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The 20 Best Places to Live in Hong Kong
Hong Kong is a unique city that features a blend of Western and Chinese culture. It’s renowned for its fast-paced lifestyle, breathtaking views, and countless opportunities.
But in this urban sprawl, where are the best neighborhoods to call home?
That’s what we’re here to answer. From the dazzling lights of Central to the serene beaches of the Southside, we’ve curated a list of the best places to live in Hong Kong.
So, whether you’re a local searching for a new neighborhood or an expat dreaming of starting a new adventure in the Fragrant Harbor, it’s time to see where’s best for you to settle down in this Asian metropolis.
1. Sai Kung
Also called the back garden of Hong Kong because of its rural vibe, Sai Kung made it to this list because of its chill and laid-back ambiance.
Residents of Sai Kung get to enjoy the views of natural wonders instead of the vibrant city life, which depending on what you like, could be a hit or miss. Let’s just say that if you prefer countryside views, you’ll surely like it here.
Another thing that makes Sai Kung one of the best places to live in Hong Kong are the rows of Michelin star restaurants along the seafood street. There are even local fishermen in the area who sell fresh seafood everyday!
2. Kowloon Tong
While Kowloon Tong is a relatively peaceful neighborhood, it boasts of places and activities one can enjoy.
Anyway, a lot of people call this part of the city unique because of the lack of skyscrapers around. Therefore, it feels more relaxed here.
This neighborhood is known for the Festival Walk, though, where one can enjoy more than 200 shops! That part of it, at least, tends to be buzzing all of the time.
Other famous local attractions in Kowloon Tong worth checking out are the Lion Rock Bistro, and Shang Sin Chun Tong. Unfortunately, because of all of these features, it’s also considered one of the most expensive areas to live in Hong Kong,
3. Pok Fu Lam
Most people might find it surprising that there are plenty of peaceful areas tucked away in the most unexpected places in Hong Kong. Another one to add to that list is Pok Fu Lam.
It’s quite near the Mid-levels neighborhood, which is considered one of the busiest places in the city.
A few highlights to the neighborhood are the The BNP Paribas Museum of Bethanie, the Fairwood restaurant, and the Sassoon Road Sitting-out Area. It’s also rich in historical structures and open spaces.
If you want to be a few minutes away from Central or Mid-levels, but still want affordable housing options, Pok Fu Lam might be your best bet.
4. Cheung Chau
Cheung Chau is a small island surrounded by nature views. It’s also quirkily named the dumbbell island because of its shape.
It’s a famous spot for local adventures. However, it’s still laid-back.
Plus, the only way to get around the island is by foot or by bicycle. That’s how small it is!
By the waterfront, you’ll see a row of fishing boats. This is why locals know Cheung Chau for its delicious seafood restaurants that offer the freshest dishes. After all, this is what you get for being near the ocean!
Moreover, there are plenty of cafes in the area that are worth checking out! This is also where the famous Bun Festival takes place.
5. Discovery Bay
One of the most famous places among Hong Kong visitors, Discovery Bay is a resort town filled with commercial spots, residential areas, and natural wonders.
The community at DB is actually pretty close knit even among international settlers. In fact, DB is filled with supermarkets and delis that carry goods from all over the globe.
A lot of people settle down in the area because you get the best parts of Hong Kong without the rush of city life.
Oh, and did we mention the most famous attraction in Discovery Bay? It’s Hong Kong Disneyland!
6. Ma Wan
According to a lot of residents, Ma Wan is a relaxing neighborhood to live in Hong Kong. Situated between Tsing Yi and Lantau, it often hides beneath the shadows of the surrounding touristy spots.
However, it actually feels like a pretty laid-back beach resort you book a trip to on a holiday vacation.
While its environment is really something to love if you’re looking to settle down, you have to take note that you might need to take a ferry to work, especially if you need to go to other islands like the Hong Kong Island.
Ultimately, it boils down to what you’re looking for and if the scenic-yet-long commute seems worth it.
7. Tin Hau
Located on the north side of Hong Kong Island, Tin Hau sits on a district called Wan Chai.
It’s also pretty laid-back, but the neighborhood has more of a city vibe to it. Going around Tin Hau requires riding the MTR, bus, and tramway so it’s a pretty convenient spot to live.
With rows of streets brimming with restaurants, cafes, and temples, there’s plenty one can do in Tin Hau. Our favorite places to go to in Tin Hau are Ganguya (a Japanese izakaya), NOC Coffee, and Tai Hang Lin Fa Kung (a Buddhist temple).
8. Central
Central is one of the best places to be if you want to experience Hong Kong city life. Crowded with skyscrapers, malls, hotels, restaurants, cafes, bars, nightclubs – you name it – this neighborhood has it all.
Most places are also easy to access when you’re coming from Central. Just hop on the MTR and you’ll get there in no time. In fact, a lot of expats choose to live here because of its overall convenience.
The downside of living here though is it’s quite expensive. Moreover, it might not be the perfect neighborhood if you’re relocating here with your whole family.
Moreover, life here is pretty fast-paced. We find that some people thrive in that though!
If you want a quick escape from the business of the city, however, you can make a quick escape to several zoological and botanical gardens nearby.
9. Kennedy Town
If you’re living in Kennedy Town, everything else in Hong Kong is easily accessible. It’s easy to go to the city center and get gorgeous views of the sea.
There’s also plenty of restaurants and bars in the area, which is why a lot of young people nowadays get an apartment in Kennedy Town.
Needless to say, this neighborhood is filled with so much lively energy, especially in recent years. A lot of charming stores have come up here of late, you see.
Another highlight to Kennedy Town is the harbourfront park that offers insane panoramic views of Kowloon. Seeing the sunset from here is a must!
10. Tai Po
Tai Po is one of the neighborhoods in Hong Kong rich in green spaces. If you prefer nature views to skyscrapers, you might want to consider it.
The areas surrounding this neighborhood are verdant valleys. That said, Tai Po is still pretty urban, but the community here is strong.
Here you can find an array of family-owned shops that attract loyal locals and busy markets selling local goods. It’s rich in culture that way.
In fact, since it’s away from Hong Kong’s center, Tai Po has its own vibe and identity, making it one of the more unique places to live in Hong Kong.
11. Tuen Mun
Tuen Mun is a great representation of how Hong Kong is like as a city. This neighborhood mixes urbanity, nature, and culture into one interesting place to live in.
The neighboring areas are mountainous too, which promises beautiful views of luscious greenery.
Aside from this, Tuen Mun is also home to a lot of restaurants we consider hidden gems, especially among visitors.
Our favorite place in Tuen Mun is the Pineapple Mountain – it got its name because the color of its surface is similar to the local snack, the pineapple bun.
12. Southside
Southside is home to a lot of the city’s most explored areas like Aberdeen, Stanley, and Repulse Bay.
It’s an eclectic mix of what Hong Kong has to offer such as beaches, landscapes, local shops, and more. It’s pretty convenient to go around here because a short taxi ride could either take you to the most popular tourist attraction or a beautiful beach – take your pick!
What we most like about the Southside, though, is the fact that it’s home to the city’s thriving art scene.
You’ll find a lot of art galleries and studios scattered around this area, so if you want to go on a deep dive of the local art, Southside is the place to be.
13. Sheung Wan
Sheung Wan is where old meets new. Among interesting historical structures in the neighborhood are arrays of contemporary boutiques, indie coffee shops, and stylish restaurants.
While it’s a cool and hip place, it seems to never lose its unique identity. It’s not much of a touristy area (but a lot of visitors go here), which is why it’s still full of Hong Kong culture.
It’s an accessible place to live in because of the numerous transportation available to get to Sheung Wan and to get to other places from here. This includes MTR and the tram. If you’re a person who doesn’t like sticking to a routine, you’ll like living in Sheung Wan.
14. Jordan
Jordan is one of the more popular areas in Hong Kong. Because this is where you’ll find the famous Temple Street Night Market, this neighborhood attracts a lot of visitors and locals especially after sundown.
It has a cool and unique atmosphere that calls for the most photogenic photos of Hong Kong city life. It also has a lot of affordable dining options. From local delights to international goodies, you’re bound to find your go-to restaurant here.
Surprisingly, the rent around the area is fairly cheap compared to other busy parts of the bustling metropolis.
15. The Peak
If you’re in the market for a more luxurious home, you should check out The Peak. There are only a few residential properties here so the rent is much higher and the properties more high-end. Is it worth it, though?
Well, it’s on the tallest hill of the city, so the views here are guaranteed to be spectacular. It’s a good way from the heart of the city, but that’s one of the things that make it more desirable to live here.
Aside from marvelous hiking trails, there are plenty of dining options – especially at the Peak Galleria, a mall with many kinds of shops. That said, the neighborhood is relatively quiet, so it can be considered a relaxing place to live in.
16. Happy Valley
If affordable housing options around a low-density and relaxed neighborhood sounds appealing to you, you’ll love Happy Valley.
A lot of expats (especially westerners) tend to pick this area. The apartments here are spacious and the location isn’t too far from the city’s center.
For example, if you need to go to central, it would take a 30-minute tram ride to get there. A cab ride, though, would get you there in about 5 to 10 minutes.
And at any rate, the name Happy Valley alone seems like an obvious choice for a lot of people. There’s no wonder it’s one of the best places to live in Hong Kong.
17. West Kowloon
Several years ago, West Kowloon seemed like a controversial choice. According to many expats, it was a bit inconvenient to live here because of its distance from Hong Kong Island.
Fortunately, because of the improvement of the local transportation, housing complexes in West Kowloon suddenly appealed to a lot of people. Today, all it takes is a quick MTR ride and you’ll immediately be transported to Hong Kong’s center.
A lot of expats with families settle down in the neighborhood because of the numerous international schools available. Moreover, the rooms for rent are usually bigger in West Kowloon compared to other areas in the city.
What we love most about West Kowloon is how it offers stunning views of the iconic Hong Kong skyline and the sunset. Additionally, the West Kowloon Cultural District would make any art lovers gush with excitement.
18. Tsim Sha Tsui
Tsim Sha Tsui is known for being a hub of many tourist attractions in Hong Kong. Because of how busy it is, expats tend to understandably stray away from it.
So why did it make it to this list, you ask?
Though this neighborhood isn’t for everyone, there are several reasons this remains the top choice to live in for a lot of people.
Hong Kong Island, the airport, the New Territories are easily accessible by taxis, MTR, buses, and the Star Ferry. Additionally, there are a lot of great options for high-rise apartments that guarantee great views of the harbour.
Moreover, if you enjoy going to museums, a lot of the city’s top museums are located here. This includes The Hong Kong Space Museum, Hong Kong Museum of History, Hong Kong Museum of Art, Hong Kong Museum of History, and more.
19. Soho
Soho is known for its hip and charming vibe with arrays of cool restaurants, bars, and cafes to live up to its reputation. Delve into how Hong Kong does its own unique urban living in this sophisticated and trendy neighborhood.
Another cool thing about Soho is that the nightlife here is rich and vibrant – making it popular among younger crowds. That said, there are still a lot of quiet spots to run away to, so don’t be quick to dismiss the idea of living here if nightlife isn’t your thing.
Most residential complexes you’ll see here are mid to high-rise. While the rent isn’t exactly cheap, it’s still cheaper compared to Central.
Our favorite place in Soho is the PMQ, by the way, a place where one can enjoy the local art scene.
20. Mid-Levels
If you go a little uphill from Soho, that’s where you’ll find Mid-Levels. It’s well-known for its outdoor escalator, the longest one you’ll find in the world. In fact, this spot is featured in famous local films like Chungking Mansion.
Because of that, it attracts a lot of foreigners who are excited to take scenic photographs.
Here’s something we bet you didn’t expect, though: a huge chunk of Mid-Levels is pretty quiet! This is especially true if you’re willing to go far beyond the touristy spots.
Anyway, this area is also known for its convenience.
Everything you need to go to in Hong Kong is most likely accessible if you’re living in the neighborhood. Whether you want to go to areas where people flock for its gourmet restaurants or you crave a scenic hiking trip, everything is just on your doorstep.
Of course, its convenience comes with a price because the rent here is significantly higher.
