Villa for rent

This three-storey villa comes with 10 bedrooms and 10 bathrooms for $2,500 a month. It is air-conditioned and has off-street parking. The villa measures 18 by 20 metres and it is situated on a plot measuring 20 by 25 metres. Call 011 242 399 or 012 489 625 for details.

Bargain flat rental

This three-bedroom flat is a steal at $500 per month. Narrow but long, it measures 4-by-25 air-conditioned metres. It also has one bathroom for every bedroom. Call 099 747 095 for details.

What's going for it?

Every day we pass by areas in the city without really noticing, and sometimes a brief thought might pass though our minds like, "Gee, this is a nice area, I'll have to remember this". But then we reach whatever destination we were going to and totally forget the nice thought we had for the area no longer remembered. Tuol Svay Prey II (TSPII) is kind of like that. It's not big, but it is bordered by some major roads and is somehow close to everything. People hang out and children play in the streets, Olympic Market is within walking distance and a Lucky Supermarket is nearby. The feeling is very urban but with a strong sense of community.

What's the catch?

Although walking in TSPII is easy enough, aside from the market and a couple of other places there is not a whole lot to do in the area. Unless you want to drive, the action is fairly limited. Also, while the streets in TSPII itself are not overly congested, both Sihanouk and Monireth boulevards, which flank the district to the northeast and northwest, respectively, can be extremely busy, especially during rush hour.

Getting there, and away

Oddly enough, this little community is on the edge of the city but has a fast track to wherever you want to go. If the main thoroughfares are backed up, it is easy to navigate around the mess to your destination, whether it be Boeung Keng Kang, the airport or the riverside.

Schools

There are no international schools directly in TSPII, but because it is an easy area to get to and from, almost any school in the city is accessible. Singapore International School is the closest and Northbridge International School Cambodia is also very close. The British International School of Phnom Penh, iCAN British International School, Home of English, the International School of Phnom Penh (ISPP)and Zaman International School are slightly more distant options for those living in the area.

Out of the house

Olympic Stadium is one of the most popular attractions in the city, and it is located just a few blocks from TSPII. It is home to the biggest public swimming pool in the nation, and you can find soccer, basketball and badminton games going almost 24-7. It is also just a nice place to hang out with the family on a sunny afternoon. Shopping is a cinch in this area with Olympic Market and a Lucky Supermarket close by, but drinking and dining options are limited.

On the market

Land prices range from US$1,300 to $1,700 per square metre along residential streets and from $2,000 to $2,500 along perimeter streets, according to Bonna Realty. Villas rent from between $1,500 and $2,000 a month for an average 20-by-20-metre home, and flats rent for around $500 to $800. Small flats/apartments can be found for as low as $350. 

From the streets of TSPII

Sophea "Wicced" Heng and Kai Ruby Heng, residents:

"Everybody's friendly to everybody, all the neighbors look out for the kids who are playing outside, there’s not that much traffic and the Olympic Stadium’s just right there. It's really nice."

Mei Siv Tang:

"It is safe and there are not many very busy roads. Plus, it is easy to go to school because it’s not far away. It is also easy to go shopping at the market or shopping centre."