Singapore’s unique public housing system has long been admired globally. The Housing and Development Board (HDB) was established in 1960 to address the nation’s housing crisis. Since then, it has evolved into a world-class model of urban development and community building. A central feature of this model is the development of HDB towns—well-planned residential estates designed to provide not just housing, but a complete living environment.
But how many HDB towns are there in Singapore? As of 2025, there are 24 official HDB towns, each with its own distinct identity, amenities, and residential communities. In this article, we’ll explore each HDB town, understand the concept of an HDB town, and learn about the planning principles behind these urban communities.
What is an HDB Town?
An HDB town refers to a self-contained urban area in Singapore where the majority of residents live in public housing flats developed by the Housing and Development Board. These towns are master-planned and are usually further divided into smaller precincts or neighbourhoods.
Each HDB town is designed with the following in mind:
- Residential housing
- Amenities such as schools, markets, malls, and clinics
- Transportation infrastructure like MRT stations and bus interchanges
- Community facilities such as parks, community clubs, and sports halls
This makes HDB towns not just residential zones, but vibrant and inclusive living environments for Singaporeans.
How Many HDB Towns Are There?
There are 24 officially designated HDB towns in Singapore:
- Ang Mo Kio
- Bedok
- Bishan
- Bukit Batok
- Bukit Merah
- Bukit Panjang
- Bukit Timah
- Central Area
- Choa Chu Kang
- Clementi
- Geylang
- Hougang
- Jurong East
- Jurong West
- Kallang/Whampoa
- Marine Parade
- Pasir Ris
- Punggol
- Queenstown
- Sembawang
- Sengkang
- Serangoon
- Tampines
- Toa Payoh
- Woodlands
- Yishun
You may notice that there are 26 names listed here, but only 24 are considered “HDB towns” officially. That’s because Bukit Timah and the Central Area are not full-fledged HDB towns in terms of planning areas but do have HDB flats and estates. Kallang/Whampoa, similarly, is a merged planning area but treated administratively as a single HDB town.
Evolution of HDB Towns
1960s–1970s: Early HDB Towns
The first HDB towns were developed in the 1960s and 70s. These included:
- Queenstown – Singapore’s first satellite town
- Toa Payoh – the first fully planned HDB town with town centres and neighbourhoods
- Ang Mo Kio, Bedok, and Bukit Merah
These towns were designed with basic amenities like wet markets and schools.
1980s–1990s: Mature Towns
As Singapore matured, so did HDB planning. Towns like:
- Tampines
- Jurong East/West
- Clementi
- Hougang
- Woodlands
…were built with better facilities, wider roads, and MRT connectivity.
2000s–Present: Modern and New Towns
Newer towns like:
- Punggol
- Sengkang
- Sembawang
…feature advanced urban planning such as integrated town hubs, green spaces, and smart home infrastructure.
Key Features of an HDB Town
Each HDB town has its own unique layout and features, but there are common elements that define them:
1. Town Centre
Usually the heart of the town, housing shopping malls, hawker centres, banks, and MRT/bus interchanges.
2. Neighbourhood Centres
Each precinct has mini-centres with grocery stores, clinics, and coffee shops.
3. Parks and Greenery
All towns are planned with parks and park connectors to encourage healthy living and recreation.
4. Schools and Education
From pre-schools to secondary schools and even junior colleges.
5. Community Spaces
HDB towns have community centres, sports complexes, and town councils that promote social bonding.
Towns by Region
To better understand the distribution of HDB towns, here’s a breakdown by planning region.
Central Region:
- Bukit Merah
- Queenstown
- Toa Payoh
- Bishan
- Bukit Timah
- Central Area
- Marine Parade
- Kallang/Whampoa
East Region:
- Bedok
- Tampines
- Pasir Ris
North Region:
- Yishun
- Sembawang
- Woodlands
Northeast Region:
- Ang Mo Kio
- Hougang
- Punggol
- Sengkang
- Serangoon
West Region:
- Bukit Batok
- Bukit Panjang
- Choa Chu Kang
- Clementi
- Jurong East
- Jurong West
Spotlight: A Few Notable HDB Towns
Toa Payoh – The Pioneer
As one of the earliest towns, Toa Payoh was the model for subsequent HDB developments. It’s centrally located and has a mix of old and new flats.
Tampines – The Regional Hub
Tampines is not just an HDB town but also a major regional centre with large malls like Tampines Mall and Century Square.
Punggol – The Smart Town
Punggol is considered Singapore’s first smart and eco-town, with extensive cycling paths, waterfront living, and smart technologies in homes.
Sengkang – Family-Friendly Planning
With integrated transport and healthcare hubs, Sengkang is popular among young families.
Upcoming and Future Towns
Singapore is still evolving, and so are its HDB plans. Two future areas are often discussed in urban development conversations:
- Bidadari (part of Toa Payoh town): A new housing estate with a focus on nature and history.
- Greater Southern Waterfront (part of future redevelopment plans): While not yet an HDB town, future public housing is expected here.
Why the Number of HDB Towns Matters
Understanding how many HDB towns exist—and where they are—can help:
- Buyers decide on where to purchase or apply for flats
- Investors assess property growth potential
- Businesses choose locations for services based on demographics
- Residents better understand town planning and infrastructure
Conclusion
So, how many HDB towns are there in Singapore? 24 official towns, with 26 planning areas that include HDB flats. These towns represent the core of Singapore’s housing success story and reflect the nation’s commitment to affordable, quality housing.
From heritage-rich Queenstown to futuristic Punggol, every HDB town plays a unique role in shaping Singapore’s urban identity. As the city-state continues to evolve, so too will the scope and quality of HDB living. Whether you’re a homeowner, property investor, or urban planning enthusiast, understanding Singapore’s HDB towns provides insight into one of the most successful public housing systems in the world.