KEY POINTS:
The saying goes "home is where the heart is" but two surveys out today would have you believe there's more to it than that.
Carefree Rodney, "can do" New Plymouth and sleepy Waikanae on the Kapiti Coast can all claim the title of the top spot in the country to live.
North and South magazine has voted New Plymouth as its Top Town based on the area's dairy, oil and gas industries, job opportunities, affordable housing, recreational facilities, civic pride and "real sense of can-do".
Christchurch, came in second and arch rivals Wellington and Auckland tied for third place.
Editor Virginia Larson said the decision was based on economic growth, median house prices, traffic and schools, sports and recreational amenities, annual rainfall and sunshine hours.
The magazine also rated the best town with a population under 40,000 as Waikanae, edging out Taupo for first place.
However, ASB has said if you want to live a long and stress-free life the Rodney district, north of Auckland, is the place to be.
Its "TopSpot" report found that residents claimed they lived a healthy lifestyle and they seldom, if ever, experienced high levels of negative stress.
And if you still need help to work out the best place to hang your hat, ASB has commissioned a series of eight top spots, which will focus on issues such as most affordable, best retirement, best family and most prestigious place to live.
North & South's Top Towns:
1. New Plymouth
2. Christchurch
3. Auckland and Wellington
Top Towns with a population under 40,000:
1. Waikanae
2. Taupo
ASB's TopSpots:
1. Rodney District
2. North Shore City
3. Christchurch
4. Dunedin
5. Nelson
- NZPA, NZ HERALD STAFF
