Districts
The first decision you must make is whether to live on Hong Kong Island, the Kowloon Peninsula or in the New Territories. Your office location, choice of school for your children, as well as the sort of lifestyle you prefer (city, suburban, rural), will be the key determining factors.
Starting on Hong Kong Island The Peak is Hong Kong's most Prestigious address. Towering above the commercial heart of Hong Kong Island "The Peak" offers the most spectacular views of the city and outlying areas. During the Spring the area can have some heavy mist and dehumidifiers are a must. Most accommodations here are town houses, detached houses which are in low density and low rise blocks.
There are supermarkets, banks, a modern shopping arcade and a hospital. The German-Swiss International School, Woodlands Group Pre-School and Peak Junior School are located here. The famous Peak Tram climbs 396 metres to The Peak Tower, Hong Kong’s top tourist attraction. The area is served by a good minibus service and some people commute on The Peak Tram. The journey to Central takes about 15 minutes.
One of the most popular areas for expats is the Mid-Levels. It covers a long strip overlooking Victoria Harbour and is divided mainly into three sections. Western Mid-Levels around Robinson, Bonham, Conduit and Kotewall roads is more densely populated with high-rise blocks and fewer open spaces. It is well served by the famous pedestrian escalator to Central, which flows in one direction only – down from 6am to 10am and up from 10am to 10pm.
The central Mid-Levels is located behind Central District and close to the Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens, Brewin Path Playground and Hong Kong Park. This area includes Old Peak, Bowen, MacDonnell, Kennedy and Magazine Gap roads. There are a lot of green areas and easy access to the city.
The eastern Mid-Levels includes Stubbs Road, Tai Hang Road and the end of Kennedy Road. Buses and minibuses are plentiful. The area is more tree-lined and has some pleasant walks.
Wanchai is one of the oldest districts in Hong Kong and home to a diverse population. Over the years, it has changed significantly from mostly residential to a prime centre of business, entertainment and shopping. It is currently undergoing further development led by the Urban Renewal Authority, which will bring more flats to the area. Some of the famous landmarks include the former Wanchai Post Office (now the Environmental Resource Centre) the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, and Central Plaza. There is an extensive transportation network making Wanchai extremely convenient.
Just east of Wanchai is Causeway Bay, a very popular area well placed for business, shopping, dining and night life. Generally the flats are smaller, but they may offer views of the harbour or Victoria Park. The park is a major attraction, boasting a swimming complex, tennis stadium, jogging track and other recreational facilities. Also in the area is Times Square mall, Hong Kong Stadium, the Noon Day Gun, and the Hong Kong Central Library.
Adjacent to Causeway Bay, Happy Valley is one of Hong Kong’s higher class residential areas which built up around the Happy Valley Race Course. A range of different sizes of flats are available with many offering views of the race course. There’s a good collection of restaurants, bars, markets and shops, giving Happy Valley a pleasant neighbourly feeling. Those who live here would not live anywhere else.
Named after Scottish "taipan" William Jardine, Jardine’s Lookout is located above Happy Valley. This area features luxurious private homes, some garden apartments and many two-storey and three-storey apartment blocks. There is a supermarket, post office and The French International School in the area.
Further east along Hong Kong Island is Taikoo Shing and Kornhill. These areas offer self-contained highrise developments near North Point and Quarry Bay, in what is called Island East. There are major shopping facilities at Cityplaza, modern office blocks and a variety of restaurants at Taikoo Place, and the MTR is close by.
Pokfulam is located on the western tip of Hong Kong Island. The flats are predominantly low-density with older and larger residences offering cost-effective alternatives to other areas. Some have spectacular sea views. The Cyberport complex, a high-tech business park, is also here with luxury residences and a hotel adjacent. It is well served by public transport to Central and the journey by car takes around 15 minutes. Kennedy Junior School (ESF), West Island School (ESF) and Kellett School are in this area.
The south side of Hong Kong Island is like the suburbs of the city with many of the prestigious residential blocks enjoying panoramic sea views. The main schools that serve this area are South Island School (ESF), Hong Kong International School (American) and Canadian International School.
Repulse Bay is the most popular area on the south side. Accommodation is predominantly high-rise with quality facilities. There are also town houses and low-rise blocks. Modern amenities and stylish restaurants are here, as well as the famous Repulse Bay Beach. It is well served by public transport.
Shouson Hill consists of luxury low-rise developments mostly older in style. Residents can shop in Aberdeen as well as Repulse Bay. Minibuses are available along Shouson Hill Road. The famous Ocean Park theme park is near this area.
With private homes and top quality town houses, Deep Water Bay is one of the most expensive residential areas in Hong Kong. A private nine-hole golf club lies adjacent to the beach.
South Bay is sparsely populated with larger units and townhouses. South Bay Road is a cul de sac off Repulse Bay Road. There are two fine beaches nearby and the primary school of Hong Kong International School.
Chung Hom Kok is a relatively small residential development on a peninsula between Stanley and Repulse Bay with comparably older housing. It has become very popular with expatriate families because of the larger houses and buildings with swimming pools and gardens. There is a small beach within walking distance to most apartments and a well-stocked supermarket. Bus services to Central and North Point are available.
Once a small fishing village, Stanley has been transformed into one of the more popular residential areas on Hong Kong Island. It has a very famous market for bargain clothing, accessories, souvenirs and rattan furniture, as well as fresh fish and vegetables. There are several good restaurants and pubs. Well served by supermarkets and bus services. The journey takes around 40 minutes from both Central and Shaukeiwan.
Crossing the harbour you reach the Kowloon Peninsula, home to over two million people residing in everything from housing estates to luxury high-rise flats. While there are some very nice residential areas, much of the housing is mixed in with bustling bustling commercial real estate.
Tsim Sha Tsui is the main tourist area with many hotels, restaurants and attractions such as the Star Ferry, Cultural Centre, Space Museum, Avenue of the Stars and Kowloon Park. Flats are generally smaller but there are good options in serviced apartments. Transport facilities are excellent.
The area known as Kowloon West is building up quickly with a few new luxury high-rises, such as One SilverSea, The Harbourside and The Arch. The International Commerce Centre, a 118-storey office building, is currently under construction and will be Hong Kong’s tallest when completed in 2010.
High-rise buildings predominate in Waterloo Hill, Homantin Hill and Beacon Hill, with excellent public transport and supermarkets. Flats can vary considerably in size and quality.
The suburban-like areas of Kowloon Tong and Yau Yat Chuen feature low-rise apartments surrounded by gardens and quiet streets. Kowloon Tong is 20 minutes by bus from Tsim Sha Tsui and close to Kowloon City. The MTR gives speedy access to Hong Kong Island, while you can also can go north to the Lo Wu border with China. Festival Walk, a huge, popular mall, is in the heart of Kowloon Tong.
Mei Foo Sun Chuen is a self-contained high-rise community in Lai Chi Kok. It is conveniently located on the MTR West Rail and other lines approximately 25 minutes from Central.
If you’re looking for something a little more rural, then the New Territories and Outer Islands are the best choices. The New Territories has some magnificent townhouse developments, particularly around Tai Po, Sai Kung and Clearwater Bay. The latter two are extremely popular with expatriates, primarily because of their proximity to the water and the Mediterranean touch. Meanwhile, some people enjoy living on the nearby outer islands.
Sai Kung Peninsula is the least developed area in Hong Kong, with jagged headlands, bluffs, sandy bays, a country park and tiny offshore islands giving it a wilder, more rustic feeling. Most people enjoy beautiful scenery and water views from their low-rise villas, apartments and townhouses. The only sizeable town in the area is Sai Kung Town offering comprehensive facilities and many good restaurants. Public transport is plentiful. Situated close to Castle Peak Bay, Hong Kong Gold Coast is a large prestigious residential estate in a peaceful environment. Most units have excellent seaviews of Castle Peak Bay and the typhoon shelter. There are nice beaches, a world-class hotel, convention centre, shopping mall and a marina club. It is easily accessible to the airport, Central district and other areas.
Tsing Yi is a small island along the Rambler Channel near Tsuen Wan and Kwai Chung on the way to the airport. The area is becoming more prosperous with deluxe highrise buildings and many improvements to the traffic network and living environment. A large, modern shopping centre, Maritime Square, is linked to the Tsing Yi MTR station, which provides convenient transportation to residents.
Discovery Bay on Lantau Island is a planned suburban development of 15,000 people covering 650 hectares. Phases I and II were completed in 1983, consisting of several spacious low-rise beachfront apartment blocks.
Since then several high-rise blocks have been added. "Disco Bay" or "DB", as it has become known, has its own ferry service from the Star Ferry Pier and offers shopping facilities, a primary school, golf and marina clubs. Private cars are not permitted, but golf buggies are popular as local transport. The Discovery Bay Tunnel connects DB to northwest Lantau leading to the airport, Tung Chung and Hong Kong Disneyland.
Once a fishing village during the Song Dynasty, Tung Chung on Lantau Island began an incredible transformation in the mid-1990s as part of the new Hong Kong International Airport development. Today, it is one of Hong Kong's fastest growing towns with the high-rise population projected to reach 250,000 residents. There are shopping centres and other planned attractions. An 18th-century temple and early 19th-century fort add some character to the area.
Stretching 3km, Cheung Sha Beach (Upper and Lower) on the southern shore of Lantau Island is Hong Kong’s longest beach. It is also the main reason that a few beach restaurants and a small residential community have taken root here. Low-rise villas and townhouses are tucked into the hillside opposite the beach, providing a serene environment and some pleasant seaviews. A ferry to Central from Mui Wo is the key mode of transportation.
With a population of only around 6,000, Lamma Island offers a tranquil change of pace from hectic city life. The main village of Yung Shue Wan is a mix of lowrise residential properties, shops and restaurants. Getting to Central takes about 30 minutes by ferry. If your overseas assignment is temporary or you prefer the convenience of a hotel or serviced apartment, there are many options in Hong Kong.
The choice of a hotel may be made by your employer. However, if you have a family and are given a choice, you will want a hotel that is family friendly. You should also consider the distance from school, work, recreational facilities and shops.
Reservations should be made as far in advance as possible, especially if you are coming in the peak tourist and business conference months of April to May and October to November.
Many newcomers spend their first few weeks in a serviced apartment before moving into their permanent home; some decide to stay indefinitely. These are self-contained units with all the necessities. Facilities can include a gymnasium, swimming pool, tennis court and a business centre. There is also maid service plus clean linen and towels. The popularity of serviced apartments has seen many more new developments come on stream throughout the city, giving greater options to newcomers.