Why you should consider a move to Hong Kong

On a mid-October morning, I landed in Hong Kong for the very first time. I had just completed the 16-hour journey from New York City with nothing but curiosity & excitement … oh and too many layers of clothes. 🙂  I was greeted by the most beautiful weather and knew I could be here for a while.  I had a few contacts in Hong Kong prior to my move who provided some useful tips. “Don’t forget to stock up on hair products, pack your bed linen and leave your heavy coats behind” I was told.

“Go there for a year and come back” was the advice I received once I informed my friends & family of my impending move to Hong Kong. 7 years in and I am still in love with my city.  Hong Kong is one of those places where some may have intended on moving to short-term but find themselves still searching for a more ideal location a decade or two later. I have lived in a few cities and none can compare to Hong Kong in terms of convenience and efficiency. I have also been here long enough to witness some of my friends leave only to return shortly thereafter.

Hong Kong is a dynamic city but the people who I’ve met have truly made living here extra special. It’s safe to say that I have found my place!  I’ve had the opportunity to connect with like-minded people from all around the globe.  Most are just as curious as I am and are also interested in exploring the world once acclimated in the expat community.  The social scene here creates opportunities for me to meet seasoned expats and newcomers alike. Hong Kong family, is the term I reserve for those friendships that have evolved beyond the initial commonality of trading ones previous life for this bustling city.

Most people think of the skyscrapers when they think of Hong Kong and almost never consider beaches. When I left New York City I also thought I was trading one concrete jungle for the next. However, I was pleasantly surprised by the pristine outdoors this city has to offer. 20 to 30 minutes outside of the city you will often find me brunching with a view or with my toes in the sand.  I am a true island girl so a lot of my leisure time is spent swimming or gazing at the skyline from the shores. Did I mention how stunning the views are?

The weather here is my third love… not the rain we’ve been experiencing lately, of course. I am not a fan of winters but I must say that Hong Kong winters are quite mild. With very little to complain about, a few may mention how humid the city gets during the summer. For those of you who are planning on visiting, I would recommend arriving in October or November to avoid the humidity of the summer months.

I love my belly equally as much as I love beaches and Hong Kong does not disappoint foodies.  You can find authentic cuisine here from all parts of the world. I often rotate between Korean, Thai, Turkish and Japanese cuisine but also love the selection of local food here. I have had a dim sum obsession since my arrival so unlimited dim sum spots are my vices. Nevertheless, from time to time I do miss some of my favorite Caribbean dishes.

If you are looking for a change of pace and a new exciting beginning, why not a move to Hong Kong? Consider the convenience, friendships, beaches, weather, and the food as bonuses of your life-changing experience of moving abroad. Stay tuned for future posts where I provide my restaurant picks and share some of my go-to Hong Kong experiences.