[KRP]

My husband has just accepted a new job in HK and we are heading out in Sept 08. We have been researching where to live and feel that Sai Kung could be an option...any thoughts?

We have two very small children, 2 years and 4 months so I'm keen to avoid the thick of the city and would like a little green space even if it's just a patch. I'm also pretty worried about pollution and the children's health.

I'd be grateful for any advice.

[MovingIn07]

Forget about avoiding pollution - if that worries you do not come. Everywhere is very bad in winter (well, from September to June, based on my limited experience). Sai kung is a very nice area - I go over there to go walking and like it. It's not the only place with greenery if you have children though - Discovery Bay and Gold Coast also spring to mind as less crowded, green and kid friendly.

[KnowItAll]

If you're moving with young kids - take a look at Hong Kong Pregnancy and Baby Resources, Forums and Events - GeoBaby.Com, our parenting / pregnancy website. You'll find lots of parents on there who will be able to give you kid specific advice.

[Sleuth]

Originally Posted by MovingIn07

Forget about avoiding pollution - if that worries you do not come. Everywhere is very bad in winter (well, from September to June, based on my limited experience). Sai kung is a very nice area - I go over there to go walking and like it. It's not the only place with greenery if you have children though - Discovery Bay and Gold Coast also spring to mind as less crowded, green and kid friendly.

Totally agree. Pollution here is bad until the wind shifts to off the ocean. Then it becomes really hot, but the air is clear.
Sai Kung is rather far out, depending on where the commute and schools will be. You'll probably need a car--which won't help the pollution.

[aussiegal]

We're currently on HK Island but thinking long and hard about moving to Sai Kung. With two boys under 2 and a half I just can't deal with the lack of garden much longer.

The commute is all relative. When we first moved here we thought commuting for more than 10 minutes was a lot, now we think nothing of half an hour to 45 minutes.

You get so much more space for your money out that way so i think it's an option worth investigating. You will need a car but i don't know many expats here with two kids without one anyway.

I have friends in Sai Kung and they love it. Their kids are rarely sick. Every child i know on the island is constantly nursing a cough/cold or worse, mine included and we live Southside where things are a lot better.

[KRP]

Thanks so much everybody for your thoughts...really helpful.

I'll definately take a closer look at Sai Kung on your advice Aussiegal. The commute seems worth it for a bit of garden and fingers crossed healthier kids.

Do you know if there are good facilities for kids in Sai Kung...good kingergardens, playgroups etc?

[sjacua]

Hi All,

If you know a flat for rent in sheung shui or fanling near KCR station, please let me know. Village house if possible......

thanks in advance for the help.....

sjacua

[elliehann]

Hi KPR,

I lived on Lamma Island for a year and loved it. Its a beautiful island, half an hour away from Hong Kong mainland with regular ferries to and from the island.

It is a very family orientated place with some nice beaches and beautiful walks. There is no traffic (apart from the odd VV) and most people travel by bike or walk. Its a very friendly island with nice bars and restaurants in the village.

House prices are very very cheap here (compared to Hong Kong itself). Hope this helps!

[elliehann]

Forgot to say, Lamma Island has its own website,so it might be worth checking it if you want to know more about it:

www.Lamma.com.hk : Lamma Island, Hong Kong - Community Portal, Lamma-zine, Events, Galleries, Forums.

[Lammarite]

We lived on Lamma for 5 years and moved as soon as we had kids!
The medical coverage is poor to non-existant and the playgroups etc for kids are very cliquey. All the bars and restaurants are smokey and there is nowhere to change a nappy if, like me, you are one of those people who don't think it is fair to change a nappy in the middle of a restaurant.
That said, everything else about Lamma is great regarding greenery, beaches, walks etc but you have all that and more in Sai Kung.
We live just before marina Cove so are still close to the dual lane road and thereby avoid weekend congestion and are closer to the MTR. I work in Sheung Wan and my door to door commute is less than an hour, something I can live with to be able to be a few minutes walk to to the beach, great swimming pools, playgrounds, soccertots, playgroups (organized or with groups of people you invariably meet within a day of getting to Sai Kung!).
I car pool or take the bus though my wife chooses to use the car as it is more practical than taking a taxi or bus everywhere.