ChChChoices...

sjc · Posted: Mon Feb 09, 2004 6:47 am Post subject: ChChChoices...

Somebody put their neck on the line and tell me which areas of ChCh are the best. We're both in our 30's, need to be within commuting distance of ChCh hospital and have an 8yr old son who we obviously want a good school for. So come on folks, where's the place to be? (and more importantly where's the place or places not to be).

JCM · Posted: Tue Feb 10, 2004 3:19 pm Post subject:

Hi sjc, and welcome to the forum.

As in many cities, west is best and east isn't. A couple of years ago the Chch council (I think) referred to the Eastern City as a "ghetto". Now that's strong language, and I would disagree with it - there are some lovely parts in the east and, compared with real "ghetto's", Chch east doesn't come close. However, income levels in the east are generally considerably lower than in the west and the schools out east aren't as well regarded as those to the west.

The best state secondary schools and primary schools are roughly in a line from the city centre out westward to the airport. I would aim to live somewhere on or around that line encompassing the suburbs of Merivale, Fendalton, Upper Riccarton, Ilam, Burnside, Avonhead. The state secondary and primary schools in these areas are highly regarded. Merivale and Fendalton are closest to the city centre and have the most expensive housing. Burnside and Avonhead are farther from the centre and the houses are cheaper. There's also a part of St. Albans that has access to top state schools and St. Albans is pretty central.

My own biased thoughts, for what they're worth. Embarassed

Moorf · Posted: Thu Mar 11, 2004 1:10 pm Post subject: ChChurch Areas

I recently asked an estate agent in Chch that I have been liaising with for some time if she should give me a list of places that would suit hubby and myself - we are mid 30's, quite bohemian, love the countryside yet wouild like to be part of a laid back community.

Here is the list she gave me - any additional opinions would be most welcome:

Cashmere - Hill
Beckenham
St Martins
Westmoreland - Hill
Sumner - Near the beach
St Andrews Hill - Close to the beach, with views
Mount Pleasant - " " " " " " " "
Redcliffs - " " " " " " " " " " "
Merivale - close to classy bars & cafes
Fendalton - " " " " " " " " " "
City Central " " " " " " " " "

Cheers,
Moorf

Lauren · Posted: Sat Mar 20, 2004 10:29 pm Post subject: Airport noise.

Everyone seems to agree the that the west side of Christchurch is the best and seems exactly what we are looking for. However, the proximity of the airport to these areas makes us wonder how noisy they are. Is it a problem?

Can anybody already in west CHC please give us their opinion.

Many thanks

Robert · Posted: Wed Mar 24, 2004 10:48 pm Post subject: Sumner

Can't help with the West (although I have been round and about there a lot and not noticed a noise problem).

McCormack's bay, Redcliffs and Sumner (in order of distance out from the city) are quite pleasant. It takes about 1/2 hour to drive from the far side of Sumner into the city (or 20 min at night). All are pleasant, affluent areas with little crime and a cafe culture style. (increasing towards Sumner)

Most properties are quite elderly (pre-50s) which also means pre any form of insulation or heating (other than a fire) but does lend a huge amount of seaside charm. Some are more modern, but few of these are for rent.
Primary schooling in these areas is excellent although the zoned secondary school (linwood) is one of the less popular choices.
Prices in Sumner are also high with rents from $400 per week for 2-3 beds depending on exact location. Rent will include rates but nothing else.
Just about everywhere in these areas is 'near the beach' (no more than a 10 minute walk) and all three have good local shops even if there are cheaper sources of nourishment 10 minutes down the road.

It may be wise to avoid properties on the hillside (for hillside read 'clinging to a cliff') if you have children due to the additional effort of going up and down and often sloping sections. The views can be magnificent though.

Hope this helps someone

Rob

aurora · Posted: Sun Mar 28, 2004 9:21 pm Post subject:

I live in the north west suburb of Bryndwr/Burnside. In fact, if you draw a straight line between the city centre and the airport, I would lie exactly on that line. The name of the street is "Flay Crescent" and it is about 3.5 to 4 km from the airport.

I occasionally notice the sounds of aircraft ascending/descending, but haven't found it to be a problem. I guess Christchurch airport isn't exactly Heathrow.

For what it's worth, aircraft noise is a problem when you live directly under a flight path, which was the case when I was living in Adelaide (Australia). Even though I was living more than 6 or 7 km from the airport, this was a major nuisance. Where I'm living now, I'm not under any flight paths, and aircraft noise isn't a noticeable problem.

Lauren · Posted: Wed Mar 31, 2004 9:36 am Post subject: Aircraft noise

Thanks for your help!

It's now 3 weeks till we arrive in ChCh so the advice is greatly appreciated. Will definately consider the north west. That is what we originally wanted.
How long does it take you to get to the city centre from the NW?

Thanks

L.

aurora · Posted: Thu Apr 01, 2004 10:06 pm Post subject:

About 12-15 min by car.

About 15-20 min by bus.

Believe me, it's a nice drive too! Straight through the heart of Fendalton ...

Francesca · Testing The Water Joined: 23 Jul 2004 Posts: 4

We have been in Avonhead for about two weeks, which seems to be nice but do not, DO NOT go for an older house no matter how charming unless you are prepared for a cold damp experience. If I owned this house I would fix it up but there isn't much I can do. If you must go for an older house look up Community Energy Action which is an nonprofit organization dedicated to improving energy efficiency and providing subsidised insulation. You can purchase plastic film window insulation kits from CEA also. But this seems to be a deep dark secret here. No one I spoke to had any idea of it's existence. It took my father browsing on the web back in Colorado to find out about it. I don't recommend Rentworks for rentals.

susanlin · Posted: Sun Jul 25, 2004 10:48 am Post subject: where to live

Hi all

I live Lower Cashmere/Cracroft (just before Westmoreland) and think it is a great area. We are just on the edge of the Port Hills - very easy to walk to and the views along the wayup - fantastic! Cashmere High School seems a very good school (recommended to me by Kiwi) and my son seems to be doing very well there. There is a leisure centre nearby, coffeebar, shops, countryside, sports fields. It is not too far from the city (10 mins north). It takes us about 15 mins to get to the beach.
Yep, I thoroughly recommend this area - perfect for families in my view.

Sue