[booding]

By the way-- just wanted to add that Geoexpat is great! I'm so happy I found this forum. I lived in Japan for nearly 4 years before HK and never found an expat forum as friendly as this. Thanks again Geoexpaters!

[wholsome]

I guess it's because many of us went through the process you're going through... so we hope our info helps.
I think the Morrison is not completed yet.

[uupper]

The Morrison is completed and few people have moved in. It's very near the wet market and only 5 minutes walk to Times Square & the MTR station there. If you like to live in Wan Chai, Morrison should be a good choice.

Booding, i sent you a message to see if you're interested to take a look at the Morrison.

[wholsome]

Hi uuper, The Morrison is? Great. Send me some info too. Our lease expires in 7 mths and maybe we'll consider a move if The Morrison's nice.

[uupper]

check out this link: The Morrison

It only has small units, all around 660 sq. ft. with 2 bedrooms; unit C & D have much better view than unit A & B (facing the Wan Chai Street and is kind of noisy).

[Guinness18]

I have not been bothered at all by the pollution, but I too was living in Manhattan so I'm used to it. I've been told that it will get much worse in the summer though. I walk alot as well and go for a jog most mornings...so far so good. Block 3 is closest to the MTR and wet mkt, block 2 is closest to Queens Rd and the taste supermarket. They are all pretty close though so I wouldn't let the tower sway your decision. There is alot of construction so it can be quite loud with the windows open (try to get an apt. closer to the roof - I'm on 39). Regards

[booding]

Hello all, thanks for the posts!

I'm happy to report that, to my surprise, yesterday ended up being quite productive! I found a very helpful agent at Midland in CyberPort and he helped with apartment viewings in various locations. I saw Bel-Air, CentreStage, The Morrison, The Zenith, and J Residence.

Absolutely fell in love with J Residence in Wanchai! What a posh place. Are any of you living there / has anyone else looked at this property? The rent here seems a bit expensive though and if I want to stay under HK$30K for 700+ sq ft apt there, I'd have to live on one of the lower floors (10F or lower)...

Can anyone comment on PEST problems? That's one of the biggest reasons I think I absolutely would want to move into a newer building and want to try living on a higher floor. Has anyone in a new building like Zenith, Bel-Air had to confront a roach in their apartment yet ? (the mere thought is giving me the chills...! I know I know, I have to mentally prepare myself, new building or otherwise.) Do you think that being on a lower floor would mean more pest issues (say, if I were to live on the 8th floor vs. the 20th floor)? Guiness18, the 39th floor sounds awesome! Hopefully I can get something on a very high floor too without breaking the bank.

Zenith was also good with reasonable prices, but Morrison and CentreStage disappointed. CentreStage is in a great location but the apartments seemed very cramped...

The Bel-Air apartments looked great with stunning views... but after having traveled there, I confirmed that I wouldn't be happy with that commute day in and day out. It looks like I'm going to have to stay closer to Central.

Any views on J-Residence? Can't seem to find a thread that talks about it or any reviews of the building. I guess it's really new.

Will be viewing more units in Zenith & J-Residence today, as well as Cherry Crest and other buildings.

Best,
Booding

[wholsome]

Great, Happy you found an agent and was a productive day for you. I've not visited J-Residence so I cannot give you more views on it. As for newer apartments, they are normally better. When my wife and I first arrived, we lived in a large apartment in Repulse Bay. Beautiful place, but a little old. Therefore, we had (rather I had) to deal with a roach at least once a week. Now in Bel-Air, lived for 7 months..never once had to deal with one. So go for a new one!
Yes, Wanchai is so much closer to the action (and Central) so it's more convenient esp. if you do not have a car. We'd also not choose to stay in Bel-Air if we did not have one.
All the best in your search. Let us know if you have any other questions which we might be able to help you with.

[booding]

Wholsome, many thanks for that. Once a week!? Are these little roaches we're talking about or the massive ones that fly? And what floor were you on at Repulse Bay (how old was the building by the way?) and what floor are you on now at Bel-Air? I'm definitely going to minimize the risk (new building, as high up as possible).

[wholsome]

Nahh, actually more like once in 2 weeks. Yes, those that fly. I'm not afraid of them, just that it's a nuisance when my wife screams and I have to drop everything to get rid of it!
When I was at Repulse Bay, it was on 13th Floor. The building was like 15 years old.
In Bel-Air, I'm on 16th Floor. I think it's less important which floor/ height you're on..and more important if the drainage pipes are clean... they normally don't fly in... they crawl!
Again, good luck on your search. If you need more agents, I can reco some that I found good.
For this one I'm living in, I went thru a guy named Dick from Midlands, Cyberport.