Best Neighbourhoods to Live in Hong Kong for Expats and New Residents

Life in our bustling, east-meets-west Hong Kong has long been an attraction to visitors, emigres, and expats moving to the city to work and play. Nestled within the scattering of skyscrapers and mountains lie bustling neighbourhoods with local culture and history bursting on street level

With each neighbourhood offering distinct qualities and hidden gifts, we detail the best places to live in Hong Kong for expats planning a move to the city.

Kennedy Town

Located west of Central on Hong Kong Island at the end of the MTR Island Line, Kennedy Town is a cute neighbourhood that has seen a recent burst of life in the past few years, with indie coffee shops, cocktail spots, and new cuisines calling the area home. With apartment buildings towering the centre of the area, Kennedy Town is famed for its lush harbourfront park that boasts wonderful panoramic views of Kowloon and sunsets.

Sai Ying Pun

In an area that has blossomed with a hip vibe since the opening of the local MTR station in 2014, the quaint Sai Ying Pun square-shaped neighbourhood brings classical Cantonese culture with a European flair in the form of daring restaurants, cafes, and social spots. Here you can find affordable bites nestled within old colonial apartment buildings and architecture that make the area a key hit for expats who like a quiet area only 15 minutes' walk from Central.

Sheung Wan

Sandwiched between cool Sai Ying Pun and rushed Central, Sheung Wan is a cool blend of its neighbours, with modern cuisine, art, and cultural exchange and Cantonese heritage in architecture and history found on Sheung Wan’s streets. Expect short walks to Central and Soho, and modern newly constructed homes priced at a lower rate than neighbouring Mid-Levels.

Southside

Beyond the real hustle of Hong Kong’s heart in Central and south Kowloon, you’ll find the blissful and serene southside neighbourhoods. The residential Shouson Hill, Deepwater Bay, Repulse Bay, Stanley, Tai Tam, Shek O, and Big Wave Bay boasting some of the more luxurious properties and hang out spots. Hong Kong’s most accessible beaches are dotted in Repulse Bay and Stanley, whilst surfing spots can be found in Shek O and Big Wave Bay.

Happy Valley

The mix of Happy Valley’s low- and high-rise apartment blocks snaking up the mountain slope, intersection of classic restaurants and wine and beer pubs make the neighbourhood a great destination for expats to call home. Whilst the neighbourhood is located beyond accessibility from the MTR, the tram and a litany of busses bring you to the area, making an excellent choice for families and those needing extra space and quietness.

Lamma Island

Only a 30-minute ferry ride from Central, Lamma offers a no car nor high-rise environment perfect for relaxation beyond the noises and sights of Hong Kong’s CBD. Housing is cheap on the island, with large village houses offering up to three times the space found elsewhere in the city. Lamma also offers great seafood restaurants and hikes with beautiful views of the South China Sea.

Sai Kung

If you want more space and green, Sai Kung’s rural location means larger houses, gardens, terraces, and space to park cars for expats coming with families. Whilst the length of your commute might push away some in favour for the proximity of bars and restaurants in the centre of the city, Sai Kung offers direct access to the lush countryside of the enormous New Territories.

Discovery Bay

Located on the east coast of Lantau Island, Discovery Bay has long been a haven for expats to live and play. The breathing space in the area’s expansive townhouses and low-rise apartment buildings makes a perfect location for families and individuals seeking peace and quiet away from Hong Kong’s CBD.

Want to find the best events in Hong Kong right now? Check out The Beat Asia’s guide featuring everything from parties, workshops, activities, deals, and more - click here.