[Familyofmonkeys]

Another area we have been considering is Albany? Any thoughts on the area? Seems to be loads of modern warmer houses, even if they are a bit soul-less......not sure?

[Caroline and Dave]

Hi,
We love Albany.
Wherever you are here you are minutes or less from deep countryside yet only 20 mins from Auckland CBD OUT OF RUSH HOUR.
If you work in the CBD or need to get over the bridge for work then expect at least an hours Journey between 7am to 9am and the same at night. Of course you could always work flexi time. Our next door neighbour leaves for work at 6.30 every morning and does it in 20 mins. But he still has the home journey.
Apart from that Albany now has the New Westfield Centre which is fully open in a couple of weeks. Most things you need can be obtained here and the New Multiplex Cinema opens soon.
As regards housing, although most of the housing is fairly new you still have to be aware of Leaky Buildings which Albany has its fair share.
We stayed in a rental that was only 8 years old but we found it very damp.
We are now in an apartment until the house is built and it is very warm.
Having said all this there are some fine houses being built here now and as long as you get a builders survey done you should be ok.
Albany is a great place for familys and those on their own. It just about caters for everyone. Snow planet and the new luge are just up the road.
It is worth getting to know the place and spending a bit of time looking around here.
Once the bus lane is open it may well be a quicker route to take as the park and ride is in Albany outskirts but until it fully opens you can't tell if this will make much difference.

Hope this helps

Dave and Caroline

[xanctus]

I have driven around in Albany and yes houses are newer just like Dannemora. The only consideration that we have is that both our work are in the city and as Dave n Caroline explain, traffic can be a major hassle. Therefore, Albany is a bit out of our choice. But the area itself is simply nice...it's new growing area I think.

Not to mention, is IKEA going to be there also??? I have read it from other threads, but I thought IKEA will be opening in Sylvia Park, Mt. Welli.
Someone correct me on this...:D

[Familyofmonkeys]

WooHoo.....have finally found a nice new rental...in Albany :)
No more leaky pipes and freeeeezing winters for us!

[mgbridges]

Oooo, you'll be just up the road from us in Browns Bay. Given that your handle is Familyofmonkeys do you have kids that might be interested in meeting up with our 5 3/4yr old to play? There is also usually a packet of emergency Tim Tams and/or beer/wine in the fridge for us grown ups! We also have Yorkshire T-Bags if that is any kind of incentive.

Hope the move goes smoothly for you (no pun intended).
Anneliese

[Familyofmonkeys]

Oooo, you'll be just up the road from us in Browns Bay. Given that your handle is Familyofmonkeys do you have kids that might be interested in meeting up with our 5 3/4yr old to play? There is also usually a packet of emergency Tim Tams and/or beer/wine in the fridge for us grown ups! We also have Yorkshire T-Bags if that is any kind of incentive.

Hope the move goes smoothly for you (no pun intended).
Anneliese

Yes, we have kids'a plenty! Ours are 4 1/2, 2 1/2 and 9 months! I would be happy to meet up anyway kids or not.....nice to have an adult conversation....if the kids let me get a work in edgeways:roll I'll give you a PM once we move in few weeks!
Busy packing....packing....and more packing! It's amazing how long it takes to pack a few mugs and plates, when you can't just get on with it.

And Yorkshire tea bags....luuurvely. My mum felt guilty for drinking ALL of ours when she visited recently, and agreed to post some more. Now she's complaining the postage was £6....guess I'll have to make the next lot last a while :wah

[IanW99]

...
And Yorkshire tea bags....luuurvely. My mum felt guilty for drinking ALL of ours when she visited recently, and agreed to post some more. Now she's complaining the postage was £6....guess I'll have to make the next lot last a while :wah

It would have been cheaper to just buy them from an 'English' shop in NZ.

Ian

[Familyofmonkeys]

It would have been cheaper to just buy them from an 'English' shop in NZ.

Ian

I know....but you can't tell my mum anything :uhoh