[jimmyt]

Hi all

My job is taking me to Hong Kong from mid February along with my wife and young boy (9 months). We are really excited about move and I have been scouring this site for a few months getting ideas and tips for accommodation. Together with our housing allowance we have accomadation budget of up to HK$80k.

Would be extremely grateful for any help that people can provide regarding our current thoughts and questions:

1. We spent a couple of days in HK already looking at accommodation and initial thought is that we want to stay on the Island (visited and ruled out DB as being a little too isolated). We loved the facilities at Bel-Air and from looking through other posts it looks like Parkview offers similar type of living style. Are there any other apartments which have similar club facilities and children’s play areas etc.?

2. What are these type of apartments like for mothers and small children – I will be working but my wife will not. Are there organized activities for children (swimming lessons etc.) or do people tend to organize these things themselves?

3. Any thoughts on pros / cons of Bel-Air against Parkview?

4. One initial draw back we had with regard to Bel-Air was the size of apartments (not sure if Parkview is similar?). Is it possible/better to get an apartment which is close to good facilities or club but is outside of one of the major complexes. If so, any ideas for places in and around the south of the Island would be great.

Any help or thoughts people can provide would most appreciated. Looking forward to settling in HK soon!

[KnowItAll]

Will reply to some the questions later .. but get the wife signed up on Hong Kong Pregnancy and Baby Resources, Forums and Events - GeoBaby.Com - plenty of advice which will reduce her stress levels.

Both Bel-Air and Parkview have a lot of Geobaby members so mums and kids groups are sorted out at either of those locations.

[ontheroad]

1 Other places with good facilities, which are favoured by mothers with small children, but which are smaller than Bel Air and Parkview (which are very very big):

The Repulse Bay (really well situated, shuttle goes into town, great facilities, beautiful view, public transport, restaurants, shops, doctors, drycleaners, dentists beach, montessori preschools.)

The Manhattan (Stanley-Tai Tam)
The Pacific View (Stanley -Tai Tam) : cheapest of the three

Both these last two have shuttles that go into Stanley where public transport is available, beautiful views, good facilities, super close to the American club and to good montessori preschools.

Those three places have a huge international expat community and the people I know who live there love it.


2 In those places there are group/private swimming lessons and the clubhouses offer various activities for children (sports, music etc) as for adults (pilates, yoga etc)

3 Bel Air and PV : Pros: those two places are huge so the clubhouse facilities are amazing.
Cons: they're huge. Bel Air is known for its tiny rooms. Parkview is known for being in the "fog".
Once you're there, you never leave. They're their own islands.

[jimmyt]

Thanks for the reply. Will definately look at Repulse Bay, Manhatten etc. I had heard however that 101 Repulse Bay road has a waiting list. Anyone know if this is right?

Am making sure my wife signs up for the GeoBaby network. She is very keen to settle into expat lifestyle quickly!

[ontheroad]

Originally Posted by jimmyt

Thanks for the reply. Will definately look at Repulse Bay, Manhatten etc. I had heard however that 101 Repulse Bay road has a waiting list. Anyone know if this is right?

This is the leasing department phone number: (852) 2292 2877 or (852) 2292 2876

Unfurnished Apartments: The Repulse Bay

[jimmyt]

Having discussed further with our appointed relocation agent, looks like we might be doing a 180 degree turn.

We have been told that best solution for us would be Mid-Levels East and Bamboo Grove in particular. Anyone live there or have views on whether this is suitable for family with young child?

thanks all

[ontheroad]

If you have the budget to get away from the city (ie South Island: Repulse Bay, Stanley), do so the quality of life will be better- you are further away from the noise and the pollution. If you don't, or want to be closer to your work, then sure, the midlevels can be a good choice. Lots of families with small kids there as well. My advice is see as many appartments as you can within your budget, in lots of different places and decide after you've seen them, not before!

[KnowItAll]

>> decide after you've seen them, not before

Absolutely agree with this. And, if possible, do the rush hour commute.

We've have a few members from Bamboo Grove and its a nice place. Just as nice as any of the other "five star" developments, just a little bit older.

[LA Bliss]

we moved to HK just last month and settled into mid-levels after looking everywhere, including bel-air. we live in dynasty court which i believe is mid-levels central. so far, we're loving it!

- close to central for husband's work: also, our complex offers shuttle svc into central & wan chai
- a first class club facilities with lots of group gatherings & entertaining classes
- close to soho & all the great restaurants
- lots of families with small children

it's tucked right below the peak so you have the beautiful greenery behind you & the stunning harbor views in front of you. the neighborhood is very safe with probably the largest expat community.

best of luck on your move!

[lamarcq]

We mqde the move - family of 4 with a dog - 3 months ago - shouson hill is very nice location near by deep water bay and just at the exit of aberdeen tunnel thus 20' from central
a bit isolated as no big accomodation nor mall but quiet and peacefull even though facing Ocean Park

Low rise appartment just 80.kHKD 3 months ago but price are rising fasr over here

Good luck
JP

Originally Posted by jimmyt

Hi all

My job is taking me to Hong Kong from mid February along with my wife and young boy (9 months). We are really excited about move and I have been scouring this site for a few months getting ideas and tips for accommodation. Together with our housing allowance we have accomadation budget of up to HK$80k.

Would be extremely grateful for any help that people can provide regarding our current thoughts and questions:

1. We spent a couple of days in HK already looking at accommodation and initial thought is that we want to stay on the Island (visited and ruled out DB as being a little too isolated). We loved the facilities at Bel-Air and from looking through other posts it looks like Parkview offers similar type of living style. Are there any other apartments which have similar club facilities and children’s play areas etc.?

2. What are these type of apartments like for mothers and small children – I will be working but my wife will not. Are there organized activities for children (swimming lessons etc.) or do people tend to organize these things themselves?

3. Any thoughts on pros / cons of Bel-Air against Parkview?

4. One initial draw back we had with regard to Bel-Air was the size of apartments (not sure if Parkview is similar?). Is it possible/better to get an apartment which is close to good facilities or club but is outside of one of the major complexes. If so, any ideas for places in and around the south of the Island would be great.

Any help or thoughts people can provide would most appreciated. Looking forward to settling in HK soon!