Choosing a place to live in Shanghai

The first challenge facing new Expats is finding a place to call "home". Usually, it is best to start one's search by going to various real estate / housing agencies in town to utilize their services in finding a proper apartment or villa, to rent or for purchase. While these agencies are often helpful, it is still best if one can get well informed of some things about the Shanghai expats house market as well.

Several main points to be considered when hunting for an apartment:

Location - Location of your new home and its proximity to work, schools and convenient household chores and regular activities is one of the most important Budget - Of course based on your requirements, you will need to work out what your budget is and then search for the proper places that fit. Parks and Activity - Based on your family/ living situation, you may need to look into places that offer amenities such as open green spaces, or gyms, or other facilities or proximity to such, to keep you and /or your family active and happy. Schools - Those with children will need to consider how convenient it is for children to get to the various private international schools that their children may be attending. This may play a key role as to where to live.Certain complexes offer shuttles or school bus stops from the various schools.

Given that location is the primary factor in almost ALL of these considerations, below is a brief introduction to some of Shanghai's districts

Shanghai Areas:

Shanghai is divided into two main areas, Pudong and Puxi, which lie east and west of the City's mother river----the Huang Pu River. Pu Dong(the east area of the river) is relatively new while Pu Xi (the west area of the river ) is the older original city where many local people still live. Altogether there are 18 districts in Shanghai.

Here are the list of several main districts where most Shanghai expats live:

Xuhui

As one of the most prestigious living areas, is situated at the southwest of shanghai. The old French Concession in this district assembles almost 90% charming historic properties of the city. At Xujiahui junction, several large department malls form a thriving commercial area. The Shanghai Catholic Cathedral, Longhua Temple and Shanghai Stadium are some of the main features of this area.

Luwan

As one of the shopping areas of the city, Huahai Road runs through this district. Huaihai Road is renowned for its flourish from the Xiangyang Road street market, where you'll find cheaply priced clothes and bags, to Isetan, Pacific and Parkson department stores. Also along Huai Hai Rd in the LuWan district is Xin Tian Di which has become THE entertainment center where many western restaurants and bars converge with various features for locals and tourists alike.

Jing An

The Jing An district has the highest concentration of entertainment, high-level residential and commercial properties in the city. You can find The Portman-Ritz Carlton, Four Seasons, Hilton and JC Mandarin Hotels and many international brand shopping malls and grade A offices, like CITIC Square, Plaza 66 and Westgate Mall here in this disrict. The Shanghai Exhibition Center, Jing An temple and Jade Buddha temple,are all famous historic buildings that have survivied to witness witness the amazing development of this district.

Huangpu

Huangpu district is located at the center of the city. In this area, Shanghai Grand Theatre, People's Square, Shanghai Museum and the Bund are the well-known sites for most tourists and expatriates. As one of the tourist and commercial center, expatriate residential are less chose than other three districts.

ChangNing

Situated in western Shanghai, the Chang Ning District has been developing into a very nice place to live and work. New development areas composed of Gubei and Hongqiao, known as some of Shanghai's nicest residential area make this area a new favorite for expats

Gubei New Area

Started as a new residential development less than 10 years ago, this area is surrounded by top and mid-grade apartment complexes, and is one of the earliest expatriates communities in Shanghai. This area contains many businesses catering to those who are willing to go out and enjoy life with restaurants and retail centers throughout this area. The popular Gubei Carrefour supermarket is located here. From this area it takes about 15-20 minutes to reach Shanghai Center and only 5-10 minutes to Hongqiao Airport by car.

HongQiao

The Hongqiao Area occupies the part of Changning district in the Shanghai map, but it becomes the emblem of this district. Plenty of luxurious villa compounds in this area attract thousands of expatriates' families. This area is known for its earliest field of high-grade office and apartment complexes in Shanghai. Today it is renowned for its luxurious villa compounds with gardens, pools, tennis courts and gyms. As the main thoroughfare, Hongqiao Road welcomes the new comers travel through from the airport to downtown every day.

Pudong New Area

The fastest growing area in Shanghai has got to be the Pudong New Area. Opened for development back in the early 1990's, Pudong is now home to China's tallest Skyscrapper and home to millions of new residents. Pudong is located on the east bank of the Huangpu River that runs through the urban part of Shanghai. A number of bridges, tunnels, ferries and Metro line are link up the two sides of river. New International airport lies here and International air carriers increasingly use Pudong rather than Hong Qiao airport as well as many domestic carriers. Pudong New Area has become a center of new and high technology and advanced manufacturing. It is emerging as a new growth pole in Shanghai. Pudong can be broken down into Lujiazui, Jinqiao and zhangjiang area.

JinQiao

Also known as Jin Qiao Export Processing zone with government's tax incentives, Jin Qiao attracted many big companies such as NEC, GM, Philips and so on. From Green villa to Greenhills, Jinqiao offers first-class villa compounds to many expatriate families. Its own Carrefour and OBI is very convenient to the residents living in this area.

Rental fee and purchase fee for reference:

Buy one: (price: USD/square meter, Middle Level)

Useful links:**
http://www.shanghaiexpat.com/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=1103552
http://www.loushi.cn/en/sell.asp
http://www.entershanghai.info/country/Ci_12_set.htm

Some Real Estate agencies:**
http://www.shanghai-realty.com/business/cxjg.asp

Source: http://www.shanghaiexpat.com/index.php?module=subjects&func=viewpage&pageid=1466