[thewongs]

Finally we arrived in HK. We have until 12/27 to find an apt. We are a couple with a golden retriever that would like a 2 BR with a renovated kitchen and bath with a budget up to 35k. We really don't know HK at all. My husband works in the IFC and eventually I will find a job in banking so probably I would work in Central.

We walked around the mid-levels on Sunday and I just couldn't see how I could walk a golden retriever down those narrow sidewalks or any place the dog could relieve himself. Did I miss something here? We sort of just winged it and went up the escalators to the top and then took a left and wandered around. Just don't see how we could live with our dog there.

We also walked around Happy Valley and Disco Bay and they are definitely pet friendly with enough more on the sidewalks to walk a dog. What are the pros and cons to these areas?

I also plan to look at Pokfulam this week. Are there shopping streets in the area or malls? What areas should I walk around to get a feel for the vibe and area?

Thanks so much for the help. Advice and direction is really needed and appreciated!

[sunniefaith]

You could try Park Island. It's very dog friendly here as well. Take the ferry from Central Pier 2, right next to the pier to Discovery Bay. My hubby works at IFC and it takes him about 30 mins to get to office. I'm paying 8400 for rent for a 700 square feet apartment. It's a great place for dogs, even the vet comes to the island once a week. Nice clubhouses too. But it can be a little isolated from the HK Island. Pop by and have a look.

[Max Jian]

Few considersations to live in Park Island and Disco Bay:
Both Park Island and Discovery Bay are very pet friendly and the latter on is even more spacious for pets and children in general.
1. Vet Clinic: No vet clinic there in Park Island vs Disovery Bay has a vet clinic there.
2. Emergency with Typhoon Signal No 8 Hoisted: ambulance has no ground transportation to go in Park Island vs Disocovery has the ground transportation. (This is about the road design issue of the entering/exiting Park Island)

Both Disco Bay and Park Island is less convinent when comparing to Happy Valley.

If you like Happy Valley, you have to be patient cos the searching will take much longer for your requirement. Make sure the landlord is aware of the presence of the two dogs because by default, the tenancy agreement assumes no pets. You need to remove this clause to avoid the situation that the landlord disallows pets even the DMC itself accepts pets.

[rani]

For Pokfulam, your major options are Baguio Villas and Bel Aire - Take a look at the Baguio Villas upper block and Phase 1 / 2 in Bel Aire. $30K should get you a very decent place. Both these places are 20-30 minutes from IFC.

Belchers in Kennedy Town is a good option for some, but I personally think it is way too overcrowded and the buildings are just too close to each other.

[back2HK]

Originally Posted by thewongs

a 2 BR with a renovated kitchen and bath with a budget up to 35k. We really don't know HK at all. My husband works in the IFC and eventually I will find a job in banking so probably I would work in Central.

2 BRs in HK usually have 1 decent bedroom, plus 1 microscopic BR - only 1 bathroom/toilet and no storage. For 35K, you can do a lot better. Look for 3 BRs - don't worry - it won't be too big, specially since you have dog.

Happy to help about Pokfulam... Just ask.

[sunniefaith]

Originally Posted by Max Jian

Few considersations to live in Park Island and Disco Bay:
Both Park Island and Discovery Bay are very pet friendly and the latter on is even more spacious for pets and children in general.
1. Vet Clinic: No vet clinic there in Park Island vs Disovery Bay has a vet clinic there.
2. Emergency with Typhoon Signal No 8 Hoisted: ambulance has no ground transportation to go in Park Island vs Disocovery has the ground transportation. (This is about the road design issue of the entering/exiting Park Island)

Both Disco Bay and Park Island is less convinent when comparing to Happy Valley.

If you like Happy Valley, you have to be patient cos the searching will take much longer for your requirement. Make sure the landlord is aware of the presence of the two dogs because by default, the tenancy agreement assumes no pets. You need to remove this clause to avoid the situation that the landlord disallows pets even the DMC itself accepts pets.

The vet comes to Park Island every Monday, I think. And you can bring your dog on the ferry too, if there's an emergency.

[thewongs]

We looked at the Belchers and it just seems too difficult to walk a dog around there - too crowded. On the other hand, we could walk a dog around Bel Air just fine but we like to walk around a neighborhood and felt like we would get bored walking around the Bel Air. It is a beautiful place but when you walk a dog at least 3 times a day, it's gonna be pretty boring. Honestly, we don't cook that much so there isn't a lot of options for dining.

We are leaning towards Happy Valley and I think Max Jian you are right, we are going to have to be patient to find a place. We looked at one apt that's okay so now we need to decide if we take an okay place or rent a serviced apt for a month and look some more.

Thanks for replying everyone. Your input is really appreciated!

[carang]

for 30K in db,u can EASILY get a place WITH a garden, 3 beds(good size), around 1200'

[Max Jian]

Thewongs,

Your budget will allow you to find decent apartment in Happy Valley. Just be patient.

Also, I know two very famous vet one in Happy Valley and one Ho Man Tin. Should there is need please let me know and it is my pleasure to help.

[thewongs]

We ruled out DB because we don't want to rely on the ferry schedule. My husband couldn't handle the schedule as he is always running a tad bit behind in most things that have to do with time.

The okay apt in HV is gone which is fine with us so we will probably just stay in a serviced apt until we find the right place. I will PM you Max Jian when we get the dog over here to get the vet recommendations! Thanks!

thewongs