[Caroline and Dave]

Does anyone know anything about Kingsland, Auckland. I know it is in the city of Auckland. Why we are asking this is Carolines Daughter starts a 4 year course in Homeopathy in Feb 08 and we need to find a property for her there. I have heard however that some areas of central Auckland are not very good and we are a little concerned re Kingsland. Any info would be welcome.

Kindest regards

Dave and Caroline

[neilw71]

Kingsland is just next to Eden Park - its a fairly industrial area and not too bad. With Mt Eden and some of the nicer areas next to it, you should not worry too much. I assume you mean just a general worry about being in the area for studies? On that score I would not worry at all - if you mean for living there, then I would personallt look just a little further along the train line and get a bit further out of the city centre.

Neil

[gil]

"Where To Live In Auckland" describes Kingsland thus:
"This once less-than-desirable area is now humming to the sound of coffee machines, groovy urbanites, celbrities and the trendy cry of wee ones follwoing in their parents' footsteps. Professionals have moved in, as traditional blue collar residents move out" The word "gentrification" is used too. It says its good for shops and leisure, although falls down on schools (2 stars out of a max of 5).
I don't know the area personally (too recent an arrival for that) but "Where To Live In Auckland" is pretty savvy/helpful, and I think that gives you something to connect and compare with your own knoweldge experience. It certainly puts me in mind of areas in Cardiff that could be similarly described. Not a Londoner, but perhaps Hackney or Stratford might be comparable?

HTH
Gil

[KerryS]

Ok - I def wouldn't compare Kingsland to Hackney! It's more Battersea or East Dulwich. Funky and young, with a good vibe. There are a couple of good bars, and a great restaurant. (Bouchon - amazing and authentic French food if you want to visit.)
There is a train station and loads of buses to the city - but it's also not too far to walk. About 30 minutes to the CBD.
It's definitely an 'up-coming' area of Auckland, as Mt Eden and other suburbs become increasingly expensive for new home-owners.

[Caroline and Dave]

Thanks all for the info. I was beginnining to worry about the Hackney comparrison as having worked in Hackney for 7 years I was horrified. As it stands now Hackney is the gangland territory for Yardies and every week there are gangland shootings. It has recently become the most violent part of London. I am so glad to hear Kerry that Kingsland is not like that.

Kindest regards

Dave and Caroline