Unique Neighbourhoods in Hong Kong for Expats
Hong Kong’s districts provide something unique for everyone, particularly for foreigners exploring this dynamic city for the first time. Whether you’re searching for contemporary facilities, historic charm, or a more casual, suburban feeling, there’s a community that will feel like home.
At Harrow International School Hong Kong, we realise that settling into the right neighbourhood plays a crucial role in making the transfer comfortable for the entire family. Each location of Hong Kong has a distinct character, giving varied experiences, from busy cityscapes to quiet seaside vistas. To help you get started, here are a few communities that are popular with expat families for their attractiveness, convenience, and community feel.
Central and SoHo
For expats who adore the hustle of a major city, Central and SoHo are two areas with inexhaustible vitality and urban flair. Central, noted for its skyscrapers, premium stores, and international restaurants, is the centre of Hong Kong’s financial sector. Just a stone’s throw away, SoHo (short for “South of Hollywood Road”) delivers a combination of cultural icons, art galleries, and elegant cafés that attract visitors from over the globe.

Living in Central and SoHo gives easy access to some of the city’s greatest restaurants, shopping, and entertainment, along with handy connections via the MTR and tram lines. Many expat families love the area’s accessibility, with multinational grocery shops, fitness facilities, and parks just around the corner. The area is great for people who thrive in fast-paced settings and appreciate living near to the activity.
Mid-Levels
Just above Central sits the popular Mid-Levels neighbourhood, which provides the best of both urban convenience and open areas. Situated on the slopes of Victoria Peak, Mid-Levels affords inhabitants with spectacular views across Hong Kong Island, making it a choice for people seeking both city life and calm.
Mid-Levels is especially popular among expat families. With a large network of walking paths and access to the Peak’s natural reserves, it’s a perfect site for families who like outdoor activities without wandering far from the city centre. The neighbourhood is linked by the iconic Mid-Levels escalator, enabling people a quick commute down to Central, which is a distinct bonus of residing in this location.
Mid-levels
Source: Wikipedia
Discovery Bay
For those wishing to escape the high-rises and discover a peaceful, family-oriented neighbourhood, Discovery Bay is a wonderful alternative. Located on Lantau Island, this residential neighbourhood is noted for its laid-back ambiance, picturesque beaches, and vast green areas. Discovery Bay is popular with families for its secure, car-free environment and strong feeling of community. With golf courses, family-friendly beaches, and a thriving expat population, this area has a lot to offer those wanting a calmer lifestyle.
Despite its island setting, Discovery Bay is well-connected to the rest of Hong Kong. A 25-minute boat journey brings you to Central, while the adjacent Hong Kong International Airport is a short bus ride away, making it a handy choice for regular visitors. For families interested in suburban living with the conveniences of a close-knit community, Discovery Bay offers all the perfect elements.
Discovery Bay
Source: Visit Discovery Website
Sai Kung
Sai Kung provides a different pace of life completely, giving a quiet and picturesque contrast to Hong Kong’s busy metropolitan hubs. Known as the “back garden of Hong Kong,” Sai Kung is recognised for its natural beauty, with scenic beaches, hiking paths, and verdant hillsides. This area draws expat families that enjoy a tranquil location surrounded by nature, with lots of room for outdoor activities like boating, fishing, and hiking.
The community atmosphere in Sai Kung is strong, and the region is home to a variety of international cafés, restaurants, and boutique stores. It’s particularly enticing to pet lovers, since the availability of outdoor spaces makes it one of the most dog-friendly places in Hong Kong. While Sai Kung lies further from the city, transit possibilities, including buses and minibuses, link inhabitants to Kowloon and Hong Kong Island.
Sai Kung
Source: Wikipedia
Stanley
Stanley is a community that mixes coastal lifestyle with a blend of history. Located on the southern coast of Hong Kong Island, Stanley boasts a scenic coastline, busy markets, and a broad range of restaurants with outdoor dining. The Stanley Market, famed for its combination of traditional Chinese items and contemporary trinkets, is a popular draw for residents and visitors alike.
Living in Stanley means having easy access to some of Hong Kong’s greatest beaches and wonderful walking routes around the coastline. Families that like the outdoors will appreciate the area’s laid-back ambiance and family-friendly attractions. While it’s calmer than other sections of Hong Kong Island, Stanley has a special charm that appeals to both long standing residents and newcomers. Regular bus lines make getting into the city uncomplicated, although the area itself feels miles removed from the metropolitan hustle.
Stanley
Source: Wikipedia
Kowloon Tong
The neighbourhood has a suburban atmosphere, with tree-lined streets and low-rise buildings, creating a feeling of spaciousness that may be hard to find in Hong Kong’s metropolitan regions. Kowloon Tong also contains various parks, recreational facilities, and commercial malls, offering a balanced atmosphere for families.
Parents admire Kowloon Tong’s ease, with quick access to the MTR and main bus connections, which make travelling to Hong Kong Island easier. It’s a welcome environment for families that value community and are searching for a neighbourhood with convenient access to schools, parks, and needed facilities.
Kowloon Tong
Source: Wikipedia
Sheung Wan
For those who enjoy both old and contemporary, Sheung Wan provides a fascinating combination of traditional and modern Hong Kong. Historic temples, antique shops, and lively markets are placed opposite modern coffee shops, art galleries, and boutique stores, giving Sheung Wan a unique combination of Hong Kong’s past and present. The neighbourhood’s atmosphere draws expats searching for a bustling environment with lots to explore.
Sheung Wan’s distinctive blend is complemented by its handy location, since it is just west of Central, making it simple for people to travel to work or explore other areas of the city. The area’s mix of antiquity and modernity makes it an intriguing location for families who value history and like finding new areas.
Sheung Wan
Source: Wikipedia
Choosing a Neighbourhood in Hong Kong
Hong Kong’s areas provide so many diverse experiences, and finding the appropriate match is crucial to feeling at home. Each region provides its own flavour, speed, and rewards, making the hunt both interesting and a little tough. Whether you’re attracted to the high-energy streets of Central, the picturesque trails of Sai Kung, or the relaxing beaches of Discovery Bay, Hong Kong’s districts each have something distinctive to offer.
At Harrow International School Hong Kong, we realise that building a feeling of belonging is crucial for pupils and parents alike. Choosing the perfect area helps families settle in, make memories, and form ties that go beyond simply the daily routine. By exploring the unique attractions of each location, families may select a community that feels like home and supports their own lifestyle and beliefs.
With a bit of time and investigation, you’ll quickly realise that Hong Kong is a metropolis of outstanding districts, each adding to the city’s distinctive culture and making a fantastic backdrop for family life.