Macau is one of China’s most interesting and popular regions. With a mix of Chinese and Portuguese cultural influence, it’s a popular destination for tourists on short visits, and expats hoping to stay long-term. The one thing that sets Macau apart from other places in the world is its population density — with 21,236 people per square kilometre, it’s the world’s highest. Due to the city’s small size, is one of the most vertical places in the world, with most residents live in high-rise buildings.
Neighbourhoods in Macau
There are eight main neighbourhoods in Macau, each with its advantages and drawbacks. Where you choose to settle will mostly depend on what you are looking for in a residential area.
First, you have the Historic Centre ' the entire neighbourhood is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with narrow Mediterranean-style streets and plenty of shopping options. There are not too many housing options in the area and the apartments tend to be on the pricier side. Then, there is NAPE, a business district by day and Macau's fascinating nightlife hub by night. Inner Harbour is the city's oldest waterfront district. Outer Harbour is where Macau's ferry terminal is located and the site of numerous new building projects. La Barra is where you can find a lot of Portuguese architectural influence. A lot of the residential compounds are located in Taipa and Coloane, which are connected by the Cotai Strip. Taipa is a rapidly developing area full of newly-built high-rises, and Coloane Island is well-liked for its oriental feel and quiet atmosphere. The Cotai Strip connects the two islands with a 5.2 km runway of casinos, resorts, restaurants and bars.
Types of accommodation and prices
As mentioned earlier, Macau is a high-rise city. With its small territory and high population density, there is simply no space for too many housing options. You should also be prepared for high rises that are often cramped, so you probably won't get too much garden space around your apartment building. There are numerous apartment types available in Macau ' you can find a small studio, a large three-bedroom place, serviced apartments and furnished and unfurnished offerings. Your choice of accommodation depends on the length of your stay, family situation and budget considerations.
Good to know:
Depending on the location, a studio flat can cost you from 6,000MOP to over 8,000MOP monthly, while a three-bedroom place starts from upwards of 13,000MOP.
Searching for accommodation
Finding accommodation in Macau should not be complicated due to a large number of English language websites and English speaking real estate agents. However, it may take you some time to find the place to match all your requirements.
Start your search by going through apartment hunting websites to get a feel for the market, pricing and neighbourhoods. If you know exactly what you are looking for, you can contact a real estate agent directly with your requirements ' note that you will need to pay an agent fee in this case. Alternatively, you can browse through expat forums and classifieds in local newspapers and online. Apartment sharing is also a popular option among expats in the city.
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