Auckland is one of New Zealand’s hottest housing markets − from great weather, breathtaking scenery and drool-worthy food and wine, Auckland is a wonderful city for couples, expats and families to live in.
Approximately 1.6 million people call Auckland home and the population is expected to grow to 1.8 million by 2035. Thousands of new job opportunities are fuelling the local economy and as the city grows more specialist firms and specialist skills are required, attracting more businesses and skilled migrants. However, choosing where to live in Auckland can be tricky especially if you’ve never visited. So, Grace has decided to share our local knowledge with you. Below are our picks of the best 5 neighbourhoods for families in Auckland.
1. Devonport
This picturesque village is extremely popular for young families, expats and Aucklanders. The suburb is nestled on Auckland’s north shore and is surrounded by the Waitemata Harbour. Devonport is located 12 minutes away from Auckland’s CBD, with plenty of buses running 7-days a week. Families looking to move to Devonport have a range options when it comes to preschools and primary schools including Narrow Neck Preschool, Acorn Montessori and Devonport Primary School. Amenities wise, there’s a supermarket, pharmacy, post office and a bank. Locals are also spoiled when it comes to dining with popular restaurants such as Hemingway’s, Corelli’s and Devon on the Wharf just around the corner.
2. Takapuna
Regarded as the unofficial ‘capital’ of Auckland’s North Shore, Takapuna is a lively beachside town located 10 minutes from Auckland’s CBD. Takapuna is popular as it offers a wide array of fashion, book and beauty shops, as well as the Takapuna Sunday Market which attracts hundreds of visitors every week. For families with older children, the Takapuna Grammar school offers world-class education for students aged between 12 to 18. While Takapuna Primary School is perfect for children in years 1 to 6. If you’re planning to commute to and from work, bus and ferry services are scheduled every 30 minutes.
3. Parnell
Parnell is one of Auckland’s most affluent suburbs and its proximity to the CBD makes it highly sought after by mid to high-income families. Parnell is home to Auckland’s top schools including Auckland Grammar, Epson Girls Grammar, ACG Parnell College and Parnell’s District School. Getting around Parnell is easy, with its own train station and the City Link Bus service. Of course, there are lots of restaurants, cafes and bars, as well as Auckland’s favourite French Market – La Cigale.
4. Howick
If you’d prefer to live away from the city’s CBD, then Howick might be for you. Howick is located 30 minutes east of the city so it’s a great place to escape the hustle and bustle. Like Devonport and Takapuna, Howick is a seaside town with easy access to Cockle Bay and Mellons Bay. In terms of schools, children can be enrolled at Howick Primary School, Howick Intermediate School and Howick College.
5. Grey Lynn
Perhaps the most affordable neighbourhood from our list of recommendations, Grey Lynn is more suited for families with older children. Parents have the option to enrol their children at Auckland’s Girls Grammar School, Mount Albert Grammar School and Western Springs College. Grey Lynn is located 3 kilometres from the city centre and has hundreds of bars and restaurants. Although it’s not as affluent as Parnell, Grey Lynn residents still enjoys harborside views and gorgeous parks.
Auckland is a modern and flourishing city, perfect for growing families. So, whether you choose to live in Parnell, Devonport or Takapuna, let Grace help you. Our complete door-to-door Removals Auckland services have been helping thousands of families move to the City of Sails. As professional movers and packers, we can help you in all aspects of your relocation from household packing, storage as well as vehicle and pet transportation. If you’d like more information about moving to Auckland, call us on 0800 472 2369 or fill in our ‘Get in Touch’ form.
