bookemjano

We're looking at where to settle, we think we would rather be in small town outside the city and commute in than be in a city suburb. Hubby is used to doing a daily 3 hour round trip at the moment in the UK so isn't concerned about commuting in NZ traffic if the right job comes along. We've therefore been looking at Rangiora or Kaiapoi. Does anyone have experience of living in either town, or know anyone who does?

We've been told Rangiora is really slow and a farming community that has nothing for teenagers. Does anyone here think otherwise?

We want to either start looking for rental possibilities in either town now, or cross them off our list and start looking at CHC suburbs, given that we've probably got 10 weeks if everything goes to plan.

Debs70

Sky has lived in both areas.. she'll be your best bet. The commute from both areas would be far, far less than 1.5hours each way that's for sure.

sky

Rangiora wins hands down for me, I have lived in both places and Rangiora has the best townstreet and feel. Personal choice though, you may like Kaiapoi when you get here but I didn't like the town street as much. There are lots of restaurants and pubs in Rangiora and the rates are cheaper $1200 as apposed to $1600 that we were paying in Kaiapoi!
I can nip into real state agents for you and see if they have any rental lists if you like, just let me know

Liz

sky

Could take from 35 to 45 mins to get to Ch.ch depending on the traffic and road conditions

bookemjano

Liz - from day one of making the decision Rangiora has spoken to us, I can't explain it, it just has. Then I got a book from eBay on Rangiora's beginnings, loads of old photos in it and I just fell in love. Your comments have definitely made up our minds.

Rental lists would be brilliant but I'd hate to waste your time as we can't give dates - we're selling the house, but I daren't assume yet that everything is going to run smoothly. Buyer is extremely keen, but aren't they always! We're aiming to be there mid October, and are looking for an unfurnished 3 bed that will allow us to take our dog. No idea of rent, up to $350 we think, but until we get there we don't know what that gets us. Do you think we're aiming too low? Always look ok in the pictures, but you never know if cheaper properties are that price because they're next to an abbatoir or something until you see them.

We're going to take the first two weeks in a bach near the coast to make sure the rental we get is in the right place, and for the right school, and to give us chance to recharge our batteries and go furniture shopping, so, if all goes to plan, we think we're looking for a place 1 November onwards.

sky

$350 is more than enough, my friend rents a three bed at the moment for $250 a wk ... it's a town house which means it's still detached with a double garage but it only has a little garden and usually shares a drive. Her's is brand new! I will look for rental lists for you if there are any available to give you some examples. All the real estates have some rental properties on their books, Harcourts, L.J.Hooker, Raywhites etc but there are lots of private ones in the papers too.

sky

Where's my avatar gone

Pinkie Pie

Oooh, spooky...did you not remove it yourself Sky???

I wondered where it had gone but thought you'd maybe taken it off for some reason...bring Tink back!!!

sky

Nope it did it itself and when I went to put it back on it said it didn't recognise the Url and then told me it was too big an avatar