karlquayle

Hello, My wife and i are thinking of emigrating to Hamilton.. Has anyone lived/ lives there..?

whats it like?

we are a young couple looking to start a new fresh life..

looking at any career and willing to start at the bottom..

thanks to any replies

escapedtonz

Hi,

I don't live in Hamilton but often stay there due to work commitments.
Up there again Mon - Fri next week and will be staying close to the city centre in one of my company's apartments.
Don't know what it is that I like about Hamilton, but I am quite fond of the place. I wouldn't recommend living in the city obviously as its all shops bars restaurants and businesses but there are some really nice places around and about plus it is situated in a place allowing easy access to the West coast (Raglan), the Bay Of Plenty, the Coromandel, Auckland, Rotorua and Lake Taupo.
I quite like Cambridge and Matamata for the nice village feel.
The city centre during the day is fine. Good shopping etc and equally good at night with plenty pubs, eateries, casino etc.
Really like the fact that there's The Waikato River running right through the middle, hospital, airport all close by.
Really easy to find property away from the city out semi rural or rural but still be within 15/20 minutes drive.
I've actually put in for a transfer to our Hamilton office so just hope something comes up soon.
Nothing wrong with Wellington where we are but there's an opportunity to try somewhere else so may as well give it a go.
The weather seems better in Hamilton than Wellington. Certainly at least a few degrees warmer and less windy.
Housing and cost of living defo cheaper. You get more property for your money whether renting or buying.

Good luck

MOSO

I've studied at the University of Waikato in Hamilton and I would describe Hamilton as a 'functional' town. It's certainly not the most attractive place in NZ, but it has most things cities have. They could make more of the river area, but the parks/gardens are nice. The weather can get very hot and humid in summer as it's a long way from the coast and I found it was often foggy in winter, but I was only ever up there for weeks at a time rather than living permanently. I've heard Hamilton often described as convenient to get to other places

I think you're going on a working holiday and therefore looking for temporary work? As there are so many students living in Hamilton, there are plenty of nightlife/restaurants and bars but you may struggle to find short term casual work as I assume the students must want that kind of work too. There is a more industrial area to the north of the city, so there may be work there depending on your skills.

South of Hamilton, there are lots of stud farms and Cambridge is a much nicer town. If you're into horses I'm sure you would be able to find temporary work.

In that general area, you may find more touristy locations such as Rotorua, Taupo or Tauranga have more temp work and then you can take advantage of the things to do there.

Enjoy your trip!

davros1984

Hamilton is a great place. Sure its not as visually stunning as Auckland or Queenstown (or Wellington), but you know what.. its just got that normal feeling to it. To me that is homely and welcoming. It doesnt seem the sort of place that every other geezer wants to outdo each other (i.e. with house prices, the suburb you live in or the car you drive). Its a growing city and has some beautiful places around it.

Best of all... its the centre of Chiefs country

I start a new job in a couple of weeks, which gives me the option to move to Hamilton, WLG or CHCH in 12-18 months time.

If you are a typical young couple (sorry if thats insulting), but I mean you want a lot of events/gigs/shows/parties going on, Hamilton isn't perhaps the place. I am 28 but possibly with an old head and I'd really like to move to the TRON and start a somewhat "normal" but simple life.

Best of luck with your move.