What’s in this article
Moving to Hong Kong as an expat soon? Lets us help you to navigate your life in Hong Kong by recommending some places to live. Take a look at our article about renting in Hong Kong for a brief on the procedures required to rent.
Just like how it is when moving anywhere, there will be a need to take into account your priorities, such as rent and living costs, nearby facilities and attractions and preferred living environment. For expatriates, there are added considerations such as ability of the place to accommodate short-term stay, presence of expat communities for times of homesickness and the availability of international schools offering your child’s desired education syllabus.
Areas to Live in Hong Kong as an Expat
Places to Go for Fun as an Expat in Hong Kong
As expats, it is important to make the most out of your stay in Hong Kong by playing as hard as you work. Explore these few locations where you can hang out at and mingle during your weekends!
Daytime Fun
Night Life
Where to Live in Hong Kong as an Expat? FAQs
- Budget: Consider your rent and living costs as Hong Kong can be expensive.
- Proximity to Facilities: Think about access to shopping, schools, medical facilities, and transportation.
- Community: Look for areas with expat communities if you anticipate homesickness.
- Education: Check for nearby international schools that offer your child’s desired education syllabus.
- Transportation: Evaluate the convenience of getting around the city from your chosen location.
- Access and Amenities: Be aware of any limitations in access (e.g., ferry-only access for Lamma Island) and the availability of essential services.
Remember to prioritize your personal preferences and needs when choosing where to live in Hong Kong as an expat.
Daytime Fun:
Stanley: A compact and family-friendly area with dining options, shopping, and a beautiful beach.
Victoria Harbour: Enjoy the iconic harbor view and the nightly “Symphony of Lights” show.
Tai Kwun: Explore Hong Kong’s legal and penal history in a heritage-arts haven.
Lan Kwai Fong: A popular nightlife spot on Hong Kong Island known for its bars, restaurants, and open-air drinking.
Kowloon: Offers upscale rooftop bars with a refined atmosphere and stunning skyline views.
Soho: A sophisticated area with exotic cocktails, wine bars, and hidden gems for a refined urban experience.
North Point: A vibrant neighborhood on Hong Kong Island, known for its affordability, fitness options, and beautiful coastline.
Sai Kung: Offers a quiet fishing village vibe, affordable housing, and a strong sense of community, but consider rush-hour commutes and crowded weekends.
Lamma Island: Located a short ferry ride away from the city, Lamma offers affordable housing and a relaxed ambiance, but keep in mind limited access and amenities.
Gold Coast in New Territories: A 50-minute commute to Central, it combines city life with coastal charm, including sea views and private housing estates.
Happy Valley: Tranquil yet accessible, it’s favored by expats for its peaceful environment, convenience, and proximity to international schools.
Overcrowding
Despite Hong Kong’s outstanding public transport, navigating your way through the city during the working days can prove quite an uphill task as the walkways are full of people trying to access the commercial city.
Pollution
Air pollution is real, especially for those who move from western countries where pollution is minimal. This is a result of the many vehicles and companies in Hong Kong.
High rental rates
Rental costs are higher in this region almost worldwide.
Most expats think life in Hong Kong is exciting and fast-paced.
CNBC claims that a home costs more than $1.2 million in Hong Kong as of 2019.
Yes, the Hong Kong community welcomes expats in general. The expats in Hong Kong are widely accepted in the community and people are happy to assist the newly arrived expats
A can of Coke costs HKD$9.00 in Hong Kong.