[SpoMini]

First of greetings to everyone. I've searched and looked on the forums and I am hoping I can get answers to a few questions.

We're moving from the high desert of Utah and I will be working in South Auckland, Grafton Area I believe. I really don't want the hour long commute I have now, especially with the petrol prices. In fact, if I can take public transport I would. I have 2 children (7&2) so good schools are a necessity. We have our PR approved and are relocating with a NZ company.

Regardless, We're completely in the dark about good neighborhoods, schools, etc. I do think that the Wattle Cove link is nice but can't find the area on a map. Lastly, we can spend between 400 to 580k on a house. Any info on areas I should look, or more importantly where I should not, would be highly appreciative.

I appreciate anyones help.

Thanks

[Singel]

Welcome to the forum, SpoMini

The location of your workplace is near Auckland CBD and the morning/evening rush hour traffic are pretty bad. You will need more than an hour travel time by car. Most of the employers are very accommodating as they know about the traffic woes here.

These are how my neighbours do to beat the traffic jam :
1) One neighbour works in Eden Terrace (near Grafton) and she avoids the peak hour traffic jam by working on flexi time.

2) Another neighbour works in Newmarket (next to Grafton) and he took a 35-min train ride each way to work every day.

I would advise that you start with rental near your office, get to know the traffic problem there and then decide which location to buy a house.

Good Luck with your move to NZ and your new job :nice1
:cheers
Wattle Cove is in the peninsular of Wattle Downs, suburb of Manurewa :
http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b47/Singel8/manurewa.gif

[Oregonkiwi]

hi,
are you sure about where you'll be working? Grafton is in the inner city, not in South Auckland.

[tigerlily]

I've heard tell about a wonderful booked called "Where to Live in Auckland" it seems to have quite a bit about the feel of the neighborhoods, the schools etc. People seem to like it and I think many have sent away for it. Sorry I can't be of more help.

One more thing, I was surprised to find some nice looking rentals on TradeMe.co.nz as well as all the other ebay stuff (cars, houses, and everything else one can buy.)

[jubjub]

http://www.wheretoliveinauckland.co.nz/

this is where you get the magic book, hubby is still reading it and we have been here 4/5 months now (and bought a house!)

[Michelle and Richard]

I lived in Grafton when I first arrived its central city, depends where you are working but we never used the car just walked or used the Bus, let me know where you are working and can tell you about transport links etc

[Singel]

When we rented a house in Mt Wellington, we do not need a car because my hubby walks to work. So, I used the public transport a lot, for attending job interviews and also working as a temp.

I have used this fantastic website on Auckland public transport information; which feature bus, train, and ferry details as well as a journey planner : www.rideline.co.nz

:cheers

[SpoMini]

I did check and it is indeed in Grafton. As I said previously, I am not opposed to a little commute, especially if I'm not the one driving :) I'm definitely going to buy that book mentioned and give it a once over. Its too bad they don't have a tube system in Auckland. When we lived in Singapore, I never even bothered with a car, just too the MRT everywhere.

My wife is beginning to have a case of the cold feet syndrome. She asked me to lok and see if there is a "I'm on the way but need reassurance" forum or a group of people I could put her in contact with to answer her questions. We've lived many places but never on such a permanent basis.

[Smiler]

Spomini


Tell Mrs Spomini that we all go through this feeling in some way or another and that she can ask her questions here, if it helps. :)

Deborah

[Michelle and Richard]

I'm living in Auckland, all perfectly normal the way you are feeling happy to help in any way so PM me at any time.

Michelle

[Singel]

My wife is beginning to have a case of the cold feet syndrome.
We do understand the feeling. Before we move to NZ, we could not eat and sleep well, feeling really nervous because we do not have job offer or work permit or PR. Based on guts and positive thinking, we just packed our stuff in the container and go.

Do feel free to ask anything in this forum or PM me :cheers