[Tim Russ]

I'm moving to HK in November, and have just started looking around for a decent place to live with my family (including my 2yr old daughter). It seems that Sai Kung offers better value for the money. Is this close and/or convenient to Central? Is it family oriented or near other expats?

I visited Sai Kung once this summer and it is a beautiful little community - I think a lot of British expats live there....? What a gorgeous harborfront and sailboats all over. It's not close to Central, though. Maybe 45 minutes to an hour away. I' m sure others will have more specific information. Just trying to help, though.

[JJexpat]

I am told one needs a car in Sai Kung. Nonetheless, you can take a cab every single day and pay less than you would buying and driving a typically middle class car. (Of course, in Hong Kong, a bemer or merc seems to be de rigeur). I think that the minibus to Choi Hung is the easiest way to the MTR, then Hong Kong is open to easy access. Count on one hour+ to Central, however. BTW, a car will not help you in rush hour.

Disco Bay (Discovery Bay) is an enclave of expats...and there are many living in more mixed areas of Causeway Bay, Happy Valley - but if you are drawn toward Sai Kung you may not enjy the noise and bustle of these very urbacn areas. Kowloon Tong has lowrise buildings, a number of tree lined streets - unheard of here. Many expats in the area, Festival Walk...it is about 20 minutes to central by MTR. Re expats, remember that this is a big city. Your contacts ill likely flow from your work, your play, or a club. It is not so easy to strike up acquaintances nased on being in the same expat boat. (At least, that's my experience.)

CHeers-
JJ

[travelem]

There are direct minibuses from Sai Kung to Choi Hung MTR and Mongkok.

[nasapower]

I personally only goes to Sai Kung when I am craving for seafood. It's a long drive (mind you, this is not highway) and public transportation just takes too long. I like to think of it as the "country side". Where as for Discovery Bay, there are plenty of facilities and pre-school for your 2yrs old daughter. Supermarkets are catered for westerners (you would never find a good selection of cheese at local grocery stores) and there are less traffic. The only thing is that you will have to take a boat ride to Central daily (or you can take the bus and transport to the MTR station). I have friends living at both location. When the weather is bad and it's pouring outside, I must say I prefer Discovery Bay cause traffic just gets really bad from Sai Kung to Central. I have no way of knowing that I will be in the office on time! Hope this helps.

[nighthawkhk]

Hi Tim

My opinion: Best place in HK!!

We live now almost 4years in HK - 1 year Mid Levels (we hated HK) and then we moved to Sai Kung (since then we love HK). We have 2 Kids and a dog which makes it and ideal place for us, because of the nearby country park and other great hikes. Nice public pool and great expat community (Brits, Aussies mostly). Some decent Western Restaurants as well.

But: Most people have a car...even they don't use it to go to work with it, but to do shopping etc, take the Kids to the Bus Stop (Summer is here damned hot and wet)

If you work in Central you can calculate with public transport 1-1.5 hours travelling one way. What we found quite okay is to drive to Hang Hau (Tseng Kwan O area), because there is a pretty cheap "Park and Ride" carpark to take the MTR into the City.

Actually without a car I think Discovery Bay (Lantau) or Stanley or Pokfulam (HK Island) is a good alternative.

Cheers
Joe

[Vrindavan]

In Sai Kung
- there is no good beach within walking distance
- no MTR train

In Stanley
- no swimming pool

[sofia vaz pinto]

Hi Nighthawk, I'm moving to HK in March with husband and two kids (33 and 15 months), we've heard so many good things about Sai Kung. My husband will be working in Harbour City, Kowloon, how long do you think it would take him to go to work from Sai Kung by public transport? He will work on weekends and I heard traffic is really bad during these days.

[jimbo]

Its about an hour each way so not too bad, Traffic wise isn't really anything to worry about on a weekend.

[jaykay]

If you have a family and are looking for value for money then Sai Kung and Disco Bay are the two main areas to look at. Disco Bay is probably a bit more convenient with a 30 mins ferry to Central but you can feel a bit cut off.

Sai Kung only has low rise apartments and village houses due to planning restrictions. It suffer's less pollution that Disco Bay. Traffic can be busy at the weekends, especially in the summer. That wont however be a problem if you are travelling to work in the morning and coming home in the evening. In fact you will be going the opposite flow of most of the traffic. There is a central bus terminus for main buses and minibuses. The bars and cafes in Sai Kung are pretty relaxed and you'll see expats all over. If you want main shopping you can travel down to Kowloon or go the opposite way upto Ma On Shan and Sha Tin. It is a nice relaxed place to live. The downside is that it isn't as convenient as other places and travelling does take longer. You can get by with or without a car. The only reason anyone would want a car in Sai Kung is if they lived in one of the small villages outside.