moving to lantau

[rbluhme]

We are considering an offer to move to HKG from USA. We have two small children and know nothing about where to even start so we can prepare a requirements bid to my husband's employer. We are in need of a 3-4 bedroom place and don't know if that even exists in Lantau. Can someone please help me. I have no idea of the costs associated with rent, food, school (I have a 4yr old) childcare etc.

I have been looking on every website but no luck. If you have been through this - your guidance is greatly appreciated.

thanks
robinette

[zen_ni]

Hi Dear

I am currently live in usa but i was born in HK !

The best place for the 1st time expat to live is in Discovery Bay, full facilities and many good people there, the residents are 99% expats or local foreigners, then Gold Coast but it seems a little way too far from central district ( if its where u work , i suggest Discovery bay)

Of course, lantau is much inexpensive than in DB, but its more like the Hk locals place.... if you are looking for inexpensive place, probably Lamma island is better, check this out.

I will be going back to hk in may, if u need any further infos about hk, keep in touch then !

[PDLM]

in Discovery Bay {...} the residents are 99% expats or local foreigners

Rubbish. It's nowhere near that high.

[Skyhook]

PDLM is right, Disco Bay, like Gold Coast and Sai Kung would more likely be about a 40% expat density, give or take a little. 99% is just not true.

[carang]

having lived there for over 6 years, i can confirm that the % of expats in db is NOWHERE near 99%.

the difference is that there are so many more than in the rest of hk, you way overestimate the #'s.

lantau can be broken up into three parts:
1) discovery bay
2) tung chung
3) the rest

prices in db are by far the highest of the three, but many would argue there is a reason for it. the lifestyle is very different than in the other two places. you will have NO PROBLEM finding a 3 or 4 bed place, if you are willing to pay for it. db is like living in the suburbs.

tung chung has similar amenities, in fact more, as there is a shopping centre with cinema right there. however, much of tung chung is high-rise living. most that choosed db over tung chung would probably site this as the reason for their choice.

the rest of lantau is more like living in the country or in a small village. prices will be cheaper than in db or tung chung for the space you get. HOWEVER, travel could be an issue.

hope that helps.

[gozilla]

hi rbluhme

DB - check out tis site .: welcome to Town Of Discovery Bay :.

to find out more abt tis place.

TC - it's more convenient than DB as it got the MTR(train) service. tis neighbourhood has lots of expats from all over the world. to find a 3-4 bedroom in tis neighbourhood, you probably be paying over HK$10-15k for an apartment, depending on the location.

[carang]

tc is not necessarily more convenient. it depends entirely on where you are wanting to go.

[elle]

Gozilla - the link you posted is for a place called Discovery Bay in Canada....

[gentlebob]

i live in tung chung and it's wonderful

DB is very much for people who want to work in Central and come home to a manufactured western environment. it's nice, but you could be in a California suburb. Tung chung is more local but with conveniences.

of course, Tung Chung is high rise living, but it's good value for money. Ex, we pay 13K a month, and have 3 outdoor pools, 2 indoor, a squash court, gym, doormen and security guards and a store right downstairs. for fast and easy living, it's great.

DB will cost more,k maybe twice or three times, but it's prettier for sure. their beaches are fantastic, you can sail, and the views are more western in the sense that they have controlled development with zoning and banned cars. Tung Chung's views of the water more urban. But we have mountains and sea views and lots of outdoor hiking and running.

Also: DB you have to roam around in golf carts, no cars- that means no taxis or trains! So late at night it's either ferry or stay in town in a hotel or with a friend.

South Lantau is incredibly beautiful, also, and much more rural. You might have a field of water buffalo and herons grazing together peacefully. But yes, the bus run infrequently and no trains. You can take taxis and drive if you want. Village housing is quaint and many thrive on the rustic environment. YOu will likely be surrounded by trees and mountains. Gorgeous, but yes, not as convenient as the two mega-suburbs described above.

Lamma is divided between local fishermen and restaunteurs and a kind of artistic, bohemian expat community. It's more "authentic" than the sterile DB or highrise Tung Chung. But it's ferry only.

Lots of expats ignore much of Hong Kong island and Kowloon, where there are not bad places to live. North Point, Fortress Hill are very near Central, for example and you can have a mid sized 4 bedroom flat (around 1000 sq ft) for around $2000USD.

The problem with living in these "local" places is that, tho cheap, they are very busy and your view is likely to be another building with laundry hanging out the windows. And very little green space, only small parks with lots of people walking around. Umm, there are lots of restaurants and shops, but all local.

Of course you can also go to the cliche expat areas such as Stanley (long drive) or Sai Kung ( bus ride plus train).

Also, Central/Mid-Levels: Parkview, for example, is a high rise with complete club facilities. Or you could live in an older place. These will be close to work and the kids can play in the club space, but it will be like living on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, but more crowded, more decrepit and no green.

Depends on your budget.