Loading...
Hong Kong International School
Hong Kong, China
AmericanChristian
Ages 4–18
Loading...
A charming seaside town at the southern tip of HK Island, favorite for American and French expat families due to proximity to HKIS and French International School.
Monthly temperatures, rainfall, and sea conditions
Monthly family budget estimates (USD)
A family in a 2-bedroom apartment (550-700 sq ft) near Stanley Plaza, using buses, children at St. Stephen's or an ESF school.
A family in a 3-bedroom apartment or townhouse (1000-1400 sq ft) with partial sea views, one car, children at international schools, live-in helper.
A family in a detached house on the ridgeline with panoramic sea views, children at top international schools, full domestic staff, boat access, club memberships.
Stanley ranges from moderately expensive to ultra-premium depending on location. Apartments in Stanley Plaza area are reasonable by south-side standards, while houses on the ridgeline command some of Hong Kong's highest rents. All figures in USD.
Average monthly AQI (US EPA scale)
Yearly average AQI is 44. Best air quality Jan–Dec (best: Jul at 30).
Stanley has a long association with Hong Kong's military and prison service history, and the presence of Stanley Fort (now People's Liberation Army garrison) adds a unique dimension. The residential community is a blend of established Hong Kong Chinese families, long-term expat residents (many British), and newer arrivals drawn by the schools and beach lifestyle. The St. Stephen's College community is a significant presence. Some of Hong Kong's most expensive houses line the ridgeline above the town.
Stanley Main Beach is a well-maintained stretch with lifeguards, changing rooms, and a volleyball net, popular for swimming from April through October. St. Stephen's Beach nearby is smaller, quieter, and favoured by families with young children for its gentler waters. The Stanley promenade runs along the waterfront past Murray House (a relocated colonial building housing restaurants) and Stanley Plaza, making for a pleasant evening walk with sea views.
Stanley is connected to the rest of Hong Kong by bus routes along the scenic Stanley Gap Road and Tai Tam Road. Route 6 and 6X run to Central (35-45 minutes), route 73 connects to Repulse Bay and Aberdeen, and route 14 runs to Sai Wan Ho. The journey involves winding mountain roads and can be slow during peak hours or in poor weather. Green minibus 40 provides additional service to Causeway Bay.
Stanley Plaza is the main shopping hub, anchored by a ParknShop supermarket. The Stanley Market (open daily) sells clothing, souvenirs, art, and homewares — it is tourist-oriented but locals use it too for certain items. Murray House and the surrounding waterfront have a cluster of restaurants and cafes. For serious grocery shopping or wider retail, most families drive to the Park N Shop or Wellcome in Aberdeen or order online. Stanley feels self-contained for daily needs but limited for anything beyond basics.
Stanley's peninsular position gives it excellent exposure to summer sea breezes, making it one of the more comfortable places in Hong Kong during the oppressive hot season. Temperatures reach 30-32C but the coastal wind provides genuine relief. Beach swimming is at its best, with water temperatures of 27-29C. Afternoon thunderstorms can be dramatic over the open sea. Stanley is exposed during typhoons — the waterfront area floods during severe storm surges, and loose market stall structures can become hazardous.
