Most Hongkongers happy with quality of life, but expect it to get worse

Most Hong Kong residents are happy with where they live, but more than half think their quality of life will get worse over the next five years, according to a new survey.

International property group Grosvenor Asia’s survey of what Hongkongers value in their neighbourhoods found 59 per cent thought Hong Kong provided a good quality of life while 32.8 per cent thought it didn’t, listing property prices, population density and the political environment as factors.

Over half expect their quality of life to get worse over the five years, while 17 per cent think it will get better and 18 per cent think there won’t be any difference.

As for neighbourhoods, 72 per cent were satisfied with their lot, with residents listing transportation and easy access to living necessities as reasons, according to the survey released on Monday and conducted in conjunction with the Public Opinion Programme of the University of Hong Kong.

Safety, air quality and transport were the most important factors in choosing a neighbourhood, while proximity to school or work, community feel and vibrancy were rated the lowest.

Hong Kong Island had the highest satisfaction rating while Kowloon West had the lowest, which the survey put down to transport links and greenery.