New Lynn

Including Glen Eden, Kelston and Glendene

New Lynn is solid suburbia, from the older established areas to stylish homes in the newer subdivisions. New Lynn's big focus is its signature mall, and its flat topography suits older residents and pram-pushing parents.

Glen Eden is shucking off its backwater status thanks to a revitalised playhouse theatre, smartened up RSA, a new library and a railway station cafe.

Don't get Glen Eden confused with Glendene - that's a newer area which sprouted during the 1960s and 1970s.

First home buyers, long-term elderly residents and migrant families from Asia make up the loyal locals.

Amenities Kelston has primary and intermediate schools, the boys and girls high schools and the Kelston Deaf Education Centre. Children from Glen Eden primaries and intermediates and Glendene primaries usually go to Kelston for secondary schooling.

Each community has its own shopping centre, including the expanded Kelston Shopping Centre, Glenmall in Glen Eden and the Glendene village shops. The Lynn Mall Shopping Centre is the hub of the wider area with more than 120 shops.

Waitakere City has an enviable list of neighbourhood parks in line with its aim of having a quality walk within 10 minutes wander of every residence.

The New Lynn Community Centre in Totara Ave is the first large new facility in Waitakere to have artistic concepts integrated into its construction.

Both New Lynn and Glen Eden have a large selection of ethnic eateries that reflect their multi-cultural communities including Asian and Mediterranean.

Real estate

Trends New Lynn has become a sought-after area especially with first home buyers who feel out-priced elsewhere.

In Glen Eden weatherboard homes are popular for families irrespective of size. New Lynn's apartment and terrace houses are popular with Asian nationalities that are settling here.

Manhattan Heights' substantial 1970s homes and Glendene homes appeal if they've been maintained and modernised. Kelston appeals to families and they'll stay put which makes any of its water's edge properties hard to secure.

Prices rise as you get closer to Titirangi and Green Bay, where homes are higher quality - think granite benches rather than laminate.

Rental and investment Add a premium of $20 or $30 a week for a four-bedroom house if it has extras such as a third bathroom and garaging for more than two vehicles.

Best streets Ryehill Cl and De Val Dr in New Lynn. Konini Rd and Pleasant Rd in Glen Eden. All of Manhattan Heights in Glendene. Anything on the water's edge in Kelston.