Auckland Central Location - Renting
Feb 6th 2011, 3:51 pm
#1
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Auckland Central Location - Renting
Greetings,
After reading many many posts on this forum around renting and living in Auckland, few, if any, really appear to have covered what its like living in the CBD or recommend districts to live in that are within a 20-25 minute walk (5-10 min bike ride) to the city centre. Somewhere with a bus route to central Auckland would be great for a rainy day!
Laura and myself are flying to Auckland in early May and upon arrival we'll have less than 2 weeks to find somewhere to live. She'll most likely be a nurse ( and already working) at one of the city's hospitals, whereas I will be hoping to find somewhere for us to live as well as an IT job... ideally we'd both like to be able to walk to work (but we know this isn't always practical or easy to achieve ). Certainly we're not going to be able to afford a car right away.
We're hoping those of you here can help us with areas to live as well as provide advice on living in the CBD (good/bad idea etc)? Ideally we'd like a place that has 2 bedrooms, the second bedroom doesn't have to be big, but if we do have visitors they can at least crash! Our budget really is around $300-400 a week, but I'm slightly concerned that is the amount students pay per week for accommodation! Again, any insight or advice would be welcomed.
As always, thanks for everyone's input/help.
David.
After reading many many posts on this forum around renting and living in Auckland, few, if any, really appear to have covered what its like living in the CBD or recommend districts to live in that are within a 20-25 minute walk (5-10 min bike ride) to the city centre. Somewhere with a bus route to central Auckland would be great for a rainy day!
Laura and myself are flying to Auckland in early May and upon arrival we'll have less than 2 weeks to find somewhere to live. She'll most likely be a nurse ( and already working) at one of the city's hospitals, whereas I will be hoping to find somewhere for us to live as well as an IT job... ideally we'd both like to be able to walk to work (but we know this isn't always practical or easy to achieve ). Certainly we're not going to be able to afford a car right away.
We're hoping those of you here can help us with areas to live as well as provide advice on living in the CBD (good/bad idea etc)? Ideally we'd like a place that has 2 bedrooms, the second bedroom doesn't have to be big, but if we do have visitors they can at least crash! Our budget really is around $300-400 a week, but I'm slightly concerned that is the amount students pay per week for accommodation! Again, any insight or advice would be welcomed.
As always, thanks for everyone's input/help.
David.
Feb 6th 2011, 5:27 pm
#2
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Joined: Jul 2010
Location: Waimauku, near Auckand, NZ
Posts: 133
Re: Auckland Central Location - Renting
Ideally we'd like a place that has 2 bedrooms, the second bedroom doesn't have to be big, but if we do have visitors they can at least crash! Our budget really is around $300-400 a week, but I'm slightly concerned that is the amount students pay per week for accommodation! Again, any insight or advice would be welcomed.
As always, thanks for everyone's input/help.
David.
As always, thanks for everyone's input/help.
David.
I'm living on the North Shore with a choice of an express bus or combination of bus & ferry into the CBD. Travel time is approx 30-40 minutes depending on weather, roadworks, etc. Checkout www.maxx.co.nz & www.fullers.co.nz for further details.
I'm paying $400 rent for a acceptable 2-bed house in the pleasant area of Takapuna. I car sits in the carport for much of the week and is only used to shopping and socialising.
Competition is tough at this price point with anything cheaper being cheaper for a reason.
Feb 6th 2011, 5:35 pm
#3
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Re: Auckland Central Location - Renting
What's wrong with public transport?
I'm living on the North Shore with a choice of an express bus or combination of bus & ferry into the CBD. Travel time is approx 30-40 minutes depending on weather, roadworks, etc. Checkout www.maxx.co.nz & www.fullers.co.nz for further details.
I'm paying $400 rent for a acceptable 2-bed house in the pleasant area of Takapuna. I car sits in the carport for much of the week and is only used to shopping and socialising.
Competition is tough at this price point with anything cheaper being cheaper for a reason.
I'm living on the North Shore with a choice of an express bus or combination of bus & ferry into the CBD. Travel time is approx 30-40 minutes depending on weather, roadworks, etc. Checkout www.maxx.co.nz & www.fullers.co.nz for further details.
I'm paying $400 rent for a acceptable 2-bed house in the pleasant area of Takapuna. I car sits in the carport for much of the week and is only used to shopping and socialising.
Competition is tough at this price point with anything cheaper being cheaper for a reason.
From what I've read/seen, Devonport looks like a great place, especially with the ferry across!
Last edited by davros1984; Feb 6th 2011 at 5:42 pm.
Feb 6th 2011, 7:18 pm
#4
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Joined: Apr 2010
Location: North Shore
Posts: 113
Re: Auckland Central Location - Renting
Hi David,
We also live on the shore (Milford) and I commute to the CBD - I drive and it generally takes 30 - 40 mins on a normal to bad day. On a good day (i.e. when schools are on holiday) it takes 15 minutes.
There are plenty of buses that go to and from the city in all directions including night buses and they have the use of bus lanes so are generally quicker than driving.
I doubt you will be able to get a decent 2 bedroom place at that price in Devonport as it is one of the most expensive suburbs of Auckland
If you were to live somewhere further up the coast like Milford or Takapuna your OH could work at the North Shore Hospital and walk to work leaving you to catch a bus from the nearby Smales Farm bus terminal.
We have had no problems finding and making friends by living on the Shore, in fact none of our friends live in the CBD - they are all over Auckland! We're both 26 love living on the shore. If it wasn't for work we would rarely find ourselves in the CBD tbh.
Good luck with the move
We also live on the shore (Milford) and I commute to the CBD - I drive and it generally takes 30 - 40 mins on a normal to bad day. On a good day (i.e. when schools are on holiday) it takes 15 minutes.
There are plenty of buses that go to and from the city in all directions including night buses and they have the use of bus lanes so are generally quicker than driving.
I doubt you will be able to get a decent 2 bedroom place at that price in Devonport as it is one of the most expensive suburbs of Auckland
If you were to live somewhere further up the coast like Milford or Takapuna your OH could work at the North Shore Hospital and walk to work leaving you to catch a bus from the nearby Smales Farm bus terminal.
We have had no problems finding and making friends by living on the Shore, in fact none of our friends live in the CBD - they are all over Auckland! We're both 26 love living on the shore. If it wasn't for work we would rarely find ourselves in the CBD tbh.
Good luck with the move
Last edited by faye_h; Feb 6th 2011 at 7:24 pm.
Feb 6th 2011, 11:25 pm
#5
Joined: May 2005
Location: Abu Dhabi
Posts: 962
Re: Auckland Central Location - Renting
It depends what 'turns you on'. If your a young couple without children and want to enjoy the city then there are some great fun areas around the CBD you should have a look around.
Parnell is expensive and posh with lots of old villas, eateries and walking distance of the city and the hospital. On the other side of the city is Ponsonby that is also expensive and more trendy than posh, with loads of bars, restaurants and late night music haunts - walking distance of the city and not too far from the hospital. Both areas are pricey, but you may find a 2 bed for your budget.
Also worth looking at is Newton and area around the Karangahape Road (known as the 'K' Road) it's a stones throw from the main Auckland Hospital on one side and down the hill is the city, it's also walking distance from Ponsonby - it is extremely 'colourful' with cafes, 24 hour music bars, a few strip clubs, cabaret clubs and everything inbetween! We rented in this area for a month when we first landed, and though not great with 2 children, if we were solo it would have been a great fun place to base ourselves. I'm sure you'd get what you want for your budget in this area - have a look on trademe for rental listings. You wouldn't need a bike or car if you were here.
Otherwise as other posters have said, northshore the bus links are good, then the further out you go there are trains and buses to get you into the city pretty quickly, if your childless would suggest areas around Kinglsand which is another trendy bars/cafe culture area but not walking distance.
Parnell is expensive and posh with lots of old villas, eateries and walking distance of the city and the hospital. On the other side of the city is Ponsonby that is also expensive and more trendy than posh, with loads of bars, restaurants and late night music haunts - walking distance of the city and not too far from the hospital. Both areas are pricey, but you may find a 2 bed for your budget.
Also worth looking at is Newton and area around the Karangahape Road (known as the 'K' Road) it's a stones throw from the main Auckland Hospital on one side and down the hill is the city, it's also walking distance from Ponsonby - it is extremely 'colourful' with cafes, 24 hour music bars, a few strip clubs, cabaret clubs and everything inbetween! We rented in this area for a month when we first landed, and though not great with 2 children, if we were solo it would have been a great fun place to base ourselves. I'm sure you'd get what you want for your budget in this area - have a look on trademe for rental listings. You wouldn't need a bike or car if you were here.
Otherwise as other posters have said, northshore the bus links are good, then the further out you go there are trains and buses to get you into the city pretty quickly, if your childless would suggest areas around Kinglsand which is another trendy bars/cafe culture area but not walking distance.
Feb 6th 2011, 11:59 pm
#6
Forum Regular
Joined: Mar 2008
Location: Hawkes Bay
Posts: 185
Re: Auckland Central Location - Renting
Greetings,
After reading many many posts on this forum around renting and living in Auckland, few, if any, really appear to have covered what its like living in the CBD or recommend districts to live in that are within a 20-25 minute walk (5-10 min bike ride) to the city centre. Somewhere with a bus route to central Auckland would be great for a rainy day!
Laura and myself are flying to Auckland in early May and upon arrival we'll have less than 2 weeks to find somewhere to live. She'll most likely be a nurse ( and already working) at one of the city's hospitals, whereas I will be hoping to find somewhere for us to live as well as an IT job... ideally we'd both like to be able to walk to work (but we know this isn't always practical or easy to achieve ). Certainly we're not going to be able to afford a car right away.
We're hoping those of you here can help us with areas to live as well as provide advice on living in the CBD (good/bad idea etc)? Ideally we'd like a place that has 2 bedrooms, the second bedroom doesn't have to be big, but if we do have visitors they can at least crash! Our budget really is around $300-400 a week, but I'm slightly concerned that is the amount students pay per week for accommodation! Again, any insight or advice would be welcomed.
As always, thanks for everyone's input/help.
David.
After reading many many posts on this forum around renting and living in Auckland, few, if any, really appear to have covered what its like living in the CBD or recommend districts to live in that are within a 20-25 minute walk (5-10 min bike ride) to the city centre. Somewhere with a bus route to central Auckland would be great for a rainy day!
Laura and myself are flying to Auckland in early May and upon arrival we'll have less than 2 weeks to find somewhere to live. She'll most likely be a nurse ( and already working) at one of the city's hospitals, whereas I will be hoping to find somewhere for us to live as well as an IT job... ideally we'd both like to be able to walk to work (but we know this isn't always practical or easy to achieve ). Certainly we're not going to be able to afford a car right away.
We're hoping those of you here can help us with areas to live as well as provide advice on living in the CBD (good/bad idea etc)? Ideally we'd like a place that has 2 bedrooms, the second bedroom doesn't have to be big, but if we do have visitors they can at least crash! Our budget really is around $300-400 a week, but I'm slightly concerned that is the amount students pay per week for accommodation! Again, any insight or advice would be welcomed.
As always, thanks for everyone's input/help.
David.
I remember having the same question when we were moving to Auckland several years ago. I bought a map of Auckland & like you wanted somewhere close to the CBD with good transport. I choose Mission Bay it is one of the 3 bays, Mission Bay, Kohimarama & St. Heliers. My reasons were simple good bus service into the city every 10 minutes from memory. Mission Bay is 7km from CBD used to take me 15 minutes drive time, peak hour traffic could extend it to 20-30 minutes. The whole area is lovely to walk either Mission Bay to city or other direction Mission Bay to St.Heliers which I used to do most days. Another reason my husband needed to be near hospitals with heart condition & Auckland hospital in city or Mercy hospital (Newmarket area) are close by, in fact on 2 occasions I called an ambulance & from making the call to arriving at hospital took 15 minutes excellent service. although we are retired I loved Mission Bay for it's vibrant life, Kohimarama is more about families & St. Heliers old establishment. Mission Bay has lovely cafes & restaurants, an Art Deco cinema, good shopping centre at Eastridge, Medical & Dental facilities, Banks, Post Office, Kindergarten etc.
see link provided. http://www.missionbay.co.nz/
As far as`rents go not exactly cheap take a look at www.trademe.co.nz they have rentals & sales listings.
Our tenants pays $550 week for 3 bedroom 2 bathroom house with slight sea views double garage fully insulated, gas hot water & cooking as well as central heating. We pay for a gardener also. We could charge more but prefer good reliable tenants over higher rent. Rents of houses can go to $2,000 a week in area.However I am sure you can find an apartment for $400 a week.
If you have Google Earth take a look at Tamaki Drive, Mission Bay & follow it along & you will see what I mean.
I personally would not reccommend the North Shore because you have to cross the Harbour Bridge & traffic is congested. We experienced the same living north of the Harbour Bridge in Sydney.
Ann
Feb 7th 2011, 3:00 am
#7
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Joined: Jul 2010
Location: Queensland, Australia
Posts: 1,010
Rental Market Madness
Good news for any-one thinking of buying investment property in Auckland. Not so great if you're looking for a rental at the moment. I wonder how much of this is due to the world cup.
These rental prices are astounding and its not just Auckland that's having a rentals boom:
Demand for rental property in Auckland is at crisis point, with some houses now attracting as many as 200 would-be tenants.
Desperate tenants are often having to spend months searching for a place to live, and some even engage in bidding wars. Landlords are sitting pretty.
Rental agents say they are receiving hundreds of inquiries for listings, especially for stand-alone houses close to Auckland's central business district.
Desperate tenants are often having to spend months searching for a place to live, and some even engage in bidding wars. Landlords are sitting pretty.
Rental agents say they are receiving hundreds of inquiries for listings, especially for stand-alone houses close to Auckland's central business district.
Real estate agency Crockers recently reported that the average weekly rent for a three-bedroom home in central Auckland was $580 in December, up 16 per cent in a year. For Takapuna/Milford it was $670 (up 26 per cent) and Remuera $690 (up 25).
The Herald on Sunday has reported that Auckland rental property listings on Trade Me in January were down 24 per cent on the same month last year.
Demand was also outstripping supply in Northland, Bay of Plenty and Canterbury, although nowhere near as badly as in Auckland.
The Herald on Sunday has reported that Auckland rental property listings on Trade Me in January were down 24 per cent on the same month last year.
Demand was also outstripping supply in Northland, Bay of Plenty and Canterbury, although nowhere near as badly as in Auckland.
Feb 7th 2011, 4:24 am
#8
Joined: May 2005
Location: Abu Dhabi
Posts: 962
Re: Auckland Central Location - Renting
Hi David & Laura,
I remember having the same question when we were moving to Auckland several years ago. I bought a map of Auckland & like you wanted somewhere close to the CBD with good transport. I choose Mission Bay it is one of the 3 bays, Mission Bay, Kohimarama & St. Heliers. My reasons were simple good bus service into the city every 10 minutes from memory. Mission Bay is 7km from CBD used to take me 15 minutes drive time, peak hour traffic could extend it to 20-30 minutes. The whole area is lovely to walk either Mission Bay to city or other direction Mission Bay to St.Heliers which I used to do most days. Another reason my husband needed to be near hospitals with heart condition & Auckland hospital in city or Mercy hospital (Newmarket area) are close by, in fact on 2 occasions I called an ambulance & from making the call to arriving at hospital took 15 minutes excellent service. although we are retired I loved Mission Bay for it's vibrant life, Kohimarama is more about families & St. Heliers old establishment. Mission Bay has lovely cafes & restaurants, an Art Deco cinema, good shopping centre at Eastridge, Medical & Dental facilities, Banks, Post Office, Kindergarten etc.
see link provided. http://www.missionbay.co.nz/
As far as`rents go not exactly cheap take a look at www.trademe.co.nz they have rentals & sales listings.
Our tenants pays $550 week for 3 bedroom 2 bathroom house with slight sea views double garage fully insulated, gas hot water & cooking as well as central heating. We pay for a gardener also. We could charge more but prefer good reliable tenants over higher rent. Rents of houses can go to $2,000 a week in area.However I am sure you can find an apartment for $400 a week.
If you have Google Earth take a look at Tamaki Drive, Mission Bay & follow it along & you will see what I mean.
I personally would not reccommend the North Shore because you have to cross the Harbour Bridge & traffic is congested. We experienced the same living north of the Harbour Bridge in Sydney.
Ann
I remember having the same question when we were moving to Auckland several years ago. I bought a map of Auckland & like you wanted somewhere close to the CBD with good transport. I choose Mission Bay it is one of the 3 bays, Mission Bay, Kohimarama & St. Heliers. My reasons were simple good bus service into the city every 10 minutes from memory. Mission Bay is 7km from CBD used to take me 15 minutes drive time, peak hour traffic could extend it to 20-30 minutes. The whole area is lovely to walk either Mission Bay to city or other direction Mission Bay to St.Heliers which I used to do most days. Another reason my husband needed to be near hospitals with heart condition & Auckland hospital in city or Mercy hospital (Newmarket area) are close by, in fact on 2 occasions I called an ambulance & from making the call to arriving at hospital took 15 minutes excellent service. although we are retired I loved Mission Bay for it's vibrant life, Kohimarama is more about families & St. Heliers old establishment. Mission Bay has lovely cafes & restaurants, an Art Deco cinema, good shopping centre at Eastridge, Medical & Dental facilities, Banks, Post Office, Kindergarten etc.
see link provided. http://www.missionbay.co.nz/
As far as`rents go not exactly cheap take a look at www.trademe.co.nz they have rentals & sales listings.
Our tenants pays $550 week for 3 bedroom 2 bathroom house with slight sea views double garage fully insulated, gas hot water & cooking as well as central heating. We pay for a gardener also. We could charge more but prefer good reliable tenants over higher rent. Rents of houses can go to $2,000 a week in area.However I am sure you can find an apartment for $400 a week.
If you have Google Earth take a look at Tamaki Drive, Mission Bay & follow it along & you will see what I mean.
I personally would not reccommend the North Shore because you have to cross the Harbour Bridge & traffic is congested. We experienced the same living north of the Harbour Bridge in Sydney.
Ann
THE best place in Auckland to live!!
Feb 7th 2011, 6:17 am
#9
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Joined: Jan 2009
Location: Auckland
Posts: 151
Re: Auckland Central Location - Renting
If you are happy with apartments, Newmarket is another option - close to city hospital, on train line and link bus route (city circuit for rainy days) - could walk or bike through the Domain to city. And I agree biking along waterfront is nice option.if you choose the bays. Grey lynn is just about walkable and upcoming trendy too
Feb 7th 2011, 6:55 am
#10
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Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,008
Re: Auckland Central Location - Renting
Greetings,
After reading many many posts on this forum around renting and living in Auckland, few, if any, really appear to have covered what its like living in the CBD or recommend districts to live in that are within a 20-25 minute walk (5-10 min bike ride) to the city centre. Somewhere with a bus route to central Auckland would be great for a rainy day!
Laura and myself are flying to Auckland in early May and upon arrival we'll have less than 2 weeks to find somewhere to live. She'll most likely be a nurse ( and already working) at one of the city's hospitals, whereas I will be hoping to find somewhere for us to live as well as an IT job... ideally we'd both like to be able to walk to work (but we know this isn't always practical or easy to achieve ). Certainly we're not going to be able to afford a car right away.
We're hoping those of you here can help us with areas to live as well as provide advice on living in the CBD (good/bad idea etc)? Ideally we'd like a place that has 2 bedrooms, the second bedroom doesn't have to be big, but if we do have visitors they can at least crash! Our budget really is around $300-400 a week, but I'm slightly concerned that is the amount students pay per week for accommodation! Again, any insight or advice would be welcomed.
As always, thanks for everyone's input/help.
David.
After reading many many posts on this forum around renting and living in Auckland, few, if any, really appear to have covered what its like living in the CBD or recommend districts to live in that are within a 20-25 minute walk (5-10 min bike ride) to the city centre. Somewhere with a bus route to central Auckland would be great for a rainy day!
Laura and myself are flying to Auckland in early May and upon arrival we'll have less than 2 weeks to find somewhere to live. She'll most likely be a nurse ( and already working) at one of the city's hospitals, whereas I will be hoping to find somewhere for us to live as well as an IT job... ideally we'd both like to be able to walk to work (but we know this isn't always practical or easy to achieve ). Certainly we're not going to be able to afford a car right away.
We're hoping those of you here can help us with areas to live as well as provide advice on living in the CBD (good/bad idea etc)? Ideally we'd like a place that has 2 bedrooms, the second bedroom doesn't have to be big, but if we do have visitors they can at least crash! Our budget really is around $300-400 a week, but I'm slightly concerned that is the amount students pay per week for accommodation! Again, any insight or advice would be welcomed.
As always, thanks for everyone's input/help.
David.
Feb 7th 2011, 7:44 am
#11
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Joined: Oct 2008
Location: NZ - Auckland
Posts: 539
Re: Auckland Central Location - Renting
We are going to be based in Stanmore Bay area when we tocuh down in April.
But will look to rent in the CBD for a short period of time, we have a little one with us but want to get back to some city living for a while.
We are shipping our bikes over as I (luke) will use that as my main mode of transport. Until i can buy a Ute!!!
Cycling along the waterfront sounds a dream!
But will look to rent in the CBD for a short period of time, we have a little one with us but want to get back to some city living for a while.
We are shipping our bikes over as I (luke) will use that as my main mode of transport. Until i can buy a Ute!!!
Cycling along the waterfront sounds a dream!
Feb 7th 2011, 6:03 pm
#12
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Joined: Nov 2010
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Posts: 685
Re: Auckland Central Location - Renting
Everyone - thank you for the wonderful replies, you have provided a lot of very helpful information. I'd love to reply to all of you, but that would be quite a mission!
I guess its hard trying to work out where is really commutable to the city without a car. But from what I've read here, bus links sound fine. I am quite happy with a 25-30 minute walk to work as well. It would be a dream to cycle to work.
Laura and myself are in our late 20's (without kids), so whilst we're not really in the mood for "clubbing" and the like, we like the idea of pubs/restaurants/bars, but we really love the idea of living close to the beach if possible. We hope to make lots of new friends!
Aucklander - Mission Bay looks amazing and I could see myself doing a lot of cycling there. I think from what we've seen, that could be our favourite place! I would assume cycling to the City would be possible if the weather
is good. What about over toward Westmere and Point Chevalier, are they nice? Would love to chat more.
What would be really useful is to know the areas to definitely avoid (if there are any)! We'd happily increase our budget a little if the property/location was right and included some bills, i.e. $450-550 a week if it included most of the bills. I've read previously that Grey Lynn and those areas immediately west of the city are quite nice.
P18PPS - thanks for the insight, what about areas such as mount wellington? Is that quite a commute?
Bellasmum - not sure yet, I am merely doing research prior to our move as we'll have very limited time when out in NZ to find somewhere to live! As we don't have any friends or family out there we will need to be pretty organised to find somewhere. Laura is currently in the process of getting on the nursing register, but I suspect she'll probably be placed at Auckland city hospital or the North Shore.
We are up for some city living for a while, so long as we enjoy ourselves. But it would be amazing to live within a 15 minute walk or bike ride of the beach.
Thanks,
David.
I guess its hard trying to work out where is really commutable to the city without a car. But from what I've read here, bus links sound fine. I am quite happy with a 25-30 minute walk to work as well. It would be a dream to cycle to work.
Laura and myself are in our late 20's (without kids), so whilst we're not really in the mood for "clubbing" and the like, we like the idea of pubs/restaurants/bars, but we really love the idea of living close to the beach if possible. We hope to make lots of new friends!
Aucklander - Mission Bay looks amazing and I could see myself doing a lot of cycling there. I think from what we've seen, that could be our favourite place! I would assume cycling to the City would be possible if the weather
is good. What about over toward Westmere and Point Chevalier, are they nice? Would love to chat more.
What would be really useful is to know the areas to definitely avoid (if there are any)! We'd happily increase our budget a little if the property/location was right and included some bills, i.e. $450-550 a week if it included most of the bills. I've read previously that Grey Lynn and those areas immediately west of the city are quite nice.
P18PPS - thanks for the insight, what about areas such as mount wellington? Is that quite a commute?
Bellasmum - not sure yet, I am merely doing research prior to our move as we'll have very limited time when out in NZ to find somewhere to live! As we don't have any friends or family out there we will need to be pretty organised to find somewhere. Laura is currently in the process of getting on the nursing register, but I suspect she'll probably be placed at Auckland city hospital or the North Shore.
We are up for some city living for a while, so long as we enjoy ourselves. But it would be amazing to live within a 15 minute walk or bike ride of the beach.
Thanks,
David.
Feb 8th 2011, 1:50 am
#13
Joined: May 2005
Location: Abu Dhabi
Posts: 962
Re: Auckland Central Location - Renting
Mt Wellington is more affordable "family" living, restaurants and eating out not so good around there, there is a large housing development going on at Stonefields with new properties being built, so if new build is your thing then possibly worth a look , but not a patch on the likes of Mission Bay which is gorgeous. Mission Bay is a flat bike ride all the way to the city (approx 6km ride), and when the weather is bad there is a regular bus route that takes you straight into the city with dedicated bus lane at peak times.
Probably the best thing to do is wait and see which hospital you need to be close to and then 'get lost' around the city - hire a car if necessary for a few days until you feel comfortable with an area. There are loads of inexpensive places you can stay - hotels/motels or backpackers - just until you make some decisions on where to be.
Good luck
Probably the best thing to do is wait and see which hospital you need to be close to and then 'get lost' around the city - hire a car if necessary for a few days until you feel comfortable with an area. There are loads of inexpensive places you can stay - hotels/motels or backpackers - just until you make some decisions on where to be.
Good luck
Feb 8th 2011, 5:34 am
#14
Forum Regular
Joined: Jan 2009
Location: Auckland
Posts: 151
Re: Auckland Central Location - Renting
Whilst pleasan,t Westmere and Point Chevalier are older suburbs - considered upper harbour - beaches are more tidal and muddy, though I think some have been re-sanded - the "city" beaches ( Or Eastern Bays)- Okahu - Mission Bay - Kohimarama ( Kohi) and St Heliers are all much better in my opinion. But you don't have to actually be on the beach - Glendowie, St Johns, Meadowbank etc are easy few mins drive to waterfront. MB ofcourse is ideal for cafes etc
Feb 10th 2011, 2:35 am
#15
Sleazy Dippin Doodle
Joined: May 2007
Location: wellington
Posts: 1,363
Re: Auckland Central Location - Renting
I think, to be truly honest, that as your partner is a nurse that may end up redefining your accommodation options and whilst it's really helpful to know the names of the areas to live in so that you are familiar when you do look I wouldn't worry too much until you have a better idea where she is. If she happens to work in a unit which is a 9 - 5 type one...super. They are regular hours. If she's doing shift work then I think you need to know which hospital she's at. Have you been to Auckland? It's a big, spread out city. Public transport reflects that in some respect. Through the day you can get anywhere. At night you have a bit more of an effort.
Oh, as for a car....hmmmm...funny one because if you are living closer to the city you will find it harder (probably) to find a place with a carpark. Certainly if you are in an apartment. However, she might find it helpful to get to work and that would give you far more flexibility.
I'm not sure if it's at all helpful but are you familiar with rental agencies which do super cheap rental cars like Apex, Ace, Pegasus or cheaper ones even? It's possible to get cars for less than $25 a day if you hire long term. Perhaps an option when you are trying to find a place and trying to figure out how far away places actually are from the hospital. The cars are *not* fancy cars. They are often early 2000s. And yeah, I know people will say that's an older car but for city driving tootling around the place and getting on and off a motorway it could be fine.
Another suggestion - look on trademe on the 'flatmates wanted' section. Not to find a place but rather to get an idea of the types of places available. The adverts will include something about the tenants. That's quite a good way to get an idea about popular places for families, professionals, students etc. Sometimes that's a bit more helpful than just looking at pictures of the empty properties!
Oh, as for a car....hmmmm...funny one because if you are living closer to the city you will find it harder (probably) to find a place with a carpark. Certainly if you are in an apartment. However, she might find it helpful to get to work and that would give you far more flexibility.
I'm not sure if it's at all helpful but are you familiar with rental agencies which do super cheap rental cars like Apex, Ace, Pegasus or cheaper ones even? It's possible to get cars for less than $25 a day if you hire long term. Perhaps an option when you are trying to find a place and trying to figure out how far away places actually are from the hospital. The cars are *not* fancy cars. They are often early 2000s. And yeah, I know people will say that's an older car but for city driving tootling around the place and getting on and off a motorway it could be fine.
Another suggestion - look on trademe on the 'flatmates wanted' section. Not to find a place but rather to get an idea of the types of places available. The adverts will include something about the tenants. That's quite a good way to get an idea about popular places for families, professionals, students etc. Sometimes that's a bit more helpful than just looking at pictures of the empty properties!