[Braddockrd]

Can someone tell me the current cost of a nice 1500+ square feet apartment in the Island and recommended areas?

Thanks so much

[applefan]

Braddockrd: I'm in the process of searching for something similar. From what I have found online, 1500+ sq ft would cost at least HK$30k, probably more like HK$40k+ on the island. A lot of people like out on Discovery Bay which seems to be slightly cheaper. Can you tell us more about your preferences so we could recommend some areas? Do you have kids and have to think about school location? Do you want to be more in the middle of action or do you prefer quiet and peace (if there is such a thing in HK)?

[applefan]

Forgot to mention, check out the two following websites:

www.gohome.com.hk/english/home.asp?
www.hongkonghomes.com

Others here have mentioned that the prices are not so accurate and that the apartments shown might not actually be available. Since I'm still in the U.S., I can't judge that. However, I've found the two sites to be rather helpful in getting to know the layout of some of the buildings and what kind of apartments are available in each area.

Good luck!

[penguinsix]

Never rely on websites to sign a lease. Rent a furnished corporate apartment for one month and then go house hunting when you arrive.

Websites don't mention sewage back up smells that waft in through the side window, or fire stations across the street running alarms at all hours of the night, or the fact that the neighbors are a wet market or something.

If you find an agent you can save considerably over what you see listed in a website.

[applefan]

Penguinsix: Completely agree with going with a serviced apartment route. Do you have any good agents you'd recommend? I'll be looking soon too.

[Braddockrd]

Applefan and Penquinsix: Thanks a lot for your input.

Applefan: We do not have any kids, but I am looking for an area where my wife (who will not be working) will have things to do around. Do you know people already in the area?

Thanks again

[applefan]

Braddockrd: I grew up in HK but have been living in the U.S. for the last 10 years. When are you looking at moving? Mid-levels is a favorite for many. I'm looking for something with a seaview so despite the fact that I don't have any kids, I'm considering the South Side of the island as well. Many here have also talked about Park Island which has a 25-minute ferry ride to Central. Where will you be working?

[Braddockrd]

Applefan: I will probably move there in about 3 months. I will be working in the financial district (Wan Chai?). I have read good things about the South Side, near the beach. Apart from the beach, do you know if there is anything to do in that area, like shopping, restaurants, etc? How do you think the commute to Wan Chai will be from there? What areas do you like in the South? Repulse Bay?

Thanks

[applefan]

We could very well be there around the same time. I'm still trying to narrow down a start date myself. The financial district is mostly in Central but if you're in Wan Chai, that's even closer to the south side. I believe the commute to Central is just less than 30 minutes from Repulse Bay, but it all depends on the time of the day. Although I was just in HK in December, I didn't make it over to the that the south side and I haven't been there in a few years so much could have changed. Last time I was there, there were a few restaurants but nightlife area is certainly around Central, Wanchai, Causeway Bay, etc. You'll certainly have grocery stores so it's not like you'll be stranded.

Repulse Bay would be ideal for me although I am considering as far away as Tai Tam. Sometimes I find it funny when people talk about 30 minutes being really far away because when I used to live in NJ and worked in NYC, my commute was more than an hour and many people I know did similar commutes. I guess everything is relative.

Let me know if there is anything else I can help with.

[Braddockrd]

Applefan: Funny what you mention. I also used to live in NJ, in Woodbridge, and take the bus every day to Port Authority, and then walk to 3rd ave. I definitely do not miss the commute, but I agree with you, 30 minutes is nothing. Where will you be working in HK?

Regards

Alex