Hong Kong Island
The North Side The Central District on Hong Kong Island is a hot spot for expatriates. This is the major business district and is ripe with shops, bars and restaurants. The closest residential area, located just up the hill from Central, is Mid-Levels. Apartment buildings are spread across the hillsides that surround the world famous Happy Valley Racecourse. The elevated location of these high-rise apartment buildings offers great views of the racecourse and glimpses across Victoria Harbor. Apartments are usually populated with young singles and couples rather than families because of the small unit sizes. For those who choose to live in this area, the world’s longest outdoors escalator system, which runs downhill from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. and uphill between 10 a.m. and 10 p.m., makes for an easy commute. Great transport connections are also a perk, especially for frequent business travelers. The Central metro station sits at one end of the Airport Express line and has airline counters that allow passengers to check in 12 hours before departure. Luggage can be dropped off at check in and it will be transported to the airport free of charge. East of Central is less densely populated and the living arrangements tend to be more suitable for families. One such area is Wan Chai, which is becoming increasingly popular for expats working in the Central District. A quick commute to work and spacious floor plans create a more convenient and comfortable living situation for the whole family. Wan Chai and the surrounding areas also have a number of international schools for kids. In recent years, Wan Chai and the neighboring Causeway Bay have become less residential as space is being redeveloped for commercial purposes, so it may get increasingly harder to find good real estate in the coming years. Due to this change, certain parts of the district are packed with bars, restaurants, and shops that produce a lot of foot traffic. Though apartments may be fitting and the commute may seem appealing, those who are not keen on being immersed in the fast paced Hong Kong lifestyle may want to avoid these entertainment districts. A more expensive area located just south of Causeway Bay is Happy Valley. Being nestled at the foot of the mountains, Happy Valley provides a village-like atmosphere.
When races are not taking place the recreational areas inside the stadium are open to the public. Additionally, the nearby streets are strewn with a variety of restaurants, shops, and bars. On the western side of Central lie Sheung Wan and Kennedy Town, the oldest parts of Hong Kong. As with Mid-Levels, the neighborhoods are filled with small apartments that tend to attract younger singles. The benefits of settling down here are that western-island living is less expensive and it is not as densely populated. West of Kennedy Town and East of Causeway bay have a variety of low-to-high-rise residential blocks, most of which are quite aged. There are pockets of expats and occasional new developments, but as you move further away from Central District in either direction there is a noticeable decrease of international shops, restaurants, and schools. However, if you don’t mind a longer commute to work or traveling to the international shops and restaurants, then one of the newer developments, such as western Hong Kong Island’s Cyberport or Siu Sai Wan and Sai Wan Ho on the eastern side, may be worth checking out. The Peak Hong Kong’s main tourist attraction is also the home of prime real estate. Victoria Peak looms 1,800 feet (548 meters) above the sea and offers breathtaking views of the Hong Kong skyline. Housing options include low-rise blocks, rows of townhouses, and single houses. In recent years, however, land has been redeveloped into modern complexes thus limiting single house availability.
For obvious reasons, Peak location housing is among the most expensive in the market. Hovering above Central, the Peak is only a short drive away from the business heart of Hong Kong.
Alternative choices for getting down to the city include using the public bus system and the Peak Tram.
The South Side
Crossing from northern Hong Kong Island to the south side is like stepping off of a rush-hour sidewalk into a quiet massage parlor – and the environment is just as soothing. The south side of Hong Kong is an extremely desirable residential location; therefore accommodations here are at the high end of the market.
Shousan Hill, Stanley, Repulse Bay, and Shek O hold the more popular of real estate choices. Shousan Hill is dotted with low-rise luxury residences and is a quick walk away from the famous entertainment destination, Ocean Park.
Stanley has a village-like atmosphere and is characterized by low-rise residential blocks as well as old and new homes. Repulse Bay overlooks one of Hong Kong’s most famous beaches and the hillsides are filled with high-rise apartment complexes.
Shek O, on the southeast tip of Hong Kong, is mixed with colonial houses and small village homes. A number of international schools are readily available in the area, so finding good education for children is no problem.
Photographs by Michael Mcdonagh and Countries in Color
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