Hong Kong is known as an economic powerhouse and one of the most densely populated areas globally. The geographical area has over 7.5 million residents of various nationalities, making Hong Kong a truly international city. The fusion of eastern and western cultures, traditional Chinese heritage, and modern skyscrapers coexisting beautifully in spectacular scenery have made Hong Kong Asia‘s World City and the envy of many cities around the globe.
Here are ten reasons why Hong Kong is a great place to live:
1) Housing
Hong Kong prides itself on its safe, clean-living environment offering high-quality housing at an affordable price. It offers free public utilities such as water supply, electricity, gas and good waste collection services – all this at no expense to the individual householder!
2) Cost of living
Hong Kong offers great value for money. Goods are mainly imported straight from other countries, thus avoiding any additional taxes while shopping in Hong Kong. For example, groceries are very cheap with the ‘two big supermarkets war’ constantly reducing prices even further to attract customers. Restaurants are generally reasonably priced, too, with an abundance of choice across different cuisines – this is definitely not your average all-you-can-eat buffet!
3) Food
There are plenty of culinary choices when it comes to food in Hong Kong. There are 752 restaurants listed in the Michelin Guide 2016, which means you’ll never be stuck for somewhere new and exciting to explore. Not only that, but there is also a vast selection of international cuisines readily available in 24-hour restaurants. Combining both traditional and modern Chinese flavors, the food is so tasty that it’s hard to believe you’re living in one of the most deprived areas in Asia.
4) Transport
Hong Kong has a great transport system with a vast network of public transport easily accessible for any resident, including bus, minibus, light rail and MTR (underground). Sit back and relax on your journey from work or home to time well spent sipping cocktails by the arboriform at night!
5) Views
With high skyscrapers all around you, Victoria Harbor can offer breathtaking views early morning or when the sun sets over the horizon. The city lights up, creating a spectacular scene for you to take in. You can grab a delicious bite to eat and enjoy the view at one of the harbor cafes or restaurants that offer breathtaking views across the waters.
6) The MTR
The Mass Transit Railway (MTR) is one of Hong Kong’s most valuable public assets, renowned for its efficiency and reliability and regarded as an icon of Hong Kong itself. It is also very safe with full-time security staff patrolling all stations on a regular basis night and day. Travelling around Hong Kong by train has never been so easy!
7) Shopping
Hong Kong offers great shopping opportunities with low prices due to no sales tax being added on general items, unlike many other places in the world. If you are looking for something more luxurious, Central is the place to go. From high-end fashion labels to prestigious watch retailers like Fortis and Rolex, you’ll find everything you need here!
8) No language barrier
Hong Kong is an English-speaking city with most people speaking fluent English. This is because Hong Kong as a region used to be a British colony and is a place where Hong Kong nationals still enjoy close immigration ties to the UK where they can choose to go and live there under the BNO scheme. Moreover, if you visit Hong Kong and mingle with its citizens, you will find that residents are very helpful and patient making it easy for newcomers to settle in. All signs around town are also written in both traditional Chinese characters as well as simplified characters used in mainland China enabling everyone to navigate easily throughout their time there.
9) Better living conditions
With no natural disasters such as earthquakes or flash floods affecting Hong Kong, residents can live life stress-free enjoying clean streets free of rubbish – all thanks to the MTR system transporting waste away efficiently without any extra cost to householders.
10) Lively nightlife
Hong Kong’s vibrant nightlife starts late with food markets setting up stalls until the early hours of the morning, serving up delicious authentic Hong Kong-style snacks, dumplings and noodles after 10 pm! With an abundance of entertainment places, bars and clubs are open until 4 am on the weekend.