20 July 2016 - Home to a population of over 7 million strong, Hong Kong is a city of dynamic living. Generally divided into four main areas, Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, the new territories and outlying island constitute Hong Kong. Each area plays host to its own characteristics and each area caters to different modes of living. When considering where to live in Hong Kong it is best to assess the merits by a clear criteria which takes proximity to work and schools, public transport, amenities, entertainment and cost of living into consideration.
The heartland of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Island is the business and political hub of Hong Kong, for the newly minted expat, living in the default ‘capital’ enables convenient access to work, school, nightlife and all the attendant amenities. Popular residential areas include Mid-levels, Wanchai and Happy Valley which are situated near SoHo and signature restaurants. More vaunted residential areas include Jardine’s Lookout and the Peak which is soaring in its cost as well as altitude. Head southwards and you will experience the joys of recreational living in Repulse Bay and Stanley which boasts pristine coastlines, golf and country clubs as well as beaches.
Most residential areas on Hong Kong Island are accessible by the extensive public transport system including the MTR and taxis. Accommodations vary wildly with villa complexes and standalone houses being the norm on the Peak and towering high-rises commonplace throughout Hong Kong Island. The only factor that is predictably consistent throughout the island is the high cost of living.
In terms of proximity to schools, Hong Kong Island has the highest concentration of international schools amongst the four areas. From Chinese International School to one of ESF’s ‘Island’ schools, German Swiss International School to French International School, Parents will have a raft of schools and education systems to choose from within their catchment areas.
Across the harbor, Kowloon is a veritable tourist and shopping hub. Similar to Hong Kong Island in terms of available amenities, Kowloon differs on the point of cultural feel. With Hong Kong Island accessible mere minutes away by MTR, bus or ferry, Kowloon offers late night food markets and open stalls flagged by idiosyncratic neon signs.
Though more affordable than Hong Kong, exclusive enclaves in West Kowloon and Kowloon Tong detail modern luxury high rise living for the former and colonial style housing for the latter. Kowloon Tong also has a high concentration of international schools as well as privileged local schools. For that reason alone, many families are drawn to living in the area.
Kowloon is one of the most densely populated areas in Hong Kong. With a wide variety of apartments on offer, Tsim Sha Tsui is also home to the arguably the best public park in Hong Kong (Kowloon Park), and a host of museums. It makes for a truly diverse living environment.
The New Territories serves to provide a vastly different lifestyle to the expected frenetic urban living associated with Hong Kong. Expansive and fringed with vegetation, with open sea views and a drastically lower cost of living, living in Sai Kung or Tai Po region equates to stand alone houses or low rise complexes.
The main drawback however is the long commute. Large swathes of the New Territories are inaccessible by MTR, therefore residents normally drive. Though taxis remain to be an option, it nonetheless is not cost effective to do so. Yet for families particularly keen on the sandy beaches of Clearwater Bay and watersports, there are a number of long established international schools within the area.
Strictly referring to Lantau and Lamma Island in terms of residential areas, we would venture to emphasize that Discovery Bay is in a category in it of itself. All accessible by a ferry ride from Central, Lamma and Lantau Island are rustic and caters to the laid-back nature enthusiast whereas Discovery Bay is upmarket so as to resemble a microcosm of Europe. In terms of living expenses, the former two creates room for significant savings whereas Discovery Bay which features a marina club and a beach, is geared towards more upscale expatriates. Discovery Bay is also home to Discovery Bay International School which is subject to high demand.
