[MJB]

Never imagined I'd be interested in living in Wellington simply because of the "Wind" issue. But the more research I do the more Welly grows on me. I work in IT and the wages seem pretty good (in NZ terms - but hey money isnt everything!) - especially considering housing is dramatically cheaper than Auckland!

Anyhow, my questions are?

Is there a book on Wellingtons suburbs - similar to "Where to live in Auckland"? Ideally I'm looking to know what are the best areas of Wellington to live/commute to? I'm in my VERY late 20's and my girlfriend mid-20's with no kids. Therefore we are looking for suburbs that have either got something happening - or easily commutable to the City centre for a good night out.

I understand that Welly has lots of micro-climates too. Therefore what areas get the most sun, and the least wind? Seen questions about Wellys winter - but whats the summer like, does the wind still blow strong?

Initially looking for a fully furnished rental. Would $300-$450 p/w get us a good pad, in a good location?

Cheers everyone, great site.

Mike.

[Carol]

Anyhow, my questions are?

Is there a book on Wellingtons suburbs - similar to "Where to live in Auckland"? Ideally I'm looking to know what are the best areas of Wellington to live/commute to? I'm in my VERY late 20's and my friend mid-20's with no kids. Therefore we are looking for suburbs that have either got something happening - or easily commutable to the City centre for a good night out.
If I was your age I would live IN the city centre........the apartments are fab!

I understand that Welly has lots of micro-climates too. Therefore what areas get the most sun, and the least wind? Seen questions about Wellys winter - but whats the summer like, does the wind still blow strong?
The wind in nowhere near as bad as it is made out to be.....although it HAS been atrocious today! Summers are lovely. All suburbs have sunnier spots than others....

Initially looking for a fully furnished rental. Would $300-$450 p/w get us a good pad, in a good location?
You'll get a fairly good place for that......not sure about prices for funished...
Cheers everyone, great site.

Feel free to PM me and ask anything you need...there are a few folks on here already from Wellington. My husband is in IT too...can give you details on that sort of thing if you need them.
Carol :nice1

Mike.

[Jodie]

Hi Mike,

What kind of place are you looking for to rent? How many bedrooms etc? We looked at a nice place in Newtown which is about a 10 min commute (prob 20 mins in ruch hour) from the city, and it was a 2 bedroomed unfurnished house for $280 per week.

We didn't find that many furnished places, and those that we did find were quite a bit more expensive. That said, there are places around it's just a case of finding them and getting in quick as they get snapped up pretty quickly.

We live in a 2 bed unfurnished house in Johnsonville, which is a self-contained suburb a 10 min drive (outside rush hour) from the city. It's got a mall, a few pubs and restaurants to stagger home from, and the train into the city takes about 20 mins, so it's quite easy to get into/back from the city after a few drinks! (I think a taxi is about $30 to get back).

Places that look nice and are close to the city are Northland, Wadestown, Kilbirnie, Kelburn, Island Bay, Brooklyn, and there are others too but I can't remember them at the mo! I don't know what any of them are like to live, but they're definately places that we'd look at when buying a place next year.

Hope this helps. If you need any more info, give us a shout.

Cheers,

Jod
:cheers

PS The wind has been REALLY strong today! But like Carol said, it;s not that bad - just a bit annoying most of the time and messes up your hair! :laugh

[MJB]

Thanks for the replies Carol & Jodie.

We're not going to be out until end of next year - so plenty of time to research before then. We plan on doing a 2 month tour of both islands when we arrive to suss out potential places, plus have a great holiday!

After initially dismissing Welly because of the wind its fast becoming our number one target.

We'd be looking at a 2-bed rental, and the idea of an apartment in the City centre is appealling, but when the cat finally comes over I think he'd prefer some land to roam in!

Carol, thanks for the offer re IT - will take you up on that closer to the time.

No book then? Possible money maker I reckon!!! The Auckland one seems to have done well for its authors!

Mike.

[tigerlily]

I'm looking at enrolling in a PHD at the Victoria University in Wellington- and I'm wondering what sort of neighborhood it is in. I have very young children and I would like to not have a long commute (would love just a walk) to school. Any suggestions? I'll throw husband to the wolves and make him have a commute to wherever he can get a job!