Ghost City Vibes: What Living in an Underdeveloped Forest City Is Like

When you first arrive at Forest City, the scale of the emptiness is striking. Modern residential towers stand in rows with darkened windows. Wide boulevards are almost entirely free of traffic. Shopping mall spaces sit empty or converted to unfamiliar uses. Landscaped gardens are maintained but unvisited. It looks like a city designed for hundreds of thousands that never showed up. At night, the effect intensifies when a 40-story tower might have lights visible in only a handful of units. It is unlike any place most people have ever lived.

The initial eeriness fades quickly. Within a week, most members stop noticing the emptiness because their daily experience is centered on the NS campus, which is bustling with people, energy, and activity. Your world shrinks to the coworking space, the dining area, the gym, the pool, and your room, all of which feel alive and populated. The empty towers become background scenery rather than the defining feature of your environment. Some members even come to appreciate the quiet streets for running and walking.

There is a genuine beauty to Forest City that emerges once you move past the dystopian first impression. The architecture is modern and clean. The ocean views and sunsets are excellent. The absence of crowds and traffic creates a sense of spaciousness that is rare in urban Asia. Some members describe it as post-apocalyptic chic or cyberpunk without the neon. Photographers and artists in the community find it an endlessly interesting subject. The contrast between the built environment and its emptiness creates a visual atmosphere that is genuinely unique.

The underdevelopment has real practical effects. There are few restaurants, shops, or services within walking distance. Convenience stores have limited selection. Entertainment options are essentially zero outside of NS programming. If something breaks or you need a specific product, you are likely making a trip to JB. The upside is that there is no noise, no traffic congestion, and no urban distractions. For deep work and focused living, the emptiness is an asset. For spontaneity and variety, it is a constraint.

For some people, the ghost city environment is genuinely uncomfortable and becomes a dealbreaker after a few weeks. For others, it becomes one of the most memorable and interesting aspects of the NS experience. The key is knowing yourself. If you need urban energy, easy access to diverse dining and nightlife, and the feeling of living in a real city, Forest City will frustrate you. If you are comfortable creating your own routine within a structured community and do not need external stimulation, you may thrive. You can apply at ns.com for a single month to test whether the environment works for you before committing to a longer stay.