[saun-fam]

Our kids got into the ESF schools- YAY! but in Quarry Bay, not Kennedy as we hoped. (sigh)
Husband will be working at HKU, so we had planned to look for a place in Pokfulam, but we're not sure about the commute for the kids. Do we live in Quarry Bay/ NorthPoint, and commute, or Pokfulam and commute the other direction? How long/ complicated is the commute? What is family life like in QB? Any suggestions?
Thanks!

[wtbhotia]

the commute from pokfulam to qb is bus to sheung wan then mtr all the way. for teenagers its shouldnt be much trouble, i think it might take a 45min to 1 hour each way depending how much traffic to get into sheung wan from pokfulam. talk to your kids and see if they have any problems with this or not. if yes then u have no choice but to move to qb/np. i would recommend Tai Ko Shing. Not a bad place.

[saun-fam]

Just to clarify, our kids are fairly young- 6 and 8 years old...

[wtbhotia]

u have no choice then, u need to move to QB/NP.

[Jeremy Clarkson]

I am in a similar position in that my 7 year old will also be starting at QB in September. Also looked at Pok Fullam but did a trail school run in a cab I think 45 minutes was the shortest it is ever going to be. It is worth noting that the catchment area includes Tai Tam (where we are going to live), Jardines Lookout and Happy Valley as well as North Point etc.

Good luck and see you in September!!!

J

[Jeremy Clarkson]

I am in a similar position in that my 7 year old will also be starting at QB in September. Also looked at Pok Fullam but did a trail school run in a cab I think 45 minutes was the shortest it is ever going to be. It is worth noting that the catchment area includes Tai Tam (where we are going to live), Jardines Lookout and Happy Valley as well as North Point etc.

Good luck and see you in September!!!

J

[via]

I suggest you look for a place in Taikoo Sheng. Your kids are kind of young to spend two hours on the road each day. If they get lost or want to visit some malls along the MTR line then you will have a hard time tracking them down. Taikoo sheng is a really nice place, I used to live there.

As for your hubby, he can take a train from Taikoo Sheng MTR station to Central/sheung wan (45mins++) and then take a bus (>30mins depends on traffic).

[bumpkin]

I'd live close to kids' schools for adults can always manage their ways to home. Most schools provide school bus but it takes them a while to get to your place and finally take your kids to school. I'd say it may take as much time as public transportation does or longer. Depending on your budget, there are some nice new flats and big old places to rent in North Point/Quarry Bay/Tin Hau. We just arrived in HK as well and luckily have found a place in the area. I went to almost all the agents in the neighborhood and found one really helpful. I can give you her contact info if you are interested.

[saun-fam]

HI all- thanks for the info- was afraid the commute would be long. We'll likely live in QB/ NP, etc. My husband is quite bummed. We'll consider waitlisting the kids at Kennedy, and moving to Pokfulam- but hate to make them move again!!!!

Jeremy- what yr is your 7yo in? mine will be in yr 4 - he's nervous, but excited. Maybe they'll run into eachother. (we also have a 6yo daughter in yr2)

Bumkin- I'd love a recommendation on a realtor (agent they're called here?)

[bumpkin]

how do you want it? I am afraid that my head will be cut if I post her info here.