[leeisle]

Arrived in HK 2 days ago and am now at a service apartment but not for long.Will be working at the Exchange Square and have tried out the escalators at the mid levels.Other than the option of living there(climbing up and down),would be great if there is some other area not too far from work and around 35K.Am all new here in HK and would appreciate any help.Also if it is safe for a girl at night to come back alone.Thanks.Would appreciate any advice.

[back2HK]

I lived in mid levels for a long time - never really used the escalator for Central. I would need to take a shower in office, except for 3 months of the year.

Pretty happy in Bel-Air - gorgeous views. It can be renamed "expatville" . Not exactly close, but a free shuttle bus to Shun Tak Centre, takes 20 mins. Other alternative is Happy Valley, You will be quite comfortable with your budget, if living alone.

Yes, you can travel alone at night in these parts.

[carang]

i came here as a 22 yr old single female just out of uni...never had a problem and it's been 12 years...HK is VERY safe, so long as you take the same precautions you would in any big city (except you would not need mace or any such thing here)

as for living, it depends on what your requirments are.

do you want to be "in the thick of things"?
do you want some kind of "outdoor space"?
how long do you want to commute?
do you get a cash housing allowance and want to use only a portion of it so you can pocket the rest?
is your housing allowance paid directly to landlord, so you want to use all you've been allocated?
do you want facilities, like a gym or pool in your building/complex?
do you want to buy a car?
are you happy taking public transport?
would you be happier taking taxis?
do you want a highrise or would you be happier with a lowrise?


lots of questions, you see....

[leeisle]

Thanks for the replies.The initial shock coupled with the heat from the last 2 days was just getting at me.I took the escalators again today and it didnt seem so bad.I guess I was disorientated what with jetlag (25 hours+ transit).I think I'll stick to Mid levels after reading your post and asking myself all those questions,Carang.Cheers!

[allandam]

I was in the same situation as you just a month ago. similar budget and working in Jardine House - right next to Exchange Square.
Found an apartment in a new building called Centrestage - its on Hollywood road so closer than midlevels. Walking to work takes me 12-15 mins door-to-door and it is possible to walk in aircon malls half of the way back (to Lan Kwai Fong) or on the covered walkway pass IFC and cross at Four Seasons. If you really want to avoid walking uphill, you can take the escalator, but it will take a bit longer.
Centrestage was the best quality building i saw and for 35k you may be lucky and get one of the bigger 1100sqf apartments if there are any left.