Single, active and moving to HK but...where should I live??

hi to all, I will be moving to Hong Kong in February and I am coming over mid Jan to look for a place to live. My relocation consultant asked what I am looking for...and where I want to live...Like I know ;)...

I am single, 33y old, very active triathlete and outdoorsy. Will be working in HK Central and my budget for a place to live is around 40k.

Want to live close to work, preferrably walking distance or max 25-30 commute. Also want to be close to coffeeshops, convenient stores, ...

Some friends told me that happy valley and the mid levels are good to live but I don't have a clue.... any suggestions?

best, Yoeri

GREAT! makes me much more comfortable moving to Hong Kong ;(.....

thanks for the reply though!

If you want to go running every day before or after work check out:

Mid Levels - Conduit Road - access to trails to the Peak. and convenient - can walk to work via the escalator. Good location for single as close to town for evenings out.


If you want live more 'out of the city' but have a slightly longer commute - 30-45 minutes:

Tai Tam (Pacific Heights is really nice)

Repulse Bay


If you want access to a good track and to be near all the action and in a nice neighbourhood

Happy Valley


Also, be sure your relo package includes an 'orientation' your first day - where you get taken around the different neighbourhoods so you can then focus on the areas you like when you househunt the following days.


Good luck with your relocation and do ask your relo counselor lots of questions!

I live in mid-levels & go out road training with a group early in the mornings just south of Happy Valley. It's not too bad getting there from here as long as you don't mind cycling up Magasine Gap at 5:15am!! (about 15% gradient for 10 mins). There's a few triathletes in our group who may be able to give better advice, although they are w/family & kids & living in Repulse Bay (think this is best area for 'outdoors' on HK island, has a semi-swimable beach, but is full of families, quiet etc. - not what you want as a single bloke!). You may find it helpful to put a posting on the message board there: http://sports.groups.yahoo.com/group/sircycling/


Keep in mind that commuting from the southside of the island is fine before 8am, but then afterwards the Aberdeen tunnel gets blocked causing a bottle neck. So commute before 8am = 20mins via shuttlebus, after 8am = 45mins....and also the fact that it's really hard to juggle training with going out on the town with new mates/work colleagues, especially when you're new in town & is assumed for meeting the team, networking & getting a social life!!


Actually, the most outdoors area in HK and best for training is in the New Territories (around Tai Po, Sha Tin even has a cycle race track), but is remote, 1hr train commute & in proper surburbia...on the bright side your budget of 40k will most likely get you a mansion!

Thanks for the very useful information on the cycling club! Very much appreciated...

looking forward catching up with you guys at 5.45am ;)

cheers

yoeri

Midlevels is a great location. I live in Midlevels West and my husband (an absolute health and fitness fanatic) regularly runs up the morning trail to the Peak, does the fitness loop there and runs back down again. It is also close to Pok Fu Lam reservoir which is good for hiking too. Just being very opportunistic, we actually have a nice duplex near us which we are renovating (should be done in 2 weeks). It is right next to shops, transport and within easy walking distance to Central, Soho etc via escalator. You can definitely walk home after work or a few drinks. Pls let me know if you'd like to check it out - within your budget and no agent fees.

Hi, thanks for the feedback!..could you email me some details on yoerig@hotmail.com including some pictures? I am coming over to HK next week for my property search.

Hi ,

if you check out Mid-levels be sure to go to Conduit Road! I can highly recommend "Realty Gardens", this estate has a gym and they have the best pool in all mid-levels!Appartments are really nice on the upper floors facing either city side or green hillview... they have quite big balconys which is really rare in mid-leves...the walkway /trail up the hill to the peak starts right behind the house...it's a nice location for living right in the city, close to work and entertaining area Lang Kwai Fong ...have fun househunting!

how big a place are you looking for