Where to live in Hong Kong as an expat

From the sleepy fishing town of Sai Kung to the coveted properties sprinkled across Mid-levels and Victoria Peak and the vaunted hilltop homes in Stanley and Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong’s eclectic mix of neighbourhoods is what makes this city so exciting. As an English speaker, there are plenty of diverse locales to choose from if you’re considering a move. Here, we’ve lined up all the best places for expats to live in Hong Kong.

Northern Hong Kong Island

The northern edge of Hong Kong Island is the heart of the city, being home to the central business district. Some of the city’s most famous neighbourhoods such as the Peak, the Mid-Levels and Repulse Bay are located here. This is a great place to live if you want to be close to the action.

Sheung Wan and Sai Ying Pun

If you’re looking for something downtown but not quite in the centre of all the hustle bustle, opt for Sheung Wan and Sai Ying Pun. These hipster neighbourhoods offer cute cafés, several independent eateries (rare in Hong Kong) and a generally younger demographic of singles and couples. Sheung Wan is home to Soho, a great place for bar hopping, and is a stone’s throw from the infamous Lang Kwai Fong.

Upsides: Discover great independent coffee shops, loads of restaurants, fabulous backstreets and hidden gems.
Downsides: You’ll probably notice some noise and light pollution. Few apartments in the area have outdoor space and it’s not so great for families with young children due to the hills.

Mid-levels

Saddled behind Sheung Wan and Sai Ying Pun, neighbourhood is a a bit further from the central business district. Many homes here offer fabulous urban views, and although it’s close to the city, the area is quiet, with not much traffic. The Mid-levels leads to several hiking trails such as the Central Green Trail and trails snaking up through Bowen Road Park. This neighbourhood is also home to the ESF’s first ever school, Island School, which is convenient if you’re also looking for a good school for your children to attend.

Upsides: The Bowen Road pedestrian trail for a leisurely stroll is a big plus, not to mention the lose proximity to the CBD, malls and nightlife. 
Downsides: You will most probably experience some noise and light pollution in the area. There are also endless construction and densely clustered apartment blocks. Sort of worth it though when you think of the upsides!

The Peak

The Peak sits directly south of the Mid-levels, and makes up a large chunk of Hong Kong Island’s western half. This area was once exclusive to wealthy non-Chinese residents, most of whom would be carried up to their homes in sedan chairs. Today of course, properties in the area are accessible to anyone with the means to buy. The area is also home to major tourist attractions such as Victoria Peak and the peak tram. The Peak is fantastic for hikers, as the area covers hills such as Lung Fu Shan, High West and the Peak hilltop itself.

Upsides: The Peak Cafe is close by for your morning cuppa and you’re rewarded with various walks including the Morning Trail and the Victoria Peak loop along Lugard and Harlech roads.
Downsides: The fabulous views can often be shrouded in fog and crowds of sightseers on weekends.

Pok Fu Lam

Situated to the southwest of the Peak area, Pok Fu Lam offers fabulous views of the sea. Pok Fu Lam is home to Kennedy School (primary) and West Island School (secondary), which again are conveniently located if you choose to live in this neighbourhood. This locale offers quaint reminders of the colonial area, with buildings such as University Hall and the Béthanie sanitarium.

Upsides: You will get a feeling of spaciousness which isn’t easy to come by in Hong Kong. There’s easy access to everything from hiking trails to nightlife with the extension of the MTR blue line.
Downsides: No beach even though it’s by the sea.

The Southside

Swinging around down to the southern regions of the island brings you to the areas known as the Southside. There are a number of exclusive neighbourhoods here which are popular due to the natural surroundings as well as a proximity to the city.

Shek O

Surf’s up! Well, as much as it can get in Hong Kong. When the tide is good, Shek O and the nearby Big Wave Bay are popular areas for surfers. Perhaps the seaside vibe is responsible for the well knit community that Shek O is known for. There’s also the Shek O Country Club, which offers staggering sea views – a wonderful environment for a few swings at golf and getting to know your neighbours.

Upsides: If you know how, surfing at Big Wave Bay is a mega plus. Shek O Beach also hits the spot. Then there are excellent hiking options, with Dragon’s Back is easily being one of our favourite trails in Hong Kong. One more great thing? The tight-knit community.
Downsides: Although it’s a pretty trek, it takes time to get to and from the city and can also be crowded on weekends.

Stanley

This neighbourhood sports a lovely promenade area which attracts a healthy number of local and overseas visitors. There are a couple of great beaches to while away warm days year around and a quaint street market to explore. For a good school nearby, try out International Montessori School. Stanley also has its share of British era treats, such as Murray House (now a shopping centre, albeit a very pretty one), and a colonial military cemetery. A neighbourhood favourite is The Boathouse, a bright yellow eatery which dates back to 1951.

Upsides: As Stanley residents will vouch, it is home to Hong Kong Island’s best beaches. There is a wealth of restaurants and cafes look forward to at The Pulse and in Stanley.
Downsides: Although the views are spectacular, property is pricey. The single carriage road means congestion at peak times, with the area often crowded with tourists on weekends.

Repulse Bay

This locale is known for being one of the most expensive places in the world’s most expensive city for property. Meanwhile, ESF’s second campus, South Island School, is not too far away. Its beach attracts local visitors and the nearby The Pulse is a great place to for shopping and fine dining after your day on the sand.

Upsides: Repulse Bay is one of the most desirable places to live. You’ll experience the ultimate beachfront lifestyle and it’s also just a short bus ride to Central.
Downsides: It happens to be one of the most expensive areas to live in Hong Kong and can be crowded with tourists on weekends.

New Territories

New Territories were the third and last piece of land (after Kowloon) to be ceded to the British. If you want to be far from the madding crowd, closer to nature, and you’re looking for a bit more space to raise your kids, consider these neighbourhoods.

Clear Water Bay

For a higher end experience, while retaining the seaside retreat vibes of Sai Kung, turn to Clear Water Bay properties. Along Clear Water Bay Road, which winds up hills to the southeast of the New Territories, there are plenty of driveways leading up into reclusive abodes. If you want to hobnob with neighbours, join the Clear Water Bay Golf and Country Club, which offers sweeping sea views.

Upsides: Clearwater Bay beaches are some of the best. Plus High Junk Peak and nearby trails make for some sweet hikes. Clearwater Bay Country Park and the genuine community feel and another two great reasons to live here.
Downsides: The rush hour commute is a horrid. A car is recommended, particularly if you have young children as it is not walking distance to anywhere.

Sai Kung

Visit Sai Kung, especially the popular square in the middle of town on a weekend, and you’ll wonder if you’re still in Hong Kong. Sai Kung is popular among families from all background. Many expats and immigrants set up their own businesses in and around the town. Sai Kung has a sleepy fishing vibe, which is fantastic for a calm break from the commercialised city Hong Kong has the reputation of having. There are a myriad of hiking trails in the nearby country parks. You can even get a boat and keep it at Hebe Haven, then go sailing or yachting on the weekends (the nearby bay, called Port Shelter, is a magnificent stretch of water). And you can also spend time walking down the promenade at the edge of Sai Kung town before tucking into a meal at one of the many cosy restaurants.

Upsides: Cheaper (still great) housing is a plus. Newcomers will also love the village communities, Maclehose trail for hiking, Sai Kung Country Park for a family day out and the Sai Kung old town.
Downsides: The rush hour commute is a bit of a bummer. Also a car is recommended particularly if you have young children. Weekend tourists also like to take over the promenade.

The Outlying Islands

If you’re looking for something different and more tranquil, and if you don’t mind travelling by boat, then consider the offbeat neighbourhoods of the outlying islands.

Discovery Bay

Ah, DB. Although this area has quite the reputation for being the subject of location related jokes, it’s definitely worth considering. This neighbourhood is a hub for expats as well as those who have settled down for the long term. There’s a lovely seaside plaza called D-Deck where you can grab a pint at a pub, or tuck into some good meals. The long and powder sand beach nearby is also a massive plus. Discovery Bay International School and Discovery College are convenient options for the children.

Upsides: It’s safe, clean and quiet, with fabulous beaches and good hiking. Easy airport access also means you are just a short trip away from your next big trip! 
Downsides: Golf cart rental prices are insane! And don’t forget the expensive delivery charges.

Lamma Island

Consider yourself artsy? Then Lamma could be the place for you. It’s just one 30 minute boat ride from the city, but the property prices are cheaper. Lamma is home to a younger, more artistic crowd and offers cultural diversity, making it a unique neighbourhood to move into.

Upsides: The feeling of really getting away from it all, surrounded by grounded people, a relaxing vibe, quirky restaurants and cafes and having nature on your doorstep.
Downsides: Access is only via ferry, with no international schools or proper medical facilities. But if you’re a young couple with no little ones, this is truly a great option.

Mui Wo

Mui Wo, like Discovery Bay, is on Lantau Island. But that’s where most similarities end for these two neighbourhoods. Mui Wo is much more similar to Lamma, with the more laid back feel of a seaside village. It’s incredibly diverse, with a Turkish restaurant, an Italian deli, a Filipino convenience store and an authentic independent Western bakery all in close proximity to one another. Perfect if you want your children to grow up close to nature in a neighbourhood with a friendly community.

Upsides: It’s just really pretty. With good hiking and the quiet Silvermine Waterfalls, plus cute restaurants and cafes in a quiet and safe environment, it’s a great place to live.
Downsides: Ferries don’t run 24 hours and again, a bit of a trek to cinemas and malls.