Moving to HK soon (lost and need suggestion)

[Rojak]

Hi,

I'm moving to HK in Dec for 5 yrs (a family of 4 pax)
I am in a pickle as to where to live in HK.

Reason being:
My office is in Aberdeen at HK island and children's' school is at Kowloon (company sponsored schooling -YCIS internatonal)

My plan is to avoid living in the city yet be manageable for children (grade 5 and grade 10) to commute to school (MTR).

I dont mind not driving to work and would prefer a quiet (er) place to reside. Having said that, we need the basic social amenities and connections (occasional play-dates etc) for a young family to live by.

Company recommended Ma Wan... but since i've not been to HK, I would appreciate some advise and options
Thanks for helping

[Elegiaque]

Ma Wan wouldn't be very good for Kowloon/Aberdeen. In fact, it's a pretty terrible suggestion!

More information is needed, like your budget range. Because there are a lot of nice properties on the south side, near your work and easy to commute to Kowloon, but likely outside of most budgets.

[Rojak]

Ma Wan wouldn't be very good for Kowloon/Aberdeen. In fact, it's a pretty terrible suggestion!

More information is needed, like your budget range. Because there are a lot of nice properties on the south side, near your work and easy to commute to Kowloon, but likely outside of most budgets.

Budget between 20 to 30k.... (is this range conservative?)

[Elegiaque]

Budget between 20 to 30k.... (is this range conservative?)

It depends on your expectations. What is the minimum size you think you can live with? And the ideal size?

I'm not really familiar with areas that would meet your requirements. Others will chime in...

It's definitely possible to live here in HK and not have the faintest clue you're technically in a metropolis (even if you need to commute into the heart of it). The areas along the south-side are quite green and near beaches. I think an obvious starting point would be to look at areas along the new South Island Line, like Lei Tung and Ap Lei Chau. You may be in a high-rise, but you will likely look out at the sea and Lamma -- quite beautiful. Anywhere from Kennedy Town southwards towards Aberdeen would also be a viable commute, but that budget may be limited (again, I'm not really familiar).

[Rojak]

I have a follow-up question... is it common for children to take the MTR/ bus by themselves in HK? I am relocating from Singapore and its a common sight here for older children to commute to school by themselves.

[mrgoodkat]

You could live somewhere in Kowloon Tong. Close to the school. The MTR from Kowloon Tong to Wong Chuk Hang takes around 30 minutes.

[aw451]

I have a follow-up question... is it common for children to take the MTR/ bus by themselves in HK? I am relocating from Singapore and its a common sight here for older children to commute to school by themselves.

Yes it's very common for older kids to commute on the MTR by themselves. HK is a very safe place.

[MABinPengChau]

You may want to see if the school has a bus- many private schools do. Then pick a stop on the bus route for your residence, life will be much easier. But public transit (bus or MTR or combo of both) are widely used by school-aged children. Pretty sure YCIS is close to Kowloon Tong station so that makes public transit options quite viable.

[civil_servant]

Try The Cairnhill.

It's quiet, has a shuttle bus to the MTR for you and the kids, and offers around a 1000sqft for the family of 4.

https://www.midland.com.hk/en/proper...t-A-M300257253

[civil_servant]

Try The Cairnhill.

It's quiet, has a shuttle bus to the MTR for you and the kids, and offers around a 1000sqft for the family of 4 within your budget.

https://www.midland.com.hk/en/proper...t-A-M300257253