[jamilliah]

Hi my parents may be looking in this area for a home around Kenderdine Road..near manukau city...

I have a young sister who would need good enough schooling..transportation,amenities are big factors..

Can you tell me anything for this area..as i know theres good and bad places..more bad than good in south auckland as i have heard..

But can you tell me if this particular area is a good one?

THANKS A BUNCH

[ourquest]

If you do a google search on "community profile" and any area you are interested in it will provide you with Statistics New Zealand's report on that area (and compares it to New Zealand as a whole). It shows all sorts of statistical demographics like average income, household size, age distribution, qualifications of people over 15 years old and ethnicity. Although the stats are from the 2001 census they remain useful in a country that doesn't change as rapidly as some others.

Don't get too caught up in the stats, but do use it to compare one area with another. It is as reliable a method that you can find, and you will generally find for example that the "best" schools align with areas of highest social "measures". As with all over the world there are areas more inclined to experience crime (the poorer suburbs), and on the ground there are little hints like petrol stations requiring that purchases be prepaid rather than self service first and then payment.

Quality of houses is related, but it is more apparent in the upkeep of the houses and general tidyness of the yards.

Of course the downside is that some suburbs are cheaper than others and not always for the best reasons, although it could also be as a result of a longer commute.
I really thinks this type of research is worthwhile. It is more objective than personal opinion.