Child- HKIS, Work -Kowloon Where should I move?

[PackerFan]

OK, so I'm currently in a service apt in TST, just moved from U.S. a couple months ago. My office is in Lai Chi Kok about 7 exits from TST on the MTR. I'm pretty deep on the red line. My office is 1.5 blocks from the MTR so that's convenient.

My child just got admitted to HKIS (starting August 2010). I want to move to Hong Kong side for her benefit, she's only 6 I don't want a bad commute for her. I've got the summer to figure this out but I know it will go fast.

I'm looking for a family friendly area but somewhere close enough that I can get to work in under 1 hour. I've hardly explored Hong Kong side, so sorry if my question sounds silly for someone that's already living here. I spent the first 2 months here getting the business up and running so I'm a bit behind on the home search. I didn't want to get too caught up in it until my child's school was settled.

So far Mid-levels has been the suggestion, or Pokfulam. Midlevels they say is great because it's sort of in the middle, there are many shuttles to get down to central/admiralty in a few minutes and I can hop on the MTR from there or take the escalator down to the MTR.

But others tell me: 1) Midlevels is too polluted. 2) It's too cloudy 5-6 months of the year. 3) You are staring at buildings all day long.

Other Suggestions I've received: Pokfulam has better air, better sun (southside), better views, much closer to schools, and tons of expats and family friendly areas. But then I need to buy a car and either I get dropped off by someone (my wife or morning driver) to central/admiralty then MTR or I drive all the way to Lai Chi Kok and have to find a parking spot as well.

Any suggestions on those 2 places? Are there other places I should be looking at? What route to people go in my situation?

[HowardCoombs]

Happy Valley.
For kids : Lots of green, lots of kids, lots of stuff for kids. HKIS is just over the hill, 15-20 minutes by taxi

For you : can walk, tram, minibus, taxi to the MTR in just a few minutes.

In general : a nice community with many shops, restaurants and a few bars.

HC

[bdw]

I think I agree that somewhere like Happy Valley would be a good choice.

Its a shame you didnt get accepted, didnt apply for, or didnt want to go for an International school in Kowloon Tong. There are so many in that area and it is very close to Lai Chi Kok (eg Australian, American, YCIS, Beacon Hill, Delia, etc). Now you will have to make a few compromises as the school is on one side of HK and work the other.

I think you are right in that you should live close to the school. Its much better for you to commute rather than a 6 year old. But having said that, HKIS have school buses that go all over the place.

[PackerFan]

Thanks, I'm going to check out Happy Valley, haven't heard the suggestion before.

I tried 2-3 schools in Kowloon Tong and it didn't work out, and then tried 2-3 on Hong Kong side. Out of everything HKIS fits her school back home the best. The curriculum and style is quite similar to what she's used to in the U.S. (at least that's how it appears during the couple hours we spent there).

I'm used to the commute I had a 1.5-2 hour commute in traffic back in Miami, so I can suck it up. I've been spoiled enjoying the 20min door to door walk/MTR ride and no driving headache. That's been a pleasure.

BTW how much negotiation is there when dealing with rents? Is it fixed and it's a landlord's market or do renters/rentees have some wiggle room?

[bdw]

You always can negotiate. But dont expect much in the current conditions. It's a landlords market at the moment and rents are still rising. But try negotiating things like curtains, light fittings, etc.

[minhk]

This is my 2 cents (based on my husband's commute - by car - to Stanley 3 times a week). We live even further out than Lai Chi Kok.

- Get a car
- Live in Shouson Hill (or any areas near the Aberdeen Tunnel)

From Shouson Hill, you can use the Aberdeen Tunnel to the Western Tunnel and you'd be in Lai Chi Kok in about 30 minutes.

[HowardCoombs]

This is my 2 cents (based on my husband's commute - by car - to Stanley 3 times a week). We live even further out than Lai Chi Kok.

- Get a car
- Live in Shouson Hill (or any areas near the Aberdeen Tunnel)

From Shouson Hill, you can use the Aberdeen Tunnel to the Western Tunnel and you'd be in Lai Chi Kok in about 30 minutes.

Although I dont disagree with the suggestion, but the thought of doing this makes me shudder. This suggestion is extremely high priced and only suitable for some who is earning a very high salary or getting all their expenses paid for.

I only wish I was in a situation where I could afford the lifestyle that would accompany the scenario given above.

HC

[bdw]

I think HC is right. For tunnel charges, the western tunnel is something like $30 or $50 one way. Wheras the cross harbour is only $10 (but it is always slow and congested).

[HowardCoombs]

I think HC is right. For tunnel charges, the western tunnel is something like $30 or $50 one way. Wheras the cross harbour is only $10 (but it is always slow and congested).

*smile*
I was actually shuddering at the thought of paying rents in Shouson Hill. Car and tolls are a minor blip when you look at what you have to pay for rents in that lovely neighbourhood.

For a fraction of the cost (rents) and closeness to public transport (no cars, no parking, no tunnel, no maint, no fuel) I think HappyValley would make a very good compromise.

Another one to consider would be SouthSide: BagioVilla or BelAir. Convenient for school minibus and a single minibus ride away (20-30mins) for getting to the MTR.

HC

[MovingIn07]

I'd look into the school buses first and see if there are any that give your child a reasonable commute. I travelled over an hour to school from the age of 9 and enjoyed it - chatted to friends on the bus etc - it may not be the awful scenario for your child that you suppose!