Hi, my name is Timothy and created it from my research, for my own entertainment, knowledge and to satisfy my curiosity. I am providing the information to you in good faith and hope it is useful. I try to get the details as accurate as possible. I also try to update the page whenever I stumble on new details. So this and all my other pages are perpetual work in progress. If you discover any error, please politely inform me, pointing out where the error lies, and I will correct it as soon as possible. Your helpfulness will keep this page accurate, relevant and helpful to those who need the information.Streets of Singapore Directory
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