[Erin]

Hi Everyone,

My husband has been offered a job with Cathay Pacific Airlines and we are planning to make the move to Hong Kong this winter. We are currently struggling to determine where a good place for us to live would be? Initially our housing allowance is only $15,000 per month.

Originally I thought we’d move to Discovery Bay (it’s cheap, good square footage, lots of green space, close to the airport, lots of expats and children). However, now that I’ve been to Discovery Bay, I’m not sure if that would be the right choice for us.

I like all of the attributes of Discovery Bay that I have listed, but my main concern (as silly as it may sound) is that it seemed like there were too many expats. I think I’m more inclined to live in an area that has lots of locals as well as expats. With that said, I also want to be somewhere that will be an easy transition (other expat moms around). I was also a little concerned that in DB I might feel a bit like I’m living in a fish bowl (living and working with too many of the same people).

I’ve heard suggestions of Mui Wo, Shek Pik, Tai O, Park Island, but have been unable to determine what the cost of these areas are (I’ve been all over quite a few real estate sites). Also, I really don’t know anything about these areas. I think that Sai Kung and Gold Coast are in our budget, but again, I’m not familiar with these areas. I’m looking for any information on these areas or any other areas that may fit our budget?

Thanks in advance for any information that anyone can offer.

Erin

[Geordie19]

Sai Kung is a good 2 hours from the airport on public transport. I wouldn't want to live in Tai O either. What about Tung Chung for a mix of local/expats and reasonable housing prices? Mui Wo might be good too or even Tuen Mun. www.centanet.com

There's loads of similar threads on here too if you have a look.

[JAherbert]

Why not take a serviced apartment first, then take your time. Sai Kung, in my view, is a great choice.

Tung chung although close to the airport, has the worst pollution record in Hong Kong. The Gold Coast area of nr tuen mun might be good option too.

[Vrindavan]

Sai Kung:

Only village houses as choice ?

[nancylau]

Discovery bay is an easy option.
Its also actually one of the nicest places to live in Hong kong.everything is on hand its very convenient for the airport and you will probaly meet people very easily.
You could try a short term let in DB to get a feel for the place have al ook here for one.
<snip>
or adverts on this forum.

[ben]

I agree with you, I prefer a place with less expats. We just moved into Park Island, similar setup as DB but only 15 mins to MTR and 25 mins boat to Hong Kong. Rent is about 7000 up for 2 beds, maybe 8500 and up for 3 beds. I wouldnt pay three to five times that just to live in a trendy place like Central.

[timklip]

I live near Gold Coast in a little village (as far as I can tell I'm the only xpat for miles! ). I'm in Gold Coast quite a bit for shopping, errands, banking etc and I like it alot. Better choice of restaurants than DB (I lived there for the first 8 mths I was here in HK; some good points, some bad like you say), nice choice of beaches, lots of hiking, and Tuen Mun is nearby with a big mall when needed. And its smaller than DB so fewer expats. I know Phase 1 of Gold Coast is shrouded in scaffolding now (upgrading the exteriors I guess...who knows how long that will last). There are tons of village houses too, probably mostly local residents, some with great views both sea and moutain.

There are lots of minibuses to Kowloon on Castle Peak Road, and good bus service to Central/Causeway Bay too. There is also a residents shuttle bus to TST...not sure of the schedule tho...There is a ferry service to Tung Chung from Tuen Mun, and a future ferry link from Tuen Mun to Central/TST is in the works, I've read. From Gold Coast to the ferry pier is prob. a $30 cab ride depending on the traffic. The ferry to Tung Chung takes 20min. It runs every 1/2 hr from about 5:30-11:30 for $15 one way.

However......Gold Coast Residence itself still seems like Plastic-ville to me... definitely not the authentic Chinese experience I'm looking for (as are you by the sounds of it). But it doesn't have that Stepford Wives creepiness to it that Disco Bay has....

Good luck with your search and if you haven't tried it, check out www.gohome.com.hk as well.

[emperorau]

I see most people in HK make very good money. Too bad I ain't one of them.
First, you must understand what actually do you want though? Do you want the police or the ambulance to be able to get to your place if need too. Or the pollution? Or the shopping needs? 15,000 Housing Rent Allowance is good but your husband makes good money so why not buy a place to live then. Just choose a place that you think the price will increase in the future. If you leave HK, you can sell the apartment for a higher price then.

All depends how many years, you plan to stay in HK.

[ayyar]

hi,
i just joined this group and am in a similar situation as erin. my husband has been offered a job in hk. i have a 1 yr three mth old son and will be joining him next mth. the dilema is where to live. our budget is about 12000 HKD.
i have been reading that rentals are steep in hk. my husbands work place is shatin. i personally prefer a high rise apartment with an open view and easy access to mtr and other public transport and other basic facilities as we will not have a car and i will have to rely on public transport with the baby.
is asking for abt 800 sqft (2BR) too much in this rental range? can anyone suggest which could be a good area for us to live ?
all suggestions welcome!!
thanks in advance