When Jen McKinley bought her Hobsonville Point home the new community at the end of the North Western motorway felt a world away.
In 2014 all of the major infrastructure was there, the area boasted a great farmer's market, a cafe and a big supermarket, but hesitant buyers were still holding out for their inner-city dream home.
McKinley signed up for the two-bedroom apartment in November 2014 and two years later it was complete.
![Jen McKinley lives at Hobsonville Point which has been named a top area for future growth. Photo / Dean Purcell.](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/R2XH5XNNXCDKCDGLQJIT3D4MEE.jpg?auth=c1405c217867b66f493178c773a79bcf9936b27654fb1dc4174c649bdef03e27&width=16&height=11&quality=70&smart=true)
When McKinley moved in December 2016 development around her apartment on the peninsula had mushroomed and more cafes and shops had opened.