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Hello
Moving to HK in October from the U.S. I have never been to HK.
Will be working for a financial institution near Central and Sheung Wan Stations on HK Island.
I have a few questions if regular forum members would be so kind as to answer.
As a single male, 38 years old, where would you recommend I live?
I socialize but probably a bit on the older side now for clubbing every weekend but I do enjoy going to lounges, out to dinner, etc.
I will be in HK for 1 year (not sure after that). Should I get a rental or serviced apartment? Any suggestions on specific buildings?
My budget is HKD $25,000 per month and I value convenience above all i.e. access to supermarkets, dry cleaners, subway, etc. Not a fan of long commutes.
What percentage of gross salary do people here typically spend on rent? I can afford to up my budget but only reluctantly as the ratio of salary to rent is much higher in HK than I have seen in other major cities.
cheers
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15-08-2014, 02:36 AM #1
Moving to HK from U.S.
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15-08-2014, 03:23 AM #2
Sheung Wan, Wanchai, Possibly out to Kennedy Town (MTR opening there is imminent).
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Central has plenty of nice places either relaxed or posh, nightclubs. Hollywood Road leading into Sheung Wan has many coffee houses and bars opening. You'll find plenty to suit whatever your mood.
Most contracts are for 2 years, but have a get out clause after 12 months. Just make sure you get the contract that allows for this with 1 months notice. You can buy furniture second hand easily from expats leaving, and then sell it on after if this is the way you want to go. You will get more space with a rental, but more convenience possibly with a serviced apartment. Others will be able to recommend specific places to look, I slum it in the New Territories myself so not up to speed on hipster locations.
My location suggestions above met all these requirements. You might not get a lot of space, but it'll be reasonably comfortable.
Depends on a number of factors. Many people are here to save money, so look to pay as little as possible within reason. We pay a negligible percentage because my husband is a tight git. Others are maybe here for experience, perhaps value a bit of luxury so spend a lot more. Spend what you are comfortable with and what gets you a place that you are comfortable living in. But don't expect a lot of space for $25k if you choose to live close to the action. But you are single, it is only for a year, so I'd choose convenience and lack of space over more space further out.
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15-08-2014, 06:54 AM #3
Thanks for your suggestions kimwy66. I've been doing a fair bit of research online but have never heard of Kennedy Town. I will look that up now.
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15-08-2014, 01:27 PM #4
Kennedy Town will be best for you. You will find everything around you. Apt size might be small for your budget. But then you are single and should be fine. You can get cheap second hand furniture or buy new from IKEA. Appliances are very cheap as well. Give us a shout when you get here and need help and I might just take you around for a glass of beer!
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15-08-2014, 10:24 PM #5
Cheers439. Will do.
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15-08-2014, 10:26 PM #6
Does anyone have any thoughts on the work environment in European vis-a-vis Asian banks in Hong Kong? There seems to be a perception that the work ethic is different?
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15-08-2014, 11:36 PM #7
Depends on the role, team, and client type. Who are you producing output for, and what are their needs and expectations? What are staffing levels relative to those output requirements?
In my case my counterparts (within the same firm and team!) outside Asia work 8-6, while we do 12-14 hours routinely because our client base is a lot more demanding than theirs and head office staffs us to the same headcount/client metrics rather than headcount/client requirement measures. It's a common challenge in many parts of the financial industry but not in every function nor firm.
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18-08-2014, 04:41 AM #8
Thanks all for your comments.
Kennedy Town really looks good to me. Reasonable rental prices relatively speaking. In particular, The Merton and Manhattan Heights buildings are very similar to the condo lifestyle here at home.
I hope the subway line opens soon though. I can only find references on the internet to sometime in 2014 (no specific date).
How much is a taxi from KT to Central?
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18-08-2014, 05:05 AM #9
Just read an old posting stating the morning commute from KT to Central can be real pain...darn.
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18-08-2014, 11:15 AM #10
One persons pain is another person's better bus route..... I don't know what the commute from KT to Central is like, but I do know that for most places there are many options and searching around for the one that works best for you, at the time you want to go, can result in very different outcomes. I know people, for example, do don't bother to note down what time the bus arrives (for large buses) and seem to have no clue that the damn thing comes at the same time every day.... or who just stand like lemons waiting for a taxi right next to a bus stop that will take them pretty much the same place... or who don't seek out information on the mini-bus routes that might involve walking around the corner and getting on something without much English in the signage....Heck of a lot of people commute from KT to Central. Reckon a few of them might know how to do it right!
Originally Posted by hyperguy73:
