Help! Moving to HK

[gilleshk]

From my building, I can look across the Tolo Harbour to see both the Chinese University and Tai Po, almost every day. I definitely feel that the pollution levels are lower than most of HK, hence my definition of minimal, and cooler because I live facing the harbour. At the end of the day its all relative, and what you feel is acceptable!

It really depends on the kind of pollution, you are both right. Particulates and car fumes would be lower in outlying areas but there's nothing you can do about the smog that comes from China and HK's power plants. Levels of NO2 and SO2 are bad everywhere.

A high end air filtration system is a very wise investment to give your lungs a few hours of rest a few hours a day.

According to research at the University of Hong Kong, the air in Hong Kong contains almost three times more soot and other pollutants than New York's and more than twice of that in London.

[Sleuth]

From my building, I can look across the Tolo Harbour to see both the Chinese University and Tai Po, almost every day. I definitely feel that the pollution levels are lower than most of HK, hence my definition of minimal, and cooler because I live facing the harbour. At the end of the day its all relative, and what you feel is acceptable!

How far is that? We live on the other side of the harbor and we have a pollution-o-meter. If we can only see this tall tree it is terrible (or 1 on our scale). Scale runs up to 5, which means we can see the far mountain range. Definitely not 5 every day, especially recently. Although it tends to be higher in the summer than the winter.

[Lammarite]

That sounds even more scientifically based than the pollution-o-meter they're using in Beijing!

[MovingIn07]

How far is that? We live on the other side of the harbor and we have a pollution-o-meter. If we can only see this tall tree it is terrible (or 1 on our scale). Scale runs up to 5, which means we can see the far mountain range. Definitely not 5 every day, especially recently. Although it tends to be higher in the summer than the winter.

We have a similar meter. On a good day we can see Lantau (approx 7km); Castle Peak (approx 3km) and the hill behind the gold coast (approx 1km). If we can clearly see all three, it's a "3 hill day".. if only the nearest, a "1 hill day" and if none at all a zero hill day.... Some days in the past few weeks we have actually been able to see details in Lantau - like real colour in the hills and trees etc - fabulous.

[KRP]

Thanks everybody for your suggestions on places to live. I'm feeling increasingly positive and excited about Sai Kung and it's near areas - it's reassuring to hear that other families with small children love it there. We'll take a look at the other areas mentioned also.

Thanks again.

[Skyhook]

We have a similar meter. On a good day we can see Lantau (approx 7km); Castle Peak (approx 3km) and the hill behind the gold coast (approx 1km). If we can clearly see all three, it's a "3 hill day".. if only the nearest, a "1 hill day" and if none at all a zero hill day.... Some days in the past few weeks we have actually been able to see details in Lantau - like real colour in the hills and trees etc - fabulous.

Our visibility measurement is:

Excellent = we can see the Macau Tower ( during the day ) ( The Sands red neon sign at night ) approx 27km distance . ( happens rarely )

Medium = We can see Tung Chung ( Caribbean Coast ) and HKG airport. approx 8 kms away

Bad = we can barely make out Pearl Island which is roughly 1 km away.

For most of the year its Medium visibility, with the odd Bad / Excellent day thrown in.

KRP, as a family with kids, you'll really enjoy Sai Kung, theres a big sense of community in the area, and housing is a lot more conventional ( low density self contained houses with roof top terraces ).

Marina Cove, Costa Bello Villa's and the houses that neighbour the Hong Kong Marina, on the blind side of Hebe Haven ( Hebe Villa's etc ), are the cream of the crop, if enjoyable bay views are important. My opinion based on having lived in the Sai Kung district for a few years, and we still visit friends in the area, quiet often.

[YvonneHau]

How far is that? We live on the other side of the harbor and we have a pollution-o-meter. If we can only see this tall tree it is terrible (or 1 on our scale). Scale runs up to 5, which means we can see the far mountain range. Definitely not 5 every day, especially recently. Although it tends to be higher in the summer than the winter.

Its between 10-13km away, so according to your scale then that must be a 5. If we wanted to see at least 30km then I would need to see through the mountain

[Sleuth]

Its between 10-13km away, so according to your scale then that must be a 5. If we wanted to see at least 30km then I would need to see through the mountain

I think the difference is you are looking across a narrow harbor and we are looking up the same harbor. So our mountains/horizon is more distant.

[YvonneHau]

I think the difference is you are looking across a narrow harbor and we are looking up the same harbor. So our mountains/horizon is more distant.

I'm look down the harbour following the course of the river.

[Lammarite]

FFS- no one cares!