[Suedehead]

Hi there

I'm heading to Hong Kong at the end of April to work at Tai Koo, Quarry Bay and would appreciate some advice on the oft asked question of where to live (including good buildings in the area) and most particularly transport times to get to work.

I can't spend more than $25K per month and would prefer to pay much less. I would like a place with at least 2 bedrooms, a balcony, lots of space, a good view (greenery/sea if possible) and a decent kitchen as we enjoy cooking at home. My de facto will be joining me (on a 1 year working holiday visa if he can get one) and also my 2 indoor-only kittens, so the place has to be cat-friendly. My partner and I are in our early thirties and like to go out for a drink occasionally, but not every weekend. We eat out about once a week.

I've checked out many topics on this forum already and the suggested websites for some hints which have all been really helpful. However, as someone who has never been to Hong Kong I have no idea how difficult it would be to get to Quarry Bay from the various parts of Hong Kong Island. I would prefer to live on Hong Kong Island as I may be working quite late at night so a long commute would not suit.

The areas I am currently considering based on the advice on this site are:

-Western Mid-levels
-Pokfulam - though I am worried it might be a long journey.

Any advice/ideas would be appreciated. Thanks!

[mercury_element]

There is a train stop for Quarry Bay and Taikoo, so dont worry about that. You can look for a house in Island Place, though there is no Balcony, but the building is very nice, with all facilities, its in North Point, which is very very near to Quarry Bay. The rent is within your budget.

[lowlight]

Why not live in Quarry Bay?

There's no reason to live in mid levels unless it's close to your work.

Pok Fu Lam is DEFINITELY far from where you work.

There are plenty of nice places in Quarry Bay, you should start looking there

[PhilE]

The MTR (underground railway) runs along the north coast of HK Island (1 of several MTRlines). Journey time between stops is about 2-3 minutes and the trains run at about this frequency during commuter times, a bit less often outside those times.

To get a feel for HK geography and also allow you to search by road or building name, use YPMap:

http://www.ypmap.com/en/viewer.asp?m...ce=LocationMap

If you have Google Earth installed, there is very hi-res imagery of HK Island too - so you can even get a sense of the terrain and level of urbanisation for a given location!

Lowlight is right - have a look at QB or North Point property - there's a big cinema at CityPlaza (Taikoo MTR), lots of shops, restaurants etc, and only 15-20minutes from Wan Chai, Central or Kowloon on the MTR for when you want a busier or more 'expat' scene.

[Suedehead]

Great tips. Thanks. The ymap site was particularly useful in determining the direct transport routes available from Quarry Bay.

I haven't considered living in Quarry Bay as I had heard and read little about it. Mid-levels west/soho area appealed to me for the nightlife and food options. Pokfulam, appealed to the other side of my personality which likes greenery. I think at the end of the day, if I can see at least a single tree or the ocean from a balcony, have a good sized kitchen and can find a decent restaurant and pub nearby, I'll be happy enough. A courtyard would be ideal, but I am not sure that I could get one in my budget range. I might also add that I don't mind commuting up to 40 minutes - I am used to much more.

Wan Chai sounds like it has alot of character about it - the markets would be cool. I also didn't think Kowloon could be an option but with the MTR, I might just look into this further. Any thoughts on whether anywhere in Kowloon would fit the bill?

Thanks again everyone

[PhilE]

After a 75 minute commute in London (car, train and tube/bus), having a 30 minute commute here is bliss (walking and MTR). It will be hard to go back to London transport one day (despite Ken's efforts to make it better)!

[ct1]

If you want close to green but close to city with restaurants etc then consider Happy Valley or even Upper Happy Valley. Your budget is very good and will get you something very decent in this area. We pay 11.5k and have a full view of the race course, surrounding hill greenery, 2 beds but kitchen is not great and overall small. So for 25k you could do pretty well.

We live in Happy Valley and my husband works in Quarry Bay. He can get a bus, tram (bit slow but cheap) or MTR from Causeway Bay - about 8 min walk from where we are in Happy Valley. Or a cab of course.

Our friends live in Mid-levels and we often go out drinking around LKF, Soho and Wanchai. Getting home is a breeze.

Good luck.

[freeier]

recommend you try this place call 'grand promenade'
just 2 station from quarry bay. just beside the eastern soho area with quite a few restaurants and pubs.

a fair bit of trees nearby. have a park by the sea.
if u are good at bargaining, u can get 25k hkd for a 3rm unit around 800sqft full sea view, or around 15k for 2bdrm..

brand new apartment as well..
reason for the low price, cos its brand new, too many units suddenly flooded the market for renting out.

i'm staying there..

[zapi]

Hi, I have a flat in Quarry Bay which is 5 minutes from Taikoo Place which is available 1 April 2006. It is brand new, 2bedrooms, a balcony & a good view (greenery/city). Its about 650 sq feet, fully furnished(ie double bed, wardrobe, dining table with four chairs, sofa, TV, microwave, stove, fridge and aircons in each room). It also has a small clubhouse. Email me on joan_chan@lycos.com if you're interested. Can send photos of flat. Rent is HK$15,000 incl mgt fees/rent and rates.

[Suedehead]

I haven't considered Happy Valley yet. Will look into it further. I'm thinking that being near the Causeway Bay MTR would be a good in between spot to both head to work and to meet up with friends in Soho.

I saw Grand Promenade ads and it looked OK so it is good to get a positive view on it. I will definitely check it out once I'm there.

Thanks!