[Jeni Elise]

If we work in the heart of Auckland and need a short commute (i.e. walkable, bikeable, or perhaps scooterable), are there many living options around the area? We're interested in looking at rentals as well as homes for sale. And since we're a younger couple, we'll need something affordable (but not shabby).

How are the suburbs? Anyone? Anyone? :)

[kanatakiwi]

Parnell, ponsonby, Grey Lynn, Mount Eden, Freemans Bay. All except Parnell would be a fairly long walk but definitely do-able bybus or scooter

[Tia Maria]

It would help narrow things down a lot if you can put a figure to affordable.

Do you have a rental price range in mind? Or an idea of how much you can spend if you buy?

Cheers

Tia

[Jeni Elise]

^
Good point.

I'm thinking maybe $180-$250 NZD/week for a rental, and somewhere around $180K - $300K NZD for a purchase (home/flat/maisonette). I'd even be interested - before we get settled - in getting involved with an exchange program (working for living accomodations, and so forth).

These are based on the assumption that our income is about the same as what we are making in the U.S. I could be going too cheap, but I'm not sure.

[KerryS]

I'm thinking maybe $180-$250 NZD/week for a rental, and somewhere around $180 K - $300K NZD for a purchase (home/flat/maisonette). I'd even be interested - before we get settled - in getting involved with an exchange program (working for living accomodations, and so forth).



Those prices are certainly at the low end, so I would suggest that you look further out of the city as the suburbs mentioned by Kanatakiwi are certainly a lot more expensive than that for purchasing property - and even for rentals in most of them, unless you want a shoebox!

You can get an idea of rental prices by checking TradeMe and searching for the suburbs you're interested in.

Maybe try Kingsland, Western Springs, Westmere, Point Chevalier or Newmarket as alternatives to those suggested earlier. None are walking distance, but all are easily commutable by bus or train into the CBD. They are a little bit further out, but that is reflected in the price of the property and rentals.

[Jeni Elise]

^
Good to know. I'm not opposed to using public transit at all actually, so as long as it's accessible, that works too. In fact, I almost prefer that to living right in the city. Thanks!

:clap

[suzer]

We pay $250NZD a week for a private room in a hostel in Mt Eden...and have to share bathrooms...just for an idea at how expensive things are here. Haven't found a furnished flat for any cheaper, or the same...so we're staying at the hostel at the moment. Dunno why things are so expensive here, as Auckland is imo not exactly above average as a city:/

[Caroline and Dave]

^
Good point.

I'm thinking maybe $180-$250 NZD/week for a rental, and somewhere around $180K - $300K NZD for a purchase (home/flat/maisonette). I'd even be interested - before we get settled - in getting involved with an exchange program (working for living accomodations, and so forth).

These are based on the assumption that our income is about the same as what we are making in the U.S. I could be going too cheap, but I'm not sure.

Hi Jeni Elise, this link will give you an idea to the average rental prices per area.
Hope this helps
http://www.dbh.govt.nz/market-rent

Dave and Caroline

[Lupin]

Dunno why things are so expensive here, as Auckland is imo not exactly above average as a city:/

Is Auckland not living up to your hopes Suz? Another few weeks and the weather will improve :yes

[Tia Maria]

Jeni Elise, another good site to use while you are trying to pick an area is:

www.open2view.com

(Make sure you have the window fully open, or you will have to scroll down to find the quick search facility)

There are lots of property sites with, www.realestate.co.nz, probably being one of the best, but Open2view allows you to key in an area and it brings up both rental and purchase prices side by side.

If you would like any other links, let me know I have tons of sites for property. Its become a bit of an obsession! :laugh

Cheers

Tia

[Mike & Nicola]

Walkable and nice suburbs are
Parnell
Ponsonby (bit anal)
Newmarket (at a stretch but good bus links)
Grey Lynn
Freemans Bay
Herne Bay
The Eastern bays of Mission & Kohi are also v nice and not bad bus links. (If you're also into fitness they're a fantastic running route)

[Vladimir]

I'm thinking maybe $180-$250 NZD/week for a rental, and somewhere around $180 K - $300K NZD for a purchase (home/flat/maisonette). Those prices are certainly at the low end...

I have seen apartments and townhouses for sale in Parnell on TradeMe. The price is about 250-300K for 2-bedroom apartment with a carpark (leasehold property).

[holland]

We are in HB...but loved parnell when we first arrived, a gorgeous place..bus route great into Auckland CBD