Ups and downs by living in an expat compound

"Expat compound" is often used as a term to describe the apartment compounds that can be found in the higher price level in Shanghai. The residents are often expats from all over Europe, Africa and America that are provided a budget from their company to find an apartment.

Windsor Place villa compound in Shanghai.

And almost all real estate agents in Shanghai will be able to find some free apartments in each compound - both apartment and villa compounds.

However, before you consider moving in to a expat compound in Shanghai I think you should know a little more about the concept.

Pros and cons

There are some down- and upsides that need to be considered. Let us start with the negative parts of renting this kind of apartment.

Shanghainese compound.

Cons

- Costs.

It´s more expensive than moving into a "Chinese" apartment compound. A lot of the expat compounds are so called "serviced apartment", meaning that you literally live in an apartment with hotel service (24/7 management and security, food service and excellent gym facilities) - and these are of course pretty expensive due to the mainantance.

- "The Chinese feeling".

A lot of foreigners move to China simply because they want to experience the excellent culture in China. And living with a lot of foreigners in a closed apartment compound might not be the real way of seeing China.

As written in one forum thread on Shanghaiexpats.com that disucsses the topic, a member says:

I know exactly what you mean and I think your approach is great. I lived in one expat compound in my 9 years in China and in some ways it was easier, in terms of repairs and things, but if you want to experience China you have to live in it.

I really think this sums it up pretty good. You sort of have to choose between the convenience of living in a service apartment with an international expat community or be as close to the Chinese culture as possible.

I think this sort of sums it up when it comes to the negative effect by living in an expat compound.

Pros

Now over to the good sides. Because there are absolutely some reasons why you should live in a luxurious compound with other foreigners.

- Luxury apartments.

Most (or all) of the apartment compounds in Shanghai that try to get expat residents are very luxurious and great. I have visited at least 10 of them I got the "wow feeling" when I entered nine...

That says a lot. Comfortable beds, great and bright furniture as well as a great English-speaking management that will do everything for you.

- Family-friendly.

Most o the compounds in Shanghai do cooperate with international schools to bring children safe to the school and home from the school - especially those in the Hongqiao and Pudong area.

In addition to that, the probability that your children will find some international friends inside the compound is pretty big.

- Nice facilities.

Gym, tennis court, basketball court, soccer (football?) field and a spa room available? Does it sound nice?

It´s what most expats have available at any time (24 hours open) in most expat compounds. If you want an active life style with the gym just around the corner or in the basement of your building - I would really recommend living in an expat compound.