Sentosa became a part of Singapore in the 1960s, and the land eventually became dedicated to tourism. In 2003, Sentosa Cove, a neighborhood of villas, mansions, and condominiums launched. Now expats can live in paradise year-round!

Yes, people do live on Sentosa, primarily within an exclusive residential enclave known as Sentosa Cove, located on the eastern tip of the island. As of 2026, the resident population is estimated at approximately 2,700 to 5,000 people, living across a mix of luxury oceanfront villas, terraced houses, and high-end condominium complexes like Oceanfront and The Coast. Sentosa Cove is unique in Singapore because it is the only area where non-Singapore citizens (foreigners) are permitted to purchase landed property (standalone houses) with certain restrictions. The lifestyle there is distinct from the mainland, featuring private yacht berths, a gated-community feel, and the Quayside Isle dining district. Despite being a major tourist hub with theme parks and beaches, the residential zones are strictly separated and offer a quiet, resort-like atmosphere. Living on the island comes with perks like the "Sentosa Islander" pass, but it also requires residents to navigate higher costs of living and the daily commute across the bridge or via the monorail to the main Singapore island for many professional and educational needs.