Is DB an option?

FDP · 27-04-2019, 02:37 AM

I will be moving with my family of 4 (wife, son of 3 and baby) to Hong Kong in August and my office is near Kowloon Bay. I would ideally want to live in an green open space area with recreational facilities (swimming pool, kids playground, beach etc.) nearby and a good expat community. I initially thought of DB as a good option and wouldn't mind a commute of 1hr one-way but looking at travel planners this seems to head more towards 1,5 hrs one-way which is a bit too much. Would having a motorcycle/scooter stationed at Central Pier and driving to Kowloon Bay make this better?

What could alternatives be (I though of clearwater bay being much closer but maybe less expats around)? Budget is $30-$35K and would like 3 bed room apartment.

Kowloon Goon · 27-04-2019, 08:55 AM

Having anything "stationed" at Central Pier would be nearly impossible (park at IFC?)... Even if you address this big issue, then you have to take your tiny vehicle through a tunnel.

Do you have to be around "expats?" By expats, I suppose you mean White (and/or "Western") families? If so, try Kennedy Town. You don't get the green spaces of DB, but you do have access to the Peak and surrounding scapes. Budget would be stretched over 35K for an apt for a family of 4.

Good luck.

lighthse003 · 27-04-2019, 01:35 PM

Clearwater Bay and Sai Kung have white British and Australian communities for more than three decades.

bdw · 27-04-2019, 01:50 PM

If you lived in DB and wanted to have a motorcycle/scooter stationed anywhere it would be Sunny Bay, not Central. Also DB to Kowloon Bay is only around an hour I think, why do you say 1.5 hours?

MABinPengChau · 27-04-2019, 02:13 PM

I think OP is thinking ferry to Central, then MTR or motorcycle or whatever. To OP- I think you would take the bus to Sunny Bay, then MTR to Kowloon Bay. But for your budget any of the places mentioned above on the Kowloon side would get you a nice place. Also many preschool choices for your 3-year-old.

MandM! · 27-04-2019, 04:05 PM

Motorbike? If so then buy a good life insurance policy. Plenty of white guys (gweilos) come here and get mulled over by a lorry leaving a wife and children behind.

In HK you should live close to work. Commuting is not fun. Often crowded with people rubbing up against you the whole journey. Add the OT and general stay late at work culture and your day becomes only work.

There are plenty of estates with swimming pools and facilities. You really do need to come out here and spend a few weeks to find a place. It doesn't necessarily depend on having expats nearby. Neighbors typically keep to themselves. You'll have to find other methods to meet other expats. Plus to base your decision on living somewhere because a white guy is nearby, is kind of foolish itself. People leave all the time and you have to deal with the day to day commute. Your target should be 10-20 minutes away from office.

FDP · 27-04-2019, 04:17 PM

Thanks a lot all. Was indeed looking at the DB-Kowloon Bay route using the ferry and including the walks in between to move from e.g. ferry to MTR which puts extra time to the journey. I guess Clearwater Bay/Sai Kung provides a better alternative although using only public transport can still take a bit of time.

MandM! · 27-04-2019, 04:38 PM

Originally Posted by FDP:

Thanks a lot all. Was indeed looking at the DB-Kowloon Bay route using the ferry and including the walks in between to move from e.g. ferry to MTR which puts extra time to the journey. I guess Clearwater Bay/Sai Kung provides a better alternative although using only public transport can still take a bit of time.

Clearwater Bay is very secluded. Sai Kung town has a bit more white faces but the road often jams up with lengthy delays. You could consider Hung Hom / Whampoa area, find one of the larger estates there.