Hello

Ok..where to look for housing??
My husband will be working in the Haidian area between 5th and 6th ring roads...
He would like to be convient to subway/buses...shortish commute.  I would like to be close to shopping and other ex pats...any suggestions??

Julie

hi Joooolie,
            Firstly Haidain is pretty much outside beijing on its own so alot of the expat areas i know arnt going to do you much good.  My only suggestion on housing would be to get a hotel for the first week or two so you can get a feel for the area and maybe talk to some of your husbands work colleagues before choosing a house.

In terms of actually going looking at apartments i wouldnt worry too much about that, there are plenty of real estate agencies around that will crawl all over each other for your business.  Try finding a good area then walking around until you see one.

hope that helps some

Jarrod

Hi! Haidian is good...try looking in the Bagou area if you really want to live that far out. Subway line 10 ends at Bagou and its close to the university area. Lishuiqiao is also close to the 5th ring and many foreigners are moving up there: its on line 5 at and is a transfer station also for line 13, the rents are still cheap and theres a big Mall there with a Starbucks, Carrefour and B&Q. Happy Apt. Hunting!

Thank you!!!
My husband is coming to Beijing next week, so he can investigate those options!!

Julie