Moving to Hong Kong - where to live?!

[APAC747]

Hi everyone, I've just joined AFF and am going to hit the ground running with a possibly impossible-to-answer question.

My wife and I will be travelling to Hong Kong early next year on a one-way ticket - I've got a new job managing APAC/ME operations for a company based in Europe.

So, we're now in the process of researching places to live.

We've passed through HKG many times but haven't really ventured out very far, so my knowledge is limited mostly to Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, Tsim Sha Tsui and, of course, Lantau Island.

About us:
- apartment-dwellers, so no problems living in a small box in the sky
- we like the outdoors (walking, hiking, mountain biking)
- our other interests include travelling and eating good food (we're also both vegetarian)

Mrs APAC747 speaks some Cantonese, which may or may not be an advantage. When I'm travelling, it would be nice if she could easily stroll to the shops or hop on the MTR to get around.

Would be grateful for any advice from locals and expats alike.

 

[andyhui01]

Do you have a budget in mind? To give you a start, a decent sized apartment somewhere Hong Kong Island (by HK standards, 800-1000sqft) will set you back ~$30k HKD / month). Do you want to live near your office, on the outlying islands and take a 45min ferry, in the New Territories and take a 30-45min MTR/Bus Ride, in Kowloon or the Southern side of Hong Kong?

If you want to live where hiking is easily accessible and you have somewhere quiet to go for a run or walk on weeknights. Discovery Bay or the southern part of Hong Kong Island is pretty good.

 

[yohy?!]

have a look on geoexpat.com - lot of threads covering this with options

i live in west kowloon as it costs substantially less than suburbs closer to Central whilst being less crowded and closer to greenery/mountains. public transport and shopping are no issue in most parts of HK.

good luck with the move, HK is a great place to live

 

[Andz]

Turned down a job recently in HK due to not been offered a liveable housing allowance. We decided that even though the opportunity for me was awesome, the work life balance and family balance was terrible. For a couple you could make a go of it. I suggest you look at HK island for the 1st year then branch out into the new territory in the second...There are great walks and runs on HK island and the beach is nice on the Stanley side. Look at serviced apartments on HK island with a pool, gym etc.

 

[samh004]

I'm biased to Pokfulam because that's where I grew up, but it can be quite expensive around there as it's still green. As you'll know, Hong Kong is such a compact place that it doesn't matter where you live if you want to go outdoors on the weekends... you don't have to live in Stanley to get there easily.

 

[APAC747]

Thanks for all of the replies so far everyone. I'll tackle them one by one. Our initial plan is to stay in a serviced apartment for 2 months and use that time to visit local areas and agents to help us decide where 'home' should be.

Do you have a budget in mind? To give you a start, a decent sized apartment somewhere Hong Kong Island (by HK standards, 800-1000sqft) will set you back ~$30k HKD / month). Do you want to live near your office, on the outlying islands and take a 45min ferry, in the New Territories and take a 30-45min MTR/Bus Ride, in Kowloon or the Southern side of Hong Kong?

If you want to live where hiking is easily accessible and you have somewhere quiet to go for a run or walk on weeknights. Discovery Bay or the southern part of Hong Kong Island is pretty good.

Budget: ideally, ≤ HKD20k. We know we'll be lucky to get a 1BDR + 'study' in many places, however work will be contributing a small accommodation allowance to bridge the gap to HKG prices (compared to prices for equivalent properties in AKL and SYD). I'm actually going to be setting up the office after I get there, but being within 45 minutes of the office would be preferable.

have a look on geoexpat.com - lot of threads covering this with options

i live in west kowloon as it costs substantially less than suburbs closer to Central whilst being less crowded and closer to greenery/mountains. public transport and shopping are no issue in most parts of HK.

good luck with the move, HK is a great place to live

Thanks, I've bookmarked geoexpat.com - West Kowloon is currently on the shortlist. Perhaps we'll meet up over there in the future!

Turned down a job recently in HK due to not been offered a liveable housing allowance. We decided that even though the opportunity for me was awesome, the work life balance and family balance was terrible. For a couple you could make a go of it. I suggest you look at HK island for the 1st year then branch out into the new territory in the second...There are great walks and runs on HK island and the beach is nice on the Stanley side. Look at serviced apartments on HK island with a pool, gym etc.

Thanks Andz, sorry it didn't work out. I don't know your personal circumstances, but we were prepared to suck up higher living costs for the professional and personal experience. It's also lucky that my wife will be able to hit the ground running in terms of the language and therefore won't have the massive culture shock that some spouses may have. Definitely a good suggestion to look for a serviced apartment with a good gym.

I'm biased to Pokfulam because that's where I grew up, but it can be quite expensive around there as it's still green. As you'll know, Hong Kong is such a compact place that it doesn't matter where you live if you want to go outdoors on the weekends... you don't have to live in Stanley to get there easily.

Thanks samh004, I'll take a look at Pokfulam.

 

[AisleSeat]

I'm biased to Pokfulam because that's where I grew up, but it can be quite expensive around there as it's still green. As you'll know, Hong Kong is such a compact place that it doesn't matter where you live if you want to go outdoors on the weekends... you don't have to live in Stanley to get there easily.

I have a bias to the NT, as that's where I mostly grew up. Sha Tin is a central location with good access to everywhere. Country parks, beaches, the airport, rest of the NT. You can be on the island in 40 mins from there by train.

samh004, you didn't go to SIS did you?

 

[andyhui01]

I highly recommend Pokfulam too. I grew up on the Southern side of HK Island and you really do still get a little more peace and quiet. But apartments in Pokfulam are expensive and generally on the larger side so I'm not too sure about finding a place for under $20k/Month.

I'd look at South Horizons in that budget, it is on the southern most tip of Hong Kong island and only 10 min MTR ride to Admiralty or 30min Bus ride. I think you'll get a 650sqft gross 2br apartment for $20k or less.

 

[andyhui01]

samh004, you didn't go to SIS did you?

Pokfulam would more than likely be West Island

 

[AisleSeat]

Pokfulam would more than likely be West Island

Oh yeah, WIS. Totally forgot about them.

 

[Isochronous]

20k won't get you a place with pool/gym unless you go somewhere like Tseung Kwan O, which is more or less a desert.

 

[yohy?!]

20k won't get you a place with pool/gym unless you go somewhere like Tseung Kwan O, which is more or less a desert.

our complex previously in lai Cho kok had both, 2br apartments can be had for $18k a month presently

 

[APAC747]

20k won't get you a place with pool/gym unless you go somewhere like Tseung Kwan O, which is more or less a desert.

Just to clarify, we're not looking for a serviced apartment on that budget, but I appreciate the sentiment. I've seen quite a few listings for unfurnished apartments in buildings with pool/gym that are either at, or slightly above, our ideal price - and they're not totally out in the sticks.

 

[samh004]

I have a bias to the NT, as that's where I mostly grew up. Sha Tin is a central location with good access to everywhere. Country parks, beaches, the airport, rest of the NT. You can be on the island in 40 mins from there by train.

samh004, you didn't go to SIS did you?

Primary was Kennedy School in Sandy Bay.

Secondary was West Island School, though I eventually moved to boarding school in Australia, where I have remained.

I'd look at South Horizons in that budget, it is on the southern most tip of Hong Kong island and only 10 min MTR ride to Admiralty or 30min Bus ride. I think you'll get a 650sqft gross 2br apartment for $20k or less.

Most densely populated island in the world... at one stage, not sure if it still is?

Isn't the MTR going to connect to Ap Lei Chau soon? Or has it already happened?

Pokfulam would more than likely be West Island

Oh yeah, WIS. Totally forgot about them.

I was there from about 1997 to 2000.

 

[andyhui01]

Primary was Kennedy School in Sandy Bay.

Secondary was West Island School, though I eventually moved to boarding school in Australia, where I have remained.



Most densely populated island in the world... at one stage, not sure if it still is?

Isn't the MTR going to connect to Ap Lei Chau soon? Or has it already happened?





I was there from about 1997 to 2000.

The MTR has been operational since Dec last year. WIS alumni here too (Just a little younger)

 

[trippin_the_rift]

Personally I'd live nearby to where you work since you'll be spending more than half your day there.
I live in Tung Chung with a view of planes taking off, 3bd pool gym tennis court etc for 20k. Cleaner air than more urbanised areas of HK which is great for kids and or pets.

i would only consider living near MTR

 

[APAC747]

Personally I'd live nearby to where you work since you'll be spending more than half your day there.
I live in Tung Chung with a view of planes taking off, 3bd pool gym tennis court etc for 20k. Cleaner air than more urbanised areas of HK which is great for kids and or pets.

i would only consider living near MTR

Yes, Tung Chung is also a strong contender and living near a MTR station is a must.