HK$80K budget- recommendations where to live?

[MovingIn07]

Its a pissed off kind of day. I'm not happy either!

[dtb]

How about Star Crest @ Star Street right next to Pacific Place Phase 3?

[Satay Sue]

@Moving: I don't usually let posts on Geo annoy me but Audiot's comment was just so OTT. Snide comments about the long-standing Wan Chai lunch club were just uncalled for.

[audiot]

oh sorry sue - wasnt meant like that !

I was really hoping to come down one day for the lunch! just hard as I am self employed so making arrangements is always tricky...

actually this was all said a bit tongue in cheek.. and really I have suspected a lot of recent newbies to be posting stuff that seems designed to set people off - ie some naughty members creating accounts for the hell of it...

and seriously for 50 % of a months rent ( or whatever ) an agent is going to be real happy to drive u around for that..

I'm having a pissed off week/ month and bad hair life!

I blame the weather!

[PKS_2000]

sorry reality bites... when I see people wondering how to find somewhere to live for 80K a month, it's hard to take it too seriously -

With that kind of budget an estate agent would love to show you around any area you choose.
yes for sure, just, 80K for housing alone would be bearable - but as some have astutely mentioned this might not be everyone's reality.. (average wage of a family in HK anyone?)
apologies if not much sympathy for this "dilemma"
I'll shut up now and take the garbage out.....
hopefully our op is feeling much better about their situation

Just read it carefully, they will be moving to HK and not here. Whatever is budget, you may like to check local opinion before moving in.

[mango2012]

Thanks to all! Although I was a little surprised with the sarcasm at the beginning of this thread, I very much appreciate all the input and suggestions.

Once we are there, we hope to have an even better sense on the real estate market.

Thanks!

[penguinsix]

Hi,

As a few others have mentioned, really check out the places "in person" and do not rely on ads. A corporate apartment even for two weeks is a GREAT investment when you arrive, and it will get your feet on the ground so you can go around looking at different places. As many of the buildings have individual owners instead of one management company, you can see wide variations in upkeep and maintenance between similar units.

I also would say do not rent today with your view for four years from now, i.e. get what you need now and prepare to renegotiate or even move when children arrive. No point in having (and paying) for an empty nursery just now. We got a third bedroom thinking it would be a guest room, but to be honest the number of guest we've had has been minimal (<2 weeks a year). We use it for toy storage and moved our nanny out of her room/closet into there just so it would get used.

I'm in Midlevels Central (May Road) just off of Old Peak and Tregunter Path. There are quite a few buildings here around that price range (and quite a few well above that, to be honest). We're a five minute cab to Central and about a 7-10 minute shuttle bus. It wasn't on your list but for the money you are paying you might want to get a building that offers a shuttle bus to Central. While you can probably afford the $25-$30 cab ride every day, it's nice to have a cheaper option and something that runs on a reliable schedule. Pools are pretty common in this part of the Midlevels, or you can get a membership at the Ladies Recreation Club and use their pool. Check for buildings like Hillsborough, Queens Garden, Aigburth, May Tower, Century Tower, Branksome, Dynasty Court, Tregunter, and the Valverde.

The only downside of this bit of Midlevels is that it's actually very residential. Folks on Robinson road are steps away from multiple groceries, bakeries, pharmacies, the escalator and all the restaurants, and here we have a tiny Wellcome and nothing else. Makes it quieter but also means we're hiking or in a cab to go out to dinner or buy something different.