If I take a job in Datung, what would be resonable suggestions for areas to search for an appartment? How much rent should I expect to be paying for at least 3 bedrooms? Older places are OK. Would you recommend Lujou or Sanchung, or something farther out?
We bought in Luzhou in 2006. I personally prefer it to Sanchong … less of the “hey dao” (mafia) influence and it has some nice new areas (i.e. not 30-year-old dumps next to the new buildings), some decent restaurants too. Both areas will have MRT next year. I’m not sure about the rent, but it will be cheaper than the city.
Another option is Bali (opp. Danshui and quite close to Luzhou) if you like the river…
I’d go all the way to Tazhi, there are some nice places at reasonable prices close to the mountain.
Even Zhongshan and the area around Tatung University have pockets of peace among the hussle and bustle.
Sanchong is becoming quite trendy, but the traffic is a killer, even in areas where they are not building the MRT. Pity as you have to cross that kind of traffic to go to Wugu and Luzhou, which have more open spaces.
It takes 45 minutes to get to Bali by bus.
Thanks. If all goes well I’ll be there in July. Is Danshui too far out for convenience? What about Banchiao? South end of Beitou? Just looking at possibilities.
On the Danshui MRT line as you go out further should get cheaperr. If your office is in proximity to an MRT station, then you should think about finding a place in a corridor along the red line out to Danshui
Travelling time from Danshui station to Taipei Central is about 30 mins
My opinion on the two places you mentioned:
Banchiao… old part of the city, west of the river, badly planned, looks disorganized and old
Beitou… hot springs and more hot springs, and kinda in the middle of nowhere, well it’s close to Tien Mu (where a number of expats live or want to live) and Yangmingshan