Mid-Levels

The Mid-Levels cover a long strip of hillside area on the north shore of Hong Kong Island, from Conduit and Robinson Roads at the western end of the island to Jardine’s Lookout and Tai Hang in the eastern end, of the island. Many Mid-Levels flats have harbor views-from partial to spectacular. Although many newcomers find the harbor view very attractive, it should be remembered that flats facing the harbor look north and so may get very little sun. Western Mid-Levels around Robinson, Kotewall, and Conduit Roads is a conurbation of high-rise flats. While they may lack some of the open space to be found in the Mid-Levels farther east, the nearby Western district has a certain Chinese neighborhood feel about it that one does not find elsewhere. Some people choose to live here because of the old world atmosphere. Public transport might take a little longer in some of these areas, but they are adequately served. The middle Mid-Levels are handily located above and behind Central district and close to the Botanical and Zoological Gardens and Brewin Path Playground. This area includes the popular Bowen and MacDonnell Roads, where spacious older and newer luxury blocks of flats can be found.

Eastern Mid-Levels includes Stubbs Rd, Shiu Fai Terrace, and the eastern Kennedy Rd. Transport in this area can be difficult at peak hours because buses and mini-buses coming from the south side of the island are full. Some parts of this area are close by pleasant walks and paths along bush-clad hills of the middle part of the island. School buses are available for most schools in this area. Many American families seem to choose between the Mid-Levels and Repulse Bay by deciding whether Dad (or Mom) travels 25 minutes to work or the children commute to school. Living anywhere on the north side of the island allows fairly quick access to the Star Ferry, the MTR, and the Cross Harbour Tunnel. But walking up from Central is a steep climb, and even a short hike in the summer humidity is exhausting. One can reach Kennedy Rd from Wanchai by elevator through

East. A pedestrian escalator climbs from Des Voeux Rd, the Hopewell Centre building in Queen’s Rd Central up to Conduit Rd, (it takes 20 minutes to travel the entire length). The escalator runs one-way downhill from 6am to 10am, and then uphill from 10:30am to midnight. The escalator is a transit link for residents of Mid-Levels.

From its Garden Rd Terminals, Peak Tram makes four stops during its ascent (Kennedy Rd, MacDonnell Rd, May Rd, Barker Rd) before reaching Peak Tower.

The Peak

The Peak offers a good minibus service, and many people commute to work on the Peak Tram. The environment is pleasant and the journey to Central takes 20 to 30 minutes. Views of the harbor or the outer islands in the South China Sea are exquisite, except during spring months , when the Peak is often above cloud level and in smog. The Peak starts at Guildford Rd and Barker Rd and continues up to Mt Austin Rd. Side Roads like Plantation Rd, Gough Rd and Mt Kellet Rd have good views all around. Dehumidifiers are vital on the Peak. Rents range from $60,000 to $200,000 monthly in this area. Supermarkets, banks, beauty salon, and post office are available. The German Swiss International School and Peak Junior School are close at hand as well. Galleria, the big shopping mall is in the area, right next to the Peak Tram.

North Shore

Jardine’s Lookout has private homes, some garden apartments, and a predominance of two- and three-story buildings. Located above Happy Valley, it is an excellent district for those who wish to be reasonably handy to Central but live in a more suburban environment. The French Int’l School and the Japanese Int’l are a few minutes away from Jardine’s Lookout. Happy Valley, Causeway Bay, and Wanchai contain some high-rise blocks of flats which appeal to expatriates. Generally, the flats are small. However, each of these areas is conveniently located for shopping, and