I live in Sai Ying Pun, and its a good mix of western and local feel. It's about a 35 min walk along the water to central and they will be opening a MTR station in about a month or two which will take you to central in 10 mins. Lots of western restaurants on High street and local joints on Queens Rd. I have seen a few organic shops popping up as well. Btw - Sai Ying Pun is between central and Kennedy town.
OP:
My husband has relocated for work to Hong Kong and we're looking for a flat in a nice building for up to $45k. We need 2 bedrooms and would like a bit of a view and some storage.
-> first of all, good news, that is doable, your expectations are not above market.
He's looked at a couple of shoe boxes in mid-levels and we're now thinking of casting the net a bit wider.
-> that's a good idea
I've seen some nice looking places on the Internet in Kennedy Town and Kowloon but don't know anything about the neighbourhoods or the commute to Central.
-> Kennedy town is close geogrpahycally BUT can be a bitch at peak hours. Kowloon is a "vast" place so really depends where. PS, the internet lies so please check when you get in HK, instead of on the internet.
would like to be somewhere within walking distance of restaurants, shops etc if possible.
Any suggestions? Or opinions on Kennedy Town, Kowloon?
-> Kennedy town is getting quite "big" on the restaurant scene these days so probably fit that crteria
Also Saw a couple of places in Repulse Bay
-> your budget is a bit tight and not much to walk to
and Ap Lei Chau that looked nice. Is that really far from Central?
-> nah dont bother with Ap Lei Chau really.
MY ADVICE:
- get a one / two month service appartment in Central/Wanchai/CWB/KTown and explore HK.
It would seem that places you could like would be:
KTown, some part of Wan Chai, Tin Hau, Tai Hang, Happy Valley, some part of North Point
the MTR is very new so things are better now there indeed. Wasnt the case a few months ago.
but if you were to use buses/tram etc, traffic can be a bitch.
Re MTR - defo faster but you gottta like being close to each other (which should be fine on a short commute to central)
Check out Olympic station - one of the modern properties there - you will get LOADS more for your money.