I thought the ferry service in Discovery Bay was 24 hours ? That being the case, and knowing that the trip from DB to Central is 25 minutes, i would have thought it to be quiet convenient for the original poster, that they can escape the rat race, while enjoying a larger apartment / uncrowded public spaces, and still be close enough to the singles action on the northern side of HK Island..
Once the op makes a few friends in DB who might own a yacht/boat, becoming a weekend crew member etc, or the many trails that can be explored in the area, DB will appeal to those who prefer the outdoors.
If the OP can find a decent 2 bedroom apartment in the 7 - 10K price range, and I believe that is still quiet possible even in the current rental market, then DB would be a great location to live.