[starkhorn]

Folks,

I've been looking at suburbs in Wellington and Wadestown and Ngaio all seem quite nice places.

I was wondering if they had a decent reputation (lowish crime, decent schools, easy access to supermarkets etc) How long would it take into the CBD and university at rush hour? It seems very central so not long on bus or even bicycle?

Many thanks.

Cheers
Starkhorn

ps what is the difference between a house and a townhouse???

[pineapplehead]

Wadestown is very close to the CBD. About 5-10 min by car. You could definitely bike the distance, but you have to contend with the hills, narrow roads, and curves. Buses run often. Cant comment on the schools, community etc. because I've only driven through, but it has a good feel. A friend uses their toy library and says it is very well stocked, organized and friendly.

Ngaio is also close, with good schools and community. Again hills make biking difficult, but I have seen many people do it. Both buses and trains run there, so transit options are good.

Neither is walking distance to supermarkets, but each neighborhood has dairies. The big markets around those hills are Woolworths near the train station in Crofton Downs and New World in Khandallah Village. For Wadestown there is a huge New World in Thorndon on Molesworth st. that would be close as well. My favorite place to shop is at Moore Wilson in Wellington.

[Oregonkiwi]

My understanding is, a "house" is freestanding on its own piece of land, while a "townhouse" doesn't have land (maybe a little patio etc) and is perhaps joined (or at least very close) to the townhouse next to it.

[Smiler]

Hi Starkhorn

Wadestown is a nice area with some windy and narrow roads. In some bits the car parking on the street seems a bit precarious and cars squash in. There are nice views over the harbour from there too.Rental properties seem to crop up regularly on Trade me.

It would be easier to use public transport, walk or bike, as parking can be difficult in the CBD. Most car parks as filled with regulars who pay $45-60 for their reserved spaces (a week). There are some that charge $10.00 a day but they fill early. I can usually jump on a meter easily if I'm only in town for 2 hours. $4.00 an hour.

Pineapple is right, the New World at Thorndon is huge and looks fairly new. I also go to Moore Wilsons and they have a car park which although busy, you can usually find a space in. It's a nice place to bulk buy, no frills and a lot of choice.

I don't know much about Ngiao having only driven thru but it is very hilly. Khandallah, next door is nice with a quiet a few expats living there.

Oh and the main uni buildings seem to be ontop of the train and bus stations

[starkhorn]

Hi Folks,

Thanks for those answers. Its funny looking at the maps on NZ wises, you can sometimes forget which parts are very hilly and which are flat! :)

Khandallah seems quite nice as well. Do Johnsonville and Tawa have good reputations? They seem further out of the CBD which is probably why the house prices are less. Would it take alot longer to get into the CBD at rush hour from Johnsonville or Tawa?

Cheers

[Smiler]

Hi

Khandallah is very nice but seems expensive (to me) and hilly.

Johnsonville for housing is not as expensive as Khandallah and it has a varied shopping centre with Countdown etc.

Carol is in Tawa, I think because of the good college for her sons. 15 mins CBD in a car and not much more on the train.

If it gives you some idea of time scale I can do Miramar to Porirua/Titahi Bay driving non peak hours in 20-25 mins via the Mt Vic tunnel route and SH1. That includes across town. Mirimar to Petone via tunnel and SH2, 20 mins non peak.

[sizzlingbadger]

Travelling peak time from Johnsonville to CBD can take from 40 to an hour depending if there's any major hold ups.

We used to rent in Churton Park and my husband got the bus in everday. Still took 40 mins though, to get the train he would have had to get the bus into Johnsonville and then get the train, definitely more time consuming.

Johnsonville and Newlands are definintely areas worth looking at if you can't afford Wadestown, Khandallah, Ngaio. Do watch out though for where the sun comes up and sets. Most parts of Khandallah actually lose their sun by lunchtime, so you'll have a very cold house in winter. We looked at Tawa and it's a lovely place, just where we wanted to buy though didn't have the transport connections on the doorstep. Meant a 15 min walk to the train station and a very steep 30 min walk home ! ! Also watch out for the fog, Kaori is known for it and Johnsonville gets a lot of hill fog in winter.

[Smiler]

I had the starship on warp factor then. :exit

[starkhorn]

Thats great stuff, many thanks once again!