[mumto2]

Hey there, I was just wondering if its an easy commute to wan chai from DB? I've just had my eyes open that this might be a possibility...

We have 2 kids and I was looking for a less congested lifestyle for them and was told DB might be the way...

[carang]

db is fantastic with kids. the commute isn't too bad. it's about 5 minutes to the ferry. 25 minutes on the ferry, then you can either walk to the mtr (about 5-10 minutes) and then 5 minutes on the mtr...

hundreds of people do it and most find that the trade off of time commuting vs lifestyle is worth it.

we lived in db for over 6 years and only moved because we needed a bigger place for less money. we really miss the community feeling and the facilities for the kids! it was as close to "home" as you are going to get here, which is why some people don't like it.

the ferry is the BEST commute you could ask for. you can get your morning paper and a coffee and actually enjoy the commute. on the way home, you can grab a beer and have a chat with friends, watch your ipod or read your book.

i miss the commute! i now drive, so i don't have the "down" time that i used to have on the ferry.

[mumto2]

thanks for your quick reply! i'm getting more and more excited about the possibility...

[carang]

you will find people that say... You are beholden unto the ferry schedule, but in 6 years, i can count on one hand the number of times that the ferry was a pain in the neck.

the one thing about db is the lack of schools for the number of children. HOWEVER, you will find that MANY if not MOST kids ferry to central and then meet a school bus. hundreds of kids do it everyday without problem. although most other inhabitants try not to take the afterschool ferry home...can get a little...ummm...noisy!

[PDLM]

It depends where exactly you are going to in Wanchai. To some locations there are buses from adjacent to the ferry pier which would be quicker overall than walking to the MTR and taking that.

[Skyhook]

If you like sailing with friends who might own a yacht at the DB marina, weekend bush walks, plenty of greenery, a handy beach, cruisy relaxed el fresco cafes at the water front mall, all within very easy reach from your home, Discovery bay will be very appealing.

Its mainly families with kids and married couples who live there, which is why it isnt popular with some geo members, not much fun being a third wheel etc. If you get my drift.

As you are married with kids, its a fantastic place to live, and enjoy, about as close to a "normal" suburban lifestyle one could hope for, and just far enough away from the rat race of the CBD. It will also give hubby a break from the hustle and bustle of the city, he can enjoy spending some time with his family in a relaxed neighbourhood, with plenty of other people in the same boat as you. Its also nice waking up in the mornings with hardly a sound to be heard outside, while the windows or the patio sliding doors are open.

I think you are really going to like spacious Discovery Bay, mumto2...

[carang]

i never bothered to take a bus from there, so dont know what they would be like in the morning rush hours....

[mumto2]

i think you might just be right skyhook...thank you by the way...

[Skyhook]

Discovery Bay has a whats on website, located here >>> Welcome to Discovery Bay

No problem at all mumto2, glad we could all help.

It is getting harder to find affordable family friendly locations in Hong Kong since rents have shot up some what. But Discovery Bay still offers good value for families, and a pretty easy commute to the Island, and the airport. Its nicely positioned. For your budget you'll find something comfortable I am sure, maybe with a private roof top terrace or a balcony too.

[PDLM]

Originally Posted by carang

i never bothered to take a bus from there, so dont know what they would be like in the morning rush hours....

I have a DB resident friend who until recently worked in Wanchai North (near the Immigration Tower) and he said that the #2 bus every day was definitely the way to do it. Bus stop opposite the ferry pier to one outside Immigration for $3.9. Frequency every 10-11 minutes or less at peak time, which is about how long it might take to walk to Central MTR, and that walk is a bit long for the height of summer in a suit (although I guess you could do a longer version mostly in aircon by walking to IFC and then down to the Airport Express station and underground to Central Station).