Popular Districts For Expats on Hong Kong Island – Part 1

It’s easy to think of Hong Kong as a bustling city packed with high-rise buildings and shops. The tourists who visit our shores often do not get to see the vast range of unique districts we have and the diverse mix of people who live here.

The neighbourhoods on Hong Kong Island all have something special to offer and are loaded with a true “east meets west” vibe. The inner-city and close-to-city suburbs appeal so much to new arrivals, particularly for young professionals who like to get a taste of all the exciting elements combined for living and working in Hong Kong.

The Mid Levels

Living in the buzzing Mid Levels is all about complete ease and convenience. It’s located in the centre of a mind-boggling array of restaurants, bars, supermarkets, boutiques, foot and body massage salons, and hair, nail and beauty clinics. And for those committed to fitness and healthy pursuits, in close proximity and in as little as ten minutes, you have access to a number of hiking trails winding up to the Peak and beyond.

This vibrant area is mostly made up of high-rise residential apartment complexes that offer their residents incredible views of the city, Victoria Harbor and lush green open space. Most of these buildings, in particular the newer luxury real estate developments, offer clubhouse facilities such as resort-style swimming pools, fitness gyms, children's play areas, tennis courts, BBQ and entertaining facilities.

The Mid Levels escalator gives residents one of the fastest routes to Central and other excellent public transport links, including 24-hour taxis, and the MTR and Airport Express.

The Peak

Prices for buying and renting luxury real estate are among the highest in the city at The Peak, making it the “area of choice” for diplomats, chief executives and high wealth families. The Peak is central to the luxury homes in Hong Kong. On a clear day, The Peak rewards residents with phenomenal panoramic views of the city and harbour from lush green and leafy surrounds. This is where to live if you value privacy, tranquillity and peace from a natural environment, yet still be in such close proximity to Central, Admiralty and Wanchai.

The Peak is the start of many famous hiking trails, and home to the tropical oasis - Victoria Peak Gardens at the summit. Being a suitable district for families, The Peak Galleria shopping complex has coffee shops, restaurants and a supermarket for day-to-day needs and there is the landmark Peak Tram which is an exciting way up and one of Hong Kong’s major tourist attractions.

Sheung Wan

This district is full of character. It is authentic to the colonial era with the old Hong Kong style buildings having medicine and dry food shops below and residential properties above. Some of these have been beautifully renovated and offer much higher ceilings and larger rooms. It can be challenging to find apartments if you require more than 2 bedrooms, as these are mostly studio or one-bedroom walk-ups. However, this aspect makes Sheung Wan very popular with professional singles and couples who want all the convenience of inner-city living, and yet prefer a quieter neighbourhood than that of the busier mid-levels/Soho area close by.

The prices to buy or rent can also be a little more reasonable in the walk-ups, which is another reason this suburb has become so popular. A number of design and advertising companies have taken office space here, being only a short walk from bustling Queen’s Road and all of Central’s convenience and transport links (Sheung Wan also has an MTR station). Many of the shared workspace companies have set up here, such as The Hive, filling the area during the daytime with a wide mix of people.

Ultra-hip boutiques and bars rub shoulders with daytime lunch outlets and restaurants, old-established businesses like printing presses, and new concept stores. And then after hours, Sheung Wan converts back to a quiet and peaceful neighbourhood.