Festival City in Tai Wai / Sha Tin

[wessszup]

Yes I live in Festival City. The noise from the schools doesn't seem to be an issue although they can be heard from our balcony in 20's level. As for MTR, it is a 10 minute walk but not too bad. They will open another exit which will lead closer to MTR in the future, but no one can seem to tell me any details about that, such as if there will be shopping. Can anyone shed some light on that please?

The problem is if you don't leave for work by 7:30 it is extremely crowded at Tai Wai station, which includes waiting for multiple trains. There is the "first class" option but at the busy time they allow just as many people as the normal trains which defeats its purpose. The good news is that there a a few buses that go to central and although they can take nearly an hour, they are not too crowded and I find it a peaceful ride. In the end, there are a few different choices and strategies one could use to get to HK island, depending on personal preferences.

Just a few other points about living in Tai Wai - there are many great restaurants, bike trail network is great, there are many parks around, the sidewalks are not crowed like elsewhere, and its not as far out there as Sai Kung, etc., which is critical when you are wanting to take a taxi home. For a decent supermarket you do need to take a one stop ride on MTR however, which I find is easiest to do on the way home at Kowloon Tong as the Taste there is quite good.

Any other feedback from the others about Tai Wai?

[travelbee]

There is no shortage of units, your agent is blowing smoke. Some owners dont want to show the flat, they are all the same almost. Thats how things work here. People arent moving out yet because its brand new. A year hasnt even passed yet.

Hmmm... I was told the same by 2 different agents. To me it seems like each agent would only want to show me those units that are listed by their agency as well, so that they'll get both parts of the commission (50% from landlord, and 50% from tenant)... Anybody know if that common practice in HK? If so, it's quite annoying and time consuming to deal with several agents, even though I just wanna see different apartments within the same apartment complex.

[MandM!]

Its common. Welcome to HK!

Some flats are more difficult to show. The agent only shows you the one he thinks you can get. Some Landlords don't want foreigners, white people, families, singles, blah. Many thing you dont think of. The agent knows so he has different choices for different people.

[FerrisC]

Also, it is not fun trying to get on the mtr at tai wai. bunch of people just push and shoove and you probably need to wait 2-3 trains at minimum

About the 182 bus, I have always experienced terrible traffic in kowloon tong on the way back from wan chai. Never made it in just 25 minutes.

This is very true, but I guess the problem is not unique to Tai Wai.

Traffic always clogs up as cars "bottleneck" at Hung Hom Cross-harbour tunnel in the morning, and that's what I remember to be the most time-consuming part of a 182 ride.

[travelbee]

Its common. Welcome to HK!

Some flats are more difficult to show. The agent only shows you the one he thinks you can get. Some Landlords don't want foreigners, white people, families, singles, blah. Many thing you dont think of. The agent knows so he has different choices for different people.

Alright then. I am currently dealing with only 1 agent. The second one seemed weird, as she did not want to reveal too much information about the apartments she wants to show us: would not even tell me which floor level, size or rent. All she told me was: Just come and see me first.

If anyone can recommend a good agent for FC, please feel free to message me. Would greatly appreciate it.

[donaldhk]

Do they allow tenant to own pets like dogs or cats?

[jjohnso5]

Do they allow tenant to own pets like dogs or cats?

It's up to the individual landlord. I see helpers walking dogs all over the place, so a general answer is "yes".

[mehk]

Just saw this thread. We're an expat couple (now with a new born) and have been living in Festival City (phase 1) for more than 2 years now. I work in 2 IFC and my wife work in Jardine House. We were probably the first 10 occupiers who moved in after it obtained the occupation permit. Over the last 2.2 years, I've seen good and bad of the estate as a place for live from an expat's perspective, and all the improvements over the time. I stayed at Olympic station area before and had reservation at Tai Wai and this new estate at the beginning, but I absolutely love it now! Anyone has specific questions please ask or PM me.

[mjh7]

Just saw this thread and I've sent you a PM mehk.

[Raccon]

Thank you for letting everyone know.