Where to begin!!!

HiSue · 08-08-2009, 02:40 AM

Hi,
I have been offered a job with my company in Hong Kong working in Central near Centenial Garden. I am lucky enough to have been given the opportunity to visit HK prior to commiting to this fantastic opportunity.
I have a week in September to visit the office for a couple of days then spend the rest of the time looking around getting a feel for things. I really do want to make the most of this time so would appreciate any suggestions of places to visit, not so much on the tourist route, but with a view to moving out. ie. areas to live etc. Go on, send me to the places to make me fall in love with it!!

So, I am a single female of 29, from Uk, no dependants, approx salary will be HK$600,000. Based on this salary I think I should be looking at an apartment around the $12K mark?? Can this salary give me a reasonably good lifestyle??

I would ideally like to have my dog sent out after my arrival so if you can make any suggestions on areas, dog walkers etc that would be great. Also can HK offer a nice lifestyle for my dog?? I hate the thought of not having her with me but it is more important to me that she has a good life.

Anyway, I'm sure through the course of this adventure I will have many more questions. If you need any further info to help me make the most of my visit and move then please let me know.

Thanks!!

MovingIn07 · 08-08-2009, 07:28 AM

In terms of sending you places to look around, we really need to know your preferences. So far we have budget and dog-friendly ... what about travel time? You are single - are you looking to be "close to the action", do you go out to clubs etc? Are you happy in a concrete jungle or are you looking for space and greenery? What about inside the appartment, happy in a shoebox or do you need to be able to stretch? How big is the dog?

HiSue · 08-08-2009, 07:59 AM

I don't mind commuting... I don't think!! I've never had to commute before although realise that I will be making several adjustments with this move. The important thing for me is to be in an area where I can meet people. I'd prefer a bit of greenery although assume this may be hard to come by, certainly without a long commute and maybe a quieter lifestyle. I'd like a bit of space rather than a shoebox, as my dog is, or at least will be on the larger side when fully grown. Ideally I'd like to find apartment with garden/terrace??

MovingIn07 · 08-08-2009, 08:19 AM

An appartment with a garden or terrace is a hard ask. Almost certaintly means somewhere in the New Territories or Discovery Bay. So - I'd take yourself across to DB when you arrive at least - it's a 25 min ferry ride from Central - and have a wander around there. It's less expensive than Central, had more greenery, lots of expats but can be abit "stepford wives"... see what you think anyway.
Failing that you could look at Sai Kung - can get one level of a village house there for what you want to pay, but longish commute to Central. Again, lots of expats, nice beaches, country park on your doorstep.

They'd be the places to start.

After that, you may like to try Stanley (south of the island); come out to Gold Coast (up in the NT) or perhaps take a look around Ma On Shan.

At least this gives you some ideas anyway!

HiSue · 09-08-2009, 05:56 PM

That's great, thanks for the info. if anyone has any other suggestions or advice I'd appreciate it, the more the better I say.

Also, anyone have any thoughts on dogs in Hong Kong??

Thanks

HKNewbie7007 · 09-08-2009, 06:35 PM

If you want to be near the action and meet people who 'go out' you probably want to live on HK Island. I would suggest, Midlevels/Sheung Wan/Wanchai/CausewayBay (these are all common suggestions). The latter two are much more hectic as far as shopping and having very crowded sidewalks. I have a dog but she is 10lbs so not sure my needs are the same as yours will be. I'm in Wanchai and am a 7 minute walk to the Wanchai waterfront and dog park. We like it there, no complaints from me or my dog. : >

AlexandraF · 09-08-2009, 08:32 PM

Originally Posted by HiSue:

Also, anyone have any thoughts on dogs in Hong Kong??

Thanks

Saikung, as has already been said, is a great place for renting with outside space. I live out there with two dogs. Great for them with lots of places for them to walk and run around. Personally though, if I were single, I think I would want to live on, or at least closer to, HK island.

Clearwater Bay in the New Territories should give you lots of green and space yet is closer to HK island than Saikung - much quicker journey time and also closer to MTR.

Regarding dog walking you should easily be able to hire a helper to walk your dog for you a couple of times a day.

hello_there · 10-08-2009, 10:22 AM

You may be able to find a place on HK island in your budget in an older building in Pokfulam or Aberdeen that will have greenery around and easy access to hiking trails for your dogs. Commute to central is about 30 minutes, give or take depending on traffic. There are also some places within your budget in parts of North Point and Sai Wan Ho (also HK island) that have access to greenery if you live in the right parts.

Re: larger dogs in HK generally - its more work than at home, but definitely works okay if you are up for it. Look to live somewhere with pretty easy access to a Country Park (which make up quite a bit of HK) where your dog will be allowed to walk and run off a leash. There is less choice in the food and supply department, but you can get good quality just about everything. If you won't have your own full time foreign domestic helper, it is quite common to have someone elses walk your dog in the afternoon or evening. Technically its illegal for a helper to work for a second employer, but its very common here.

goodbye kitty · 11-08-2009, 10:20 AM

I honestly think that as a 29 year old singleton, you'd want to be closer to central for the social life. Sai Kung / Discovery Bay would be great for the dog, but I think you'd suffer a little. I second the person that told you to look at Mid Levels, Sheung Wan, Kennedy Town, Wan Chai/ Causeway Bay. If you go to any real estate agent and ask them to show you places in your price range in these areas (they will take you there and then very often, you could spend a morning researching), you'll get a better idea.

If I've got it wrong and you prefer some solitude and less of a city lifestyle, you can also look at places on Lamma Island and Mui Wo on Lantau (go down to the main ferry terminal in central - just next to the star ferry pier - and spend a day visiting some of these places perhaps)

PFLs · 19-08-2009, 12:03 PM

Originally Posted by MovingIn07:

An appartment with a garden or terrace is a hard ask. Almost certaintly means somewhere in the New Territories or Discovery Bay. So - I'd take yourself across to DB when you arrive at least - it's a 25 min ferry ride from Central - and have a wander around there. It's less expensive than Central, had more greenery, lots of expats but can be abit "stepford wives"... see what you think anyway.
Failing that you could look at Sai Kung - can get one level of a village house there for what you want to pay, but longish commute to Central. Again, lots of expats, nice beaches, country park on your doorstep.

They'd be the places to start.

After that, you may like to try Stanley (south of the island); come out to Gold Coast (up in the NT) or perhaps take a look around Ma On Shan.

At least this gives you some ideas anyway!

From our experience it is definitely possible to find something with a garden (especially if shared garden or yard) or terrace in places closer than New Territories or Lantau. Suggest looking in Pokfulam and Aberdeen or toward the east of Hong Kong island (not so familiar with those areas myself - we are in PFL).

But I like the description of "stepford wives" for DB and Gold Coast - Park Island is also a little like that (but with fewer expats).