[Jakespa]

Hi Folks
I need to make a choice jobwise between Wellington and Hamilton.
Bear in mind that we have two teenage children.
Taking everything into consideration, which City would you go for
Kathy

[BaldyBeardyBloke]

We live in Hamilton and love it, but with kids at 10 & 11, not quite teens.

Undoubtedly there is likely to be more choice of venues for them in the much bigger city of Wellington, but Hamilton is big enough to have most things - selection of cinema's, plenty of sports facilities, swimming pools, rugby/football/cricket/tennis etc clubs, bowling alleys, go karting, rock climbing, couple of theatres, places where smaller bands play, (small) shopping malls.

Annually we have the V8 supercars, world rally stages, balloon festival, plus international cricket and rugby, world class watersports over at lake karapiro, tons of horse related events in the area, 45 mins from excellent surfing beaches. There are art galleries, fashion exhibitions, film festivals, a zoo....the list goes on.

If you live near enough to town the bus service is excellent and you can live on the edge of town and not be more than 10 minutes drive from town centre. You are only 90 mins from Auckland should you need a big city.

How old are your kids, if at or near driving age then there is tons for them here.

I notice you are in Sandbach. I was born in Tarporley. Hamilton is about the size of Nantwich, but not as pretty.

If you want a 'pretty' city with more touristy things (fountains, cable cars, lot's of cafe's more eating out choice) then Welly might be better, but our weather is much better than theirs (and a lot better than Sandbach's) :)

Here endeth the Hamilton tourist board presentation :)

[Sam B]

If I'm being objective, Wellington is more attractive and has more going on I should think, but Hamilton is probably under-rated, it's a nice city and is growing rapidly. We defo have better weather up here overall, and it's really handy to get to lots of nice places.

I like Hamilton and I wasn't expecting to ... it grows on you.

[Jakespa]

Thank you for your replies, just what we needed. The kids are 16 and 18 and have been promised driving lessons asap after settling
Kathy

[Georgebulldog]

Hi
Have you done a search under Wellington? There was a post recently giving all the great reasons to choose Wellington, I am obviousley going to say come here as I love it & think it would be a great place for teenagers with so much going on. I could go on & on but I wont but please look at previous posts on this subject
Good luck with wherever you choose

[Alive&Kicking]

If I were a teenager: Wellington!!!

[Jakespa]

Thanks folks it all helps
Kathy

[eternalkiwi]

Having lived in both cities I would say either city is a good choice.

Both cities have a wealth of advantages both for work and lifestyle.
As others have said Hamilton's weather is warmer (possibly due to its inland location) and is located close to a wide range of cities, towns, beaches, bush and activities (in addition to what is available within the city). Though as Wellington is a coastal city there is coastline & beaches galore, and it is a very compact city.

As you might expect, house prices in Wellington are a little more expensive than Hamilton, though food and fuel can be slightly cheaper. Wellington definitely wins in the restaurant and entertainment scene with a bigger variety (styles and ethnic influence) and higher quality. Hamilton's terrain is largely flat whereas Wellington City is mostly hills. Depending on your industry salaries would be similar or slightly higher salary in Wellington.

Shawn

[Steadybears]

We have an 1 yrs old - attending Waikato Uni and although havent been to Wellington - can only comment on Hamilton. Son has settled in really well - joined a soccer club - parties with young fol most weekend - and has found he has been able to keep himself vey busy.

Good luck with your choices.

[Jakespa]

Thanks everybody. These super post are absolutely wonderful. We at the moment are leaning towards Hamilton.......maybe
Kathy