Happy Valley

 

Happy Valley is a quiet and laid back area to live and rent an apartment in Hong Kong, synonymous internationally for horse racing, the area is mostly residential and only 10 to 15 minutes walk to the busy Causeway Bay. The absence of an MTR Station has mixed blessings for the area, on race days the traffic can be a nightmare, but the residents insist that the MTR’s absence has keep Happy Valley segregated from busy foot traffic.

The apartments in Happy Valley offer a variety of options, the area has new apartment developments and also traditional old low rise apartments, all built relatively sparsely apart unlike other areas of Hong Kong. The apartments in Happy Valley are also relatively spacious and efficient in area uasage, as the district is traditionally known as a middle class suburb. The apartments located around Wong Nai Chung road and higher along the hillside can have spectacular views of the racecourse and offer an exciting sight during race days.

Throughout the years, expatriates have gravitated to the area, as Happy Valley offers a relaxed environment while not too far from the business districts. The shops in the area have accommodated to the growing expatriate community in Happy Valley, with a growing number of bars and restaurants to cater for their tastes. The public transport in Happy Valley consisting of buses and trams, are mainly located near Wong Nai Chung Road and there is a seldom lack of taxis in the area.

Despite the area’s name, Happy Valley has a bleak history. The current race course used to be swampy marshlands, and when the British Army set up camp in the vicinity there were a high number of deaths caused by Malaria. The death rates in the early colonial days were quite high and was spurred on from the many tropical diseases, soon the Valley became known for the burial for the dead. The name Happy Valley is a mordant reference to the bygone days and succeeds in keeping its unfortunate history in the past.