Where to live in Hong Kong?

Hi everyone,


This is my first post but I'm sure it will be the first of many! I've just accepted a job in Hong Kong and will be moving in August.


I was wondering which areas I should look for apartments in? My job is in Aberdeen. I'd like to cycle to work but I don't know how realistic that is in Hong Kong with so much traffic. Also where would I get best value (and space) for money? I've heard that air pollution different areas varies, if that's true where are the best places to live? I guess my budget will be about 18,000 hkd a month for rent, so I expect there will be a few areas ruled out.


Also any general advice about renting apartments?

Read BEWARE RENTING IN HONG KONG for a start, and take note. It's all about the money here in HK. If you can get the deposit, you would be better off buying in Hong Kong and paying a mortgage instead of wasting your money paying rent. I suggest you actually live in or near Aberdeen. Ap Lei Chau has a lot of small flats, but quite an ethnic area. There may be a small ferry or boat from Lamma island to Aberdeen. Public transport is cheap, just takes time especially in rush hour. Just check the estate agents websites & you will get an idea. Pollution is bad everywhere - forget the bike. Traffic is really busy.

Dont get to the buying crap as soon as you come over here.. stay rented for a while know the market and decide for yourself..


18K/month you can get a decent place in Pokfulam, Shum Wan, Ap Lei Chau, Aberdeen, Cause way bay, happy valley which are all easily commutable to aberdeen..


not sure what you are looking for in terms of neighbourhood.. but recommend happy valley with a good mix of local and expats , JC playground.. cycle around happy valley if not for work.. mins to CWB for shopping etc..

I wouldn't buy until you are comfortable with HK - though in the long term it usually makes sense. For 18,000 you will be able to find a good small flat (500-700 square feet gross at a very rough guess) in what are perceived to be good areas. Mid-levels, Happy Valley, Sai Ying Pun, Pokfulam. Depends on your priorities: 1) "lifestyle"/nightlife/convenience on hong Kong island - Mid-levels and to a lesser extent Happy Valley (more pleasant but less convenient), Western (Sai Ying Pun, Sai Wan), Tin Hau, Tai Hang, Fortress Hill, North Point (more local). Kowloon side - Olympic area, Kowloon Tong (pretty boring but has some nice areas. 2) resort-type Discovery Bay and Park Island - cheap but ferries are expensive and not very convenient by local standards 3) Convenient but cheap satellite towns: Tseung Kwan O, Ma On Shan. For Aberdeen, South Horizons would be a good choice but quite family oriented.

Yes, I agree that you should stay clear of buying anything until you feel comfortable with Hk and your job. If you are working in Aberdeen I would strongly suggest you consider renting at South Horizons for at least the first year until you find your way around and find your feet. Rental is reasonable and there is a regular bus service that's only a few minutes ride into Aberdeen so you will be close to your place of work. It's got all the conveniences you need initially including a clubhouse with sport facilities and pools. From there you can move on once you see what else is available that suits your taste and budget.