[Pro/Engineer]

Hi,

I'm to start reporting on new job @ the Science Park by end of the month. I'm a newcomer. Can anybody give me leads on apartments or apartment complexes that are:
1. near the Science Park (accessible by bus for only a few minutes)
2. low-to-medium price range

Thanks a lot.

[geo-seb]

It seems there are only some rather expensive high-class appartments nearby (Deerhill Bay, Windsor Hights etc). Another option is to live in one of the village houses behind the Chinese University. But majority of those village houses is in poor condition. If you don't mind a 10-20 minutes bus or train ride, you should check out Tai Po (can get a decent place for 3-4K there), Fo Tan, and also Ma On Shan.

[online]

You may also consider New Town Plaza in Shatin. I know there is mini bus travel on a regular basis between new town plaza and science park. It only take 10 mins drive.

New town plaza is very conveince for all kinds of shoppings. It is in the city centre of Shatin, where basically you can find everything you need there.

What's your budget? You may talk to relocation firm and they might be able to give you a better idea??

[Pro/Engineer]

Hi, thanks a lot for your leads. However, do you know of exact apartments and/or brokers in Tai Po, Fo Tan, or Ma On Shan? Thanks.

Originally Posted by geo-seb

It seems there are only some rather expensive high-class appartments nearby (Deerhill Bay, Windsor Hights etc). Another option is to live in one of the village houses behind the Chinese University. But majority of those village houses is in poor condition. If you don't mind a 10-20 minutes bus or train ride, you should check out Tai Po (can get a decent place for 3-4K there), Fo Tan, and also Ma On Shan.

[chihiro]

I am sorry to reply with another irrelevant question.

I have similar situation. I need a one bedroom apartment or studio (furnished) near UST at clearwater bay starting end of August for one year, low to medium price range, any clues? Thank you

[geo-seb]

Originally Posted by Pro/Engineer

Hi, thanks a lot for your leads. However, do you know of exact apartments and/or brokers in Tai Po, Fo Tan, or Ma On Shan? Thanks.

I am not very familiar with Fo Tan and Ma On Shan. But in Tai Po, there are HOS appartments around the Tai Wo and Tai Po market stations (15 minutes from CUHK/Science Park). Prices are between 3k -5k per month for 500-700 square feet and some have open/mountain view. However, the building quality is often poor and there are virtually no expats living there. Better buildings are 6k-9k per month for a similar or slightly larger size. Concrete building names are:

Elegance Garden (8-9k)
Classical Garden (6k-9k)
Yat Nga Court (HOS)
Po Nga Court(HOS)

Most buildings having the word "Court" in their names, should be HOS, i.e. quite cheap...

[Pro/Engineer]

Originally Posted by geo-seb

I am not very familiar with Fo Tan and Ma On Shan. But in Tai Po, there are HOS appartments around the Tai Wo and Tai Po market stations (15 minutes from CUHK/Science Park). Prices are between 3k -5k per month for 500-700 square feet and some have open/mountain view. However, the building quality is often poor and there are virtually no expats living there. Better buildings are 6k-9k per month for a similar or slightly larger size. Concrete building names are:

Elegance Garden (8-9k)
Classical Garden (6k-9k)
Yat Nga Court (HOS)
Po Nga Court(HOS)

Most buildings having the word "Court" in their names, should be HOS, i.e. quite cheap...

hi geo-seb, can you give me some downsides on staying in an apartment complex with virtually no other expats around? thanks.

[geo-seb]

Originally Posted by Pro/Engineer

hi geo-seb, can you give me some downsides on staying in an apartment complex with virtually no other expats around? thanks.

The main problem is that the management personnel often does not know any English at all. Also there may be some people who are rude, stare at you, and gossip about you. (But actually that can happen anywhere in HK).

The worst thing that happened to me is that the security guards initially did not let me enter the building when I just moved there, because they did not know me. Due to language barrier, it took a while to sort that out. However, after that everything has been fine.

[greenietea]

hello pro engineer

i work at science park and i live in taipo. i take a cab to work everyday and it takes around 8 minutes. it's a very short, cheap and comfortable commute.

yes, there are few expats living here if at all. but apartments here are very cheap and the location is great. unless you're into hardcore expat partying in lkf, you'll be able to do fine here. there are biking trails, bbq places, and many outdoor activities. there are also some local bars and restaurants open 'til the wee hours. the air is much cleaner here too.

you can check out apartments for rent from the following websites:
http://www.centalist.com/listing/search_e.asp
http://cybersearch.midland.com.hk/cybersearch/?lang=eng

hope you'll enjoy science park and taipo as much as i do.

[Pro/Engineer]

Originally Posted by geo-seb

The main problem is that the management personnel often does not know any English at all. Also there may be some people who are rude, stare at you, and gossip about you. (But actually that can happen anywhere in HK).

The worst thing that happened to me is that the security guards initially did not let me enter the building when I just moved there, because they did not know me. Due to language barrier, it took a while to sort that out. However, after that everything has been fine.

hi geo-seb, thanks a lot for the inputs. one last thing: have you had any problems with security in the area? do they have curfews or something? thanks again.