@tiger,

Yes, the construction was one concern for one apt complex we had looked at.

We got two different numbers from the agents on what percentage of housing was lived in, 50% and 70%.

One thing that has happened in that particular complex as with others, is that the builder will lease out the housing to remodeling companies and then they fix them up to rent out on a temp basis.

I'm not sure if those housing would be included or not in their "stats", but that's why I like the monthly rental because if its construction heaven there then we take off.

The other apt. complexes near university town are older and mostly built, and I assume not nearly as many in the building phase.

Like I had mentioned before we have been looking at the apts near the hotel and luo long park as well.

@napoleon,

Funny, and stop scaring me, haha.
In your opinion why would you say it's "grim"?

The complex we have been looking at is right next to Shilin street, so at least there would be bbq? ha.

I'm assuming that many of the apts are rented out to students and teachers, besides the farmers?

The complex at the last stop are relatively new, and there are many one can rent on a monthly basis without dealing with agents, so that may be our first choice, and if it's really not good for us, then we can change our thinking.

@ismael,

Not worried about schooling at this time.

Thank You Cloud.
With Kids and a certain desire for particular foods that aren't found in a local store, Wal Mart makes life easier and better.

Why would I care if there are buildings with no one living in them?
And I wish that were true when it comes to the Apt. complexes we've been looking at, it would be much easier to find a place that suits our requirements.

Anyways, to each his own, right?

@Dan,

I may have gotten the "asean" name wrong, but the area that I was thinking of was near the Chenrong station. Just north is a large park LuoLong and big lake, and a couple other parks west of the subway line near the govt center.

And I have found a Wal Mart just west of that staion, so that was one area we considered, close to lots of stores and shops, subway line, and still a few big parks.

But, further south at the University station, there are four big parks in a row and a few others very near, and as you mentioned, close to the countryside. Also not too far of a ride to Fuxian Lake, so that seems pretty nice.
I like that the Train Station is very close as well, just far from the airport.

North was a consideration, it would be close to the city center, but don't know if that is very important for us besides perhaps medical visits.

@cloud, I think "awfulness" is a bit subjective, hehe. Considering that there is a wal mart within distance, and they deliver (at least that's what they said when we called), and Shilin Street and shopping center there, albeit probably small, seems good enough for daily conveniences.

I think having to use a car to go almost anywhere will suck a bit, but I don't mind being out in the open areas too much, perhaps better air and not trapped among high rises, and probably won't being going clubbing or eating at foreign establishments so no biggie.
(BTW, heard that many foreign places closing recently??)

Even found a reggae bar out there, and perhaps a couple other bars near university town, although the former may be closed now, not sure.

One bright note, if one goes down to the last subway station, rent is very cheap, ha.

So we are still looking hard as we are moving very soon, dealing with agents kind of suck sometimes, especially trying to be close to Shilin Street area, but we will see.

@Dan@Tiger
Expungments still stay on the record so it's not like it disappears and no one can see it.