i'm considering moving to qingpu or minhang so children are closer to international schools. is it possible to commute into central puxi by metro from these areas?

what are the accommodation options - looking for 3/4 beds?

is there an area midway between minhang and central puxi with decent accommodation so i and the kids have a reasonable commute in each direction, say less than 30 minutes?

without a car is getting around a problem in the suburbs?

thanks

Start from central Puxi, get on a metro, ride for about 30 minutes, take a peek outside the station to see what the realtors have to offer!

You are sending multiple children to international schools. Affording a car/ hiring a driver should be well within your budget.

Hi Jonathan Davies.

Yes, as BitterExpat mentioned, cars and drivers are pretty common forms of transport here when you are living in isolated ares like Minhang or Qingpu. You can use the end of line 2 which is Song Hong station and then get a cab for abt 30 mins to Qingpu. Line 1 will take you down to Minhang but it is a pretty large area and depends where your housing will be.

If I could suggest a couple of things. One is to seecure your schools as soon as possible so that you can work out the logistics of getting you to work and kids to school. All the schools have buses that visit most large compounds and even some not so well know ones if they need a pick up. If your kids are really little I really urge you to live close to the school and find some way to get to work. If they are older they quite enjoy the free time with chums on the bus where neither folks or teachers are around. There are however monitors on the buses to ensure some form of order.

Apart from schools it's also good to work out what kind of housing you are looking for, the size, number of bedrooms, your budget, preferences in style ie: modern minimalist or warmer, richer decor. The more you can convey of your needs to your agent the better they can advise you and then show you the places that "hit the mark".

If you need some help in that area, feel free to give me a PM and send your "wish list". Another good idea, after suggestions have been made, is to get some feedback from the many exapats already living here so you can get more intimate details on compounds.

Please have a look at our Advice on Leasing so you can get a better understanding on real estate here in Shanghai.

Adrienne

Where in Qingpu are you considering? Closer to the city centre by the Outlet Malls? Qingpu city center? Dianshan Lake?

Actually, doesn't matter. You are screwed if you want to live in Qingpu and don't have a car.