How do I find a place to live in Hong Kong?
We asked expats how they chose their neighborhood and found a place to live. They answered...
"Choosing where to live is very personal. I used to live on a university campus where there was a great sense of community without the feeling of being in some sort of expat clique. I now live in a well-managed housing estate with excellent security and friendly staff but no sense of community. If you are an expat and want community, you may well have to accept being more separated from the local culture. It is a fact of life here that local people do not mix in the same way as back home. Do not be offended by this - it is a cultural norm, and not aimed at expats. My in-laws were truly shocked (not to mention my first next-door-neighbour, 16 years ago) when I went to the flat next door to introduce myself and invite the neighbours round for coffee. I still surprise them with my weird expat ways, but it doesn't matter - I decided long ago to be myself and to accept my neighbours as they were. It seems to work nicely all round," said a member in Hong Kong, Hong Kong.

Get Quote
With Cigna Global Health Options, you can create an international health insurance plan that's perfectly tailored for the needs of you and your family. We provide the reassurance of comprehensive core cover, and the flexibility of adding as many extra benefits as you want to ensure you have a plan perfectly suited to your needs.

With Cigna Global Health Options, you can create an international health insurance plan that's perfectly tailored for the needs of you and your family. We provide the reassurance of comprehensive core cover, and the flexibility of adding as many extra benefits as you want to ensure you have a plan perfectly suited to your needs.
Get Quote
"Finding a place to live in Hong Kong can be a daunting task. The best way to start is to research the different neighborhoods and districts in the city to determine which one best suits your needs. You can also look into the different types of housing available, such as apartments, condos, and houses. Once you have narrowed down your search, you can use online resources such as property listings, classifieds, and real estate agents to find a place that fits your budget and lifestyle. Additionally, you can also look into short-term rental options such as Airbnb or hostels. Finally, it is important to consider the cost of living in Hong Kong, as it is one of the most expensive cities in the world," remarked another expat who made the move to Hong Kong.
Other Questions:
- What do I need to know before retiring in Hong Kong?
- How do I meet people in Hong Kong?
- What is life like in Hong Kong?
- Is there a lot of crime in Hong Kong?
- Is there a lot of diversity? Are people in Hong Kong accepting of differences?
- What are the schools in Hong Kong like?
- Is the cost of living in Hong Kong high?
- What advice do you have for expats having a baby in Hong Kong?
- What are healthcare services like in Hong Kong?
- Is the cost of living in Hong Kong high?
- What type of recreational facilities are in Hong Kong?
- What is the weather like in Hong Kong?
- Are there good restaurants in Hong Kong?
- Where will I buy groceries and do other shopping in Hong Kong?
- What are the visa & residency requirements in Hong Kong?
- Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Hong Kong?
- What do I need to know when buying property in Hong Kong?
- Are foreigners allowed to own property in Hong Kong?
- What appliances are typically included in a rental?
How do I find a place to live in Hong Kong?
If you live in Hong Kong, newcomers to Hong Kong would love to hear your answer to this question.
About the Author
Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC
Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.
Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.