Top Neighbourhoods Near the Best International Schools in Hong Kong
Where to Live for the Best Family Lifestyle and School Access
Choosing the right international school for your child is one of the most important decisions expat families make in Hong Kong. But equally important is selecting a neighbourhood that complements your family’s lifestyle, offers convenient commutes, and provides the amenities needed for a balanced and enriching home life.
Hong Kong’s international schools are spread across the city’s diverse districts, each with its own character and living options. To help families plan their move or relocation, this guide links some of the best international schools with the most desirable family-friendly neighbourhoods nearby — highlighting commute times, housing styles, local schools, parks, and community facilities.
1. Repulse Bay – Ideal for Families Attending Hong Kong International School (HKIS)
School: Hong Kong International School (HKIS)
Location: Deep Water Bay, Southside Hong Kong Island
Commute: 5–10 minutes by car from Repulse Bay
Why Repulse Bay?
Repulse Bay is synonymous with luxury family living on Hong Kong Island’s Southside. It offers a serene environment with spacious low-rise apartments, villas, and townhouses, many with stunning sea views. The community is popular among expat families for its easy access to HKIS, excellent outdoor lifestyle, and relaxed atmosphere.
Housing Options
Repulse Bay features a mix of high-end apartments, sprawling detached houses, and exclusive gated communities. Properties here tend to command premium prices, reflecting the area’s exclusivity and natural beauty. Families often prioritize this area for its proximity to beaches and green spaces.
Amenities and Lifestyle
The neighbourhood boasts world-class beaches, scenic walking trails (such as the Dragon’s Back), and family-friendly facilities including playgrounds and outdoor sports clubs. Repulse Bay Plaza and nearby shopping centres provide convenient grocery stores, cafes, and dining options. International supermarkets and boutique shops are also within easy reach.
Commute to HKIS
HKIS’s campus is located in Deep Water Bay, just minutes from Repulse Bay by car or school bus. The short commute minimizes morning rush stress, making it ideal for families prioritizing time efficiency alongside a quality living environment.
2. Pok Fu Lam – Perfect for Families Attending Kellett School
School: Kellett School
Location: Pok Fu Lam (Middle and High School campus)
Commute: Walking distance from many Pok Fu Lam residences
Why Pok Fu Lam?
Pok Fu Lam offers a tranquil, village-like atmosphere with a strong sense of community, ideal for families seeking a quieter, leafy neighbourhood on Hong Kong Island. It is one of the few locations where families can live within walking distance of an international school — a rare luxury in Hong Kong.
Housing Options
Housing here mainly consists of mid-rise apartment complexes, low-rise garden flats, and some luxury villas. The area combines accessibility with a peaceful environment, offering an attractive balance for families wanting to avoid long school commutes.
Amenities and Lifestyle
Pok Fu Lam features several parks and hiking trails, including Pok Fu Lam Reservoir, providing outdoor recreation close to home. The neighbourhood has well-established grocery stores, local markets, and family-friendly dining options. Proximity to Cyberport also makes it convenient for tech-savvy parents working nearby.
Commute to Kellett
Many Pok Fu Lam residents enjoy a short walk or quick drive to Kellett’s Middle and High School campus, making school runs easier and less stressful. This close proximity supports family routines and encourages greater participation in school activities.
3. Ho Man Tin – Convenient Living for Families at Stamford American School Hong Kong
School: Stamford American School Hong Kong
Location: Ho Man Tin, Kowloon
Commute: Typically under 15 minutes by car or MTR
Why Ho Man Tin?
Ho Man Tin has emerged as a popular residential district for expat families due to its central location in Kowloon and proximity to several key international schools including Stamford American. The neighbourhood offers a balance of urban convenience and family-friendly amenities, making it an attractive choice for working parents and school-age children.
Housing Options
The area is characterized by a mix of high-rise residential towers, new luxury developments, and mid-range apartments, offering a variety of price points. Newer estates often include facilities such as swimming pools, playgrounds, and gyms tailored for families.
Amenities and Lifestyle
Ho Man Tin is well-served by supermarkets, international cafes, and family restaurants. Nearby Kowloon Park and the Hong Kong Coliseum offer cultural and recreational activities. The neighbourhood also has a number of childcare centres and enrichment programmes suited for young children.
Commute to Stamford American School
Stamford’s campus is located within Ho Man Tin, often allowing families to opt for walking or short drives. The excellent public transport connections, including MTR stations, make it easy to reach other parts of Hong Kong for work or leisure.
4. Sai Kung – A Growing Family Hub for Invictus International School Families
School: Invictus International School Hong Kong
Location: Sai Kung
Commute: Usually under 10 minutes by car for families living in Sai Kung Town
Why Sai Kung?
Known as the “back garden of Hong Kong,” Sai Kung offers a more relaxed, community-focused lifestyle with a village vibe and beautiful natural surroundings. It appeals to families seeking a slower pace of life while maintaining access to quality international education.
Housing Options
Sai Kung features a wide variety of low-rise townhouses, villas, and modern apartments, often with green spaces and sea views. The housing is generally more spacious and affordable compared to the central urban districts, making it a favorite for families wanting larger homes.
Amenities and Lifestyle
The area boasts waterfront promenades, seafood restaurants, hiking trails, and weekend farmers markets. There’s a strong expat community, as well as local schools, healthcare facilities, and recreational clubs, creating a well-rounded family environment.
Commute to Invictus
Invictus’s Sai Kung campus is conveniently located near the heart of Sai Kung Town, making school runs quick and easy for residents. The growing infrastructure and community facilities further enhance the area’s appeal.
5. Discovery Bay – Ideal for Families at Discovery College and DBIS
Schools: Discovery College (IB), Discovery Bay International School (DBIS)
Location: Discovery Bay, Lantau Island
Commute: On-site or short bus ride within Discovery Bay; 30–40 minutes to Central Hong Kong
Why Discovery Bay?
Discovery Bay is a self-contained residential community popular with expat families seeking a village-like atmosphere combined with extensive amenities. Its car-free policy, beachside lifestyle, and family-friendly environment make it a unique option on Lantau Island.
Housing Options
The neighbourhood is characterized by townhouses, low-rise apartments, and villas, many with sea views or garden access. The spacious layout and green spaces attract families looking for more living space and an outdoor lifestyle.
Amenities and Lifestyle
Discovery Bay offers beaches, parks, tennis courts, marinas, international supermarkets, and a variety of dining options. The community centre hosts cultural events, and schools within the area emphasize family engagement and extracurricular activities.
Commute to Schools
Both Discovery College and DBIS are located within Discovery Bay, offering IB and British curricula respectively from early years through secondary school. The community’s internal transport system and school buses make school commutes easy and safe. While commuting to Central Hong Kong takes longer, many families choose Discovery Bay for its slower pace and quality of life.
Final Thoughts
When choosing an international school in Hong Kong, pairing your choice with the right neighbourhood can dramatically enhance your family’s quality of life. Whether it’s the luxury and beach lifestyle of Repulse Bay, the village charm of Pok Fu Lam, the urban convenience of Ho Man Tin, or the spacious community vibe of Sai Kung and Discovery Bay, each area offers unique advantages.
Families should consider commute times, housing budgets, local amenities, and lifestyle priorities to find the best fit. Visiting neighbourhoods in person, talking with current residents, and exploring local facilities are essential steps to making an informed choice.
By aligning school choice with a supportive and enriching neighbourhood, expat families can enjoy a balanced, fulfilling life in one of Asia’s most vibrant and family-friendly cities.
