Best Places for Expats to Live in Hong Kong
Moving to Hong Kong can be overwhelming - with packing up your life, travelling, and finding a place to live. Not to mention that choosing where to live has such a high impact on your overall experience and enjoyment of Hong Kong.
The good news is, it doesn’t have to be this way. Allied has assisted in thousands of expat relocations to Hong Kong, so we know how stressful it can be. Our expert team is passionate about making your move a success, and this extends to recommending some of the safest and most enjoyable places to live in Hong Kong.
Choosing where to live in Hong Kong
Hong Kong offers an exhilarating experience for those looking to live in this dynamic city, but with so many diverse neighbourhoods to choose from, it can be overwhelming to decide where to settle down. Where you choose to live will depend on your specific circumstances and what you want out of your neighbourhood. Are you moving for work, or for a new experience? Or are you looking to move for the education of your children?
Starting with your ideal neighbourhood is a helpful way to narrow down your search for the perfect home in Hong Kong. By establishing criteria that meet your needs, you can identify the areas that best suit you. To help guide your decision, here are some important factors to consider when choosing a place to live in Hong Kong.
Affordability
Knowing where you can get the most out of your money is very important to consider before your move to Hong Kong. Each neighbourhood will have varying real estate, and you need to know what works best for you and your budget.
Monthly rental costs in Hong Kong differ across suburbs, but you are likely to spend from 12,000 to 20,000 HKD a month for a one bedroom apartment. These prices will differ depending on the neighbourhood and size of home.
If somewhere like Jardine’s Lookout is out of your budget, but you love larger spaces and access to the inner city, Happy Valley could be a better choice for you.
Proximity to Work and Education
Access to your workplace is a necessary factor to consider when thinking of places to live in Hong Kong. If you don’t want to live close to the heart of the city, choosing a place with access to public transport is very beneficial.
With many great international schools in Hong Kong, considering a neighbourhood that is close to these schools is significant if you’re looking to move with your family. Whilst many suburbs have great public transport to these schools, if you’re moving with children, it is important to consider access to them.
Transportation
Being able to access all of what Hong Kong has to offer is crucial. Whilst having a car may seem more efficient, it is seen as more of an annoyance in Hong Kong due to traffic jams and expensive parking. So, it is best to take advantage of Hong Kong’s fantastic public transport system.
If staying in the inner city isn’t your scene, you can easily take the train, bus or a taxi to travel around. Hong Kong has a great public transport system, with the train being extremely efficient and accessible, as well as taxi’s being abundant and cheap.
Lifestyle
Newly moving to Hong Kong, you will want to explore everything on offer! Each neighbourhood is unique in their activities and entertainment. Considering what neighbourhood best suits your lifestyle is very important before choosing a place to move to.
If you want a more social and lively experience in Hong Kong, staying closer to the heart of the city will better meet your needs. If you’re looking for a slower way of life, or are moving with your family, consider a quieter neighbourhood such as Kowloon Tong.
5 Great Places in Hong Kong for expats
Now that you’ve thought over the things you need to consider when choosing a place to live in Hong Kong, here are our recommendations on the suburbs and areas that are best for expats to move to.
Mid Levels
Mid Levels is a wonderful choice for those seeking a neighbourhood rich in history and breathtaking views. The area boasts a diverse range of housing options - from modern apartment buildings to colonial style properties. Locals praise Mid Levels for its tranquil walking trails and open green spaces, and believe that it should retain its status as a Hong Kong gem.
There is plenty to explore in Mid Levels, with some of Hong Kong’s greatest parks being located here, including the Botanical Gardens and Hong Kong Park. This area is also home to many prestigious and international schools, and is only a 20 minute walk from Central.
With a variety of housing options and close proximity to both the inner city and nature, Mid Levels offers a unique Hong Kong experience. As a hub for expats, Mid Levels fosters a sense of community that you'll surely appreciate.
Repulse Bay
Repulse Bay is a dream location for families in Hong Kong, boasting a variety of children's activities, restaurants, and recreational options. This neighbourhood's popularity among expat families is no surprise given its impressive amenities.
With access to a beautiful beach, you can expect to see a diverse range of living options, from townhouses to skyscrapers with varying price points to accommodate your budget.
The area also benefits from reliable public transportation, including bus lines from Central and Causeway Bay, as well as multiple cab services which makes commuting for work highly convenient.
Repulse Bay has everything you need right at your doorstep. The Pulse shopping mall, a diverse selection of restaurants and cafes, and the Repulse Bay pier are just some of the many amenities you can enjoy without leaving the area. With so much to offer, Repulse Bay is a top choice for families seeking a vibrant and convenient lifestyle in Hong Kong.
Happy Valley
Happy Valley, with its rich history and home to the Hong Kong Racecourse and Racing Museum, is a fantastic choice for those seeking a vibrant neighbourhood in Hong Kong. The racecourse is a major attraction and hosts not only horse races, but also sporting events.
This area is well-suited for expats, making acclimation to Hong Kong a breeze. You'll find a range of shopping and supermarket options available, which will make you feel right at home.
If you want to venture outside Happy Valley, you will have access to a multitude of public transport options such as bus routes and the tram, along with being just a 15 minute walk from the train station. Many locals also rave about the amount of space you get for the rent in Happy Valley, and say it is a rarity in Hong Kong - so snatch up a place whilst you can!
Kowloon Tong
A very underrated area in Hong Kong, mostly known for its mutual changing point of train lines, Kowloon Tong exhibits undeniable history. A step away from the bustling life of the city, this neighbourhood is filled with low-rise homes and greenery.
Kowloon Tong is the perfect location for those who want to have the best of both worlds - a quieter residence with easy access to the inner city. With shopping destinations like Festival Walk nearby, you'll never run out of things to do.
It is also well-connected to public transportation, boasting a train station that serves two lines and many bus services. Whether you're commuting for work or exploring the city, you'll find it easy to get around.
If you’re looking for a place for the whole family, Kowloon Tong can offer access to a range of well-respected international schools. Along with this, the area provides a quieter way of life with spacious residences.
Jardine’s Lookout
With beautiful views of the harbour, and great access to Central and Causeway Bay, Jardine’s Lookout is a great option for your move to Hong Kong! This area is for those who want a quieter neighbourhood, but still want access to the busy life and culture.
Jardine's Lookout is an attractive location with excellent amenities, including its own supermarket, post office, and convenience stores. The area also boasts fantastic international schools, making it a great choice for families.
However, it's important to note that Jardine's Lookout is known for its high prices. If you have the budget, this neighbourhood may be the perfect fit for you, but be prepared to pay a premium. Despite the higher cost, many residents find that the convenience and quality of life in Jardine's Lookout make it a worthwhile investment.
Book your international move to Hong Kong
Now that you know all the best places to live as an expat in Hong Kong, you are now ready to book your move! At Allied, we have the right experience in international moves to get you to Hong Kong safely, so starting your moving journey with us is the right choice! We have an expansive network of a multilingual team that will help you every step of the way, regardless of where in the world you are moving from.