[Simonp]

Hi

I am a British citizen moving to HK from Tokyo this July. I have absolutely no idea about where to live! I guess my budget will be around 8000hk dollars and happy to share. I would like to live somewhere with good access to major parts of HK and convenient for shopping etc.

If any kind person could advise me I would be extremely grateful.

Thank you!

Simon

[HKnewbie]

I live in mid-levels and LOVE it for the convenience. I guess it all depends on what you like to do and where you work but this is it for me. It takes me 15 minutes to walk to work in Central, 5 minutes to Soho with plenty of restaurants, another 5 minutes to Lan Kwai Fong with tons of bars, 10 minutes from home to my favourite Irish pub. There are several regular supermarkets like ParknShop and Welcome within walking distance (some far better than others) and there's the wonderful CitySuper a 15 minute walk away (a bit expensive but good for the things you can't find in the regular supermarkets). There are a couple of book shops and several coffee shops within walking distance.
And all this coming from a person who used to drive the 5 minutes it would take to walk to the store in the last country where I lived!
If I want to venture to Wan Chai or Causeway Bay it doesn't take long at all... Take the underground or a taxi.
The only thing with mid-levels is that it may take a while to find a decent place within your budget (although I found a pretty decent place without too much difficulty... PM me if you'd like the name of a good real estate agent). That said, if you're looking to share it will probably be easier.
I know many people who prefer repulse bay or stanley for the beach and that but frankly, I would hate to live that far out from the center of things. My guess is you'd be about a 30 - 40 minute bus ride from central (!?)
I also checked out Discovery Bay before settling on Mid-Levels. Loved Disco Bay for its similarity to resort living. It's such a weird little community and so removed from the hustle and bustle. And it has beaches and a supermarket and deli and bakery etc... etc...
Plus the flats are generally newer and less expensive than mid levels.
Originally thought it would be a great place to live since you'd have the best of both worlds... live in central and live in DB.
Then I was told DB is primarily families with young kids.
Think there are still a number of non-family-with-young-kids who choose to live there. But the thing that did it for me was realising that I have no way home or away from home without a 30 minute ferry ride... can't finish work and nip home to change or whatever. Can't jump in a taxi to go home if I need to run back because I've forgotten something. And, if I happen to be out late and I miss the 3:30am ferry home, I'm stuck until 5am and won't be home before 5:45 or so!
I'm sure there are plenty of other places to look at but have only been here a few months myself and this is what I know and my opinion.
Hope it helps.

[Miss Anne]

Dear Simon, I am vacating my hotel-appartment in July and, tho it's not in the centre- it's out a bit where the environment is a lot more natural - it only takes 30 mins to the tip of Kowloon, or Hotel Peninsula ( a train-stop from central) by hotel shuttle-bus. The rental is HKD $8700 per month and the lease(renewable) goes to Dec. Get back asap if interested.Anne.

[timklip]

If you're ok with sharing, and have a budget of 8K (per month for rent? I'm assuming), you should have no problem finding a place on Hong Kong Island, and like newbie said, Midlevels would be ideal. You'd definitely have to share if living there (unless you can survive in a shoebox sized flat!) Causeway Bay has tons of shopping, rest., and Wan Chai is close for bars. Farther east, North Point and TaiKoo Shing are areas where you might find a place for 8K on your own, and still rel. close to the action. Remember that HK is famous for it's shopping, so there's a giant mall in every district.

Having said all that, I live way out in the country, about 25 min. express bus from central, great house with rooftop, FULLY furnished for under 5k, but still close to beaches, huge country park on my doorstep, etc. If you love the outdoors, this might be a better option....check out places like Sai Kung, Stanley etc.

For a better idea of what we're all suggesting, look at the map at www.ypmap.com

[tarabee]

Timklip:

Any suggestions/recommendations on a agent who can find me a flat? Will be moving in late July-early August

[timklip]

tarabee:

sorry, but I skipped the whole agent thing. I found my place online, at snip

you can also try www.gohome.com.hk and search for what you need...tons of listings by agents

good luck

edited by Rani: pls no links to "other" sites

[timklip]

sorry rani...no offense intended

[William]

I am a private owner, I have just finished renovations of the place listed below if you are interested call me on 61025999.

The apartment is located in the Mid-Levels, high floor, 450sq ft, good view, next to escalator (6min walk to Central). Fully furnished (inc. every thing : DVD, Tv, surround sound stereo). The layout is modern, open plan kitchen, studio style with Japanese sliding doors for the bedroom area, very trendy, brand new renovation to finish 05/07. Lease for short term available. No agent fee. This is a serviced apartment with out the high price tag