kowloon vs. HK Island

[annakerina]

How does living in Kowloon compare to HK Island in terms of commute convenience and other general aspects? I will be working in Central.

I'm considering staying at the Taikooshing area for a reasonable-sized apartment within my budget. Is 15,000 a month sufficient for a ok-sized apartment? I'm looking at a 500-600-sized 1-bedroom or a large 400-500 sized studio.

I expect to be working long hours, and am concerned about getting transport to Kowloon after the metro stops operating.

Is it true that the pollution and congestion gets serious in Happy Valley, Wanchai, and anywhere in Central? How do people in hk normally dry their clothes given the humidity and pollution? Dryer or natural breeze?

[gilleshk]

The commute doesn't need to be any worse in Kowloon than in Tai Koo if you're near an MTR or the right bus stop.

15K is plenty, you could get a 2 bdrm 600sq ft apartment in a reasonably new building for 10-12K in many areas including Tai Koo or Quarry Bay.

The pollution is heavy anywhere in Hong Kong. You get less car fumes and particulates if you're in a quieter area but there's no escaping it. As to congestion, it's not that bad except near the tunnels and for rush hour.

As to drying your clothes, the better option is to get a dehumidifier. It'll keep mold spores down and it diminishes dust mites population as well as drying your clothes easily overnite

[limepickle]

Olympic is a good spot on Kowloon side. Two stops to Honk Kong station on the MTR and there are new developments going up at the mo. 2 bed, 730 for not much more than your budget.

How does living in Kowloon compare to HK Island in terms of commute convenience and other general aspects? I will be working in Central.

I'm considering staying at the Taikooshing area for a reasonable-sized apartment within my budget. Is 15,000 a month sufficient for a ok-sized apartment? I'm looking at a 500-600-sized 1-bedroom or a large 400-500 sized studio.

I expect to be working long hours, and am concerned about getting transport to Kowloon after the metro stops operating.

Is it true that the pollution and congestion gets serious in Happy Valley, Wanchai, and anywhere in Central? How do people in hk normally dry their clothes given the humidity and pollution? Dryer or natural breeze?

[Hokuto]

If you work in Central and live around the Mong Kok or Olympic MTR stops, getting to/from Central at any time of day/night is easy.

[annakerina]

but what if I go home late after work or a night out and the metro has stopped working? I was told that it;s difficult to find taxis that go to across to kowloon and it's expensive.

what could 15K get you at Sheung Wan or Wan Chai? A decent 500 sqft apartment?

[PDLM]

It's not difficult to find taxis at any time (except during typhoons). The MTR runs until after midnight. And a taxi to Mongkok from central might be HK$60, so hardly expensive. And in any case, if your employer requires you to work that late surely you can expense the taxi fare?