OP, your best bet is, and especially if you do not know HK well, or have never stepped foot here, is to book a serviced apartment for two months, and look around to see areas where you may want to reside long term. If you like to cycle and are an outdoors person, then the New Territories up along the West Rail Line would be ok. Easy for you to get work and home again either via bus or MTR. The islands are also a good option. I live on south Lantau, which is a haven for hikers and weekend cyclists, laid back lifestyle and larger properties for lower rent. However, this is changing fast now that more people are moving out to here. There are buses to the MTR in Tung Chung, or a ferry from Mui Wo. Tung Chung has become expensive like Hk Island and just as crowded. Lamma, Cheung Chau, Peng Chau islands - you are at the mercy for the ferry for transport to work, but times are regular and you just catch the ferry to central, and change to the MTR or the star ferry back to TST. Lamma is also great for hiking and cycling. Not so much strenuous hiking but enjoyable.