lc77

Hi everyone
My husband is applying for a job in Wellington, so we're starting to think about potential areas to live, so we can do the budgeting and work out if it's all going to be manageable. Ideally we'd like somewhere with reasonable facilities (shops, cafes, swimming pool, playgrounds, childcare, library etc) that's not too far out of the city. The job would be based at the airport, so that's a consideration, but he wouldn't often be travelling at peak times, so traffic wouldn't be a big issue.

Essentially a nice, family-friendly area that has a bit of life, but where we can toddle off to bed in peace at 10pm would be ideal! Hubby has lived in Wellington before but that was back when he was a single chap, so he's not really clued up on family areas...

Any suggestions welcome.

Thanks!

Stgeorge6

It all depends ultimately on your budget, close to CBD you have areas like Kelburn and Khandallah, then slightly further out you have Seatoun, Eastbourne, Petone, Miarmar, Island Bay, Karouri. All great in their own way, even further out and cheaper and has everything you want is Kapiti Coast, but the commute a v long one, my wife did it when working for Air NZ and not funny for a 4 am start !!!!!

Good luck, great city

escapedtonz

Hi,
Depending on size of property and budget, rent near to the airport and near to Wellington CBD is pricey. The only place between the CBD and the airport that has everything on your list would probably be Kilbirnie but not somewhere I'd like to live. I'm not really keen on anywhere South / South East of the CBD for one reason or another. Round the bays is nice so the likes of Seatoun, Lyall Bay etc. Miramar is fine but all seems to be built on top of one another.
Karori is nice but expensive for property as is Khandallah.
Johnsonville is fine. A little dated but supposedly having a new shopping precinct at some point to replace the current one. Everything there that you need and still within 30 mins commute to the airport.
The further up SH1 you go the cheaper the rent gets or more specifically the further your rent goes. Better house and maybe more land to play with. The newer subdivisions are Churton Park and Aotea.
The Hutt Valley is also an option for you depending on how long of a commute you want. Some parts of Lower Hutt are really nice - e.g. Woburn and yet are walking distance from Lower Hutt CBD and near to a train line and good bus routes. It's also an easy commute of around 30 mins to the airport.
Upper Hutt is also ok but obviously further out. There are places in between that are fine.
Difficult question to answer as only you know what you want from an area and a property.

moonie2011

We live Papakowhai/paremata area. It's about 20min journey to the centre of the city, will be about 40mins to the airport. It's a great area, near to beaches and bush, porirua city has most shops that you need, swimming pool, play areas, library etc we only go into the city for days out or events. It is a great family area and has some very good primary schools. The local college had a bit of a bad reputation but a new head teacher has turned it around and it is getting better and better ������ I am told that when the Kapiti link road is finished that this area will be quite sought after, and house prices will go up. We love it here, wouldn't move closer or further as it suits us all perfectly
Good luck

escapedtonz

When Transmission Gulley is finished!!! That's a big question. Supposedly by 2024 the last time I looked. When it is completed it'll open up the whole of the Kapiti Coast as being within a very easy commutable distance to Welly. Prices all the way up to Waikanai and beyond should rise.