Couple moving to Hong Kong

Assistance required. Male couple relocating with partners work to Hong Kong around October, bring ing along our two dogs and two cats. I have not been to Hong Kong before, so expecting a change in both culture and "Housing" as we have only lived in Australia, UK, USA and now Italy.


Could someone assist in advising where the best areas are to find an apartment or town house that would cater for all of us, preference being towards those areas that have parks or "green" areas for the little dogs to take their walks but also housing that might come with terrace or large balconies. Budget is around 60k-80k a month, so not sure exactly whether we will need to add to this.


Also looking for areas that have some nightlife or social activities in the area. I will need to comute to the airport weekly as well so prefer not to sit in the car for hours, as i have been made aware the traffic can get quite jammed.


Many Thanks


Paul

Paul,


With that budget you can definately get something in the Mid-Levels with a balcaony or terrace. You won't find anything with a back yard in the city as most town houses are on the Southside and Pokfulam.


My advise, being that you are new to Hong Kong. Living in the Mid-Levels is a great start. It's convenient, close to everything from grocery stores, airport express since you will be traveling lots and the nightlife you are looking for. However you will get the most for your money in Pokfulam which is west of Central.


I would think your only challenge will be finding a place that will allow for your 2 dogs and cats.


Best of luck to you!!

I believe Mid-Levels meets all your requirements. Western Mid-Levels, like Po Shan Road, is surrounded by greenery. There's also a path from Po Shan Road that will take you on a beautiful walk up to The Peak. There's another path from Po Shan Road that leads you to Pokfulam which is one of the most beautiful green/wooded paths in all of Hong Kong.


There's a green minibus (#3) starting from Po Shan Road that goes directly down to Central in about 10 minutes. It's even possible to walk to Central from anywhere in Mid-Levels if need be. Also easy access to SoHo and Lan Kwai Fong -- both being the best night spot areas in town, nestled between Mid-Levels and Central.


As far as getting to the airport from any point in Hong Kong, all that is required is a quick taxi ride to Central Station, check in, and then take the special airport express train to the airport in about 23 minutes. The ride is very comfortable, quick and efficient, which pretty much describes all transportation in Hong Kong.


You will probably need all of the 80K per month you have for an apartment on Po Shan Road. There are, however, cheaper apartments to be found in Mid-Levels.


After Mid-Levels, my second suggestion would be the area of Pokfulam. Again, lots of greenery plus easy and quick access to Central. It's also possible to find very nice townhouses in the Pokfulam area and Pokfulam offers spectacular sea views.


Hong Kong Island is small so therefore one is never too far away from anything.


Good luck with your move. You have every reason to be excited about coming to Hong Kong. It's a wonderful place. Having said that, the worst thing I can say about Hong Kong is that we have a lot of air pollution, but for the rest it's about the most exciting destination in all of Asia.

Cucaracha couldn't have said it better.

Thanks to all for your suggestions. As mentioned to patrick, I didn't quite realise that landlords are not as accepting to pets as is the case in europe, and coming with two dogs and two cats, well lets just say I might have a few problems.


Paul

hi there,hope the move goes well. my hisband and i just moved from the uk 2 months ago and had the same queries, he needs to get to the airport and we are moving to the mid levels, you get a great space for with in your budget and although on many leases it says no pets allowed this is just a standard clause and all you need is written permission from your landlord, this usually isn't a problem as many people have pets. Mid levels is only 5-10 min walk from nite life and you have lots of walks around the peak. Regarding balconies you can find them in mid levels but they tend to be small. Trafic can be a small problem at rush hour times but if you live near central its alot easier to get the airport express, very quick and comfortable.