By CHARLOTTE COSSAR.
This quiet marine village with a family-oriented community, which prides itself on being isolated and a bit behind the rest of Auckland (not a bad thing!), is home to people wanting the most out of life - beaches, sun and a more relaxed lifestyle.
Originally settled as a seaside resort, mainly served by sea, this semi-rural area with great beaches is on the beautiful Pohutukawa Coast and is a peaceful place to live away from the bustle of Auckland life.
A commuter suburb for people who prefer large sections and seaside living, Beachlands is only 30 minutes' drive from central Auckland and the International Airport and 20 minutes' drive from Howick and Manukau City Centre. Another plus for commuters is the new ferry running from nearby Pine Harbour to the city.
With about 1000 dwellings, ranging from older-style 1920s baches to newer homes on the beachfront and clifftop, the area has a population of about 2500.
Although popular with people wanting to move out of the more concentrated areas of Howick and Dannemora, this lovely suburb surrounded by bush, beaches and farmland looks destined to stay a reasonable size - thanks to district plans and the Resource Management Act.
AMENITIES
Schools
Beachlands has a primary/intermediate school with a roll of about 400 students, which caters for new entrants to year 8, and a play centre. The kindergarten is in Maraetai, which is just down the road. The local high school is Howick College and there is a free bus service for students.
Shopping
Beachlands has a shopping centre with a superette, butcher, post office, pharmacy, video shop, takeaway, liquor store, hairdresser and a licensed restaurant. Most of these are open seven days.
For more extensive shopping Botany Town Centre is only a 15-minute drive away.
Sports
There are loads of local sports clubs, including sailing, rugby, soccer, tennis, netball, bowls and equestrian sports, and the Formosa Auckland Country Club has a golf course, gym and swimming pool. Nearby, there are mountain bike, walking and horse riding tracks and great reserves.
And for those who prefer more leisurely activities, there is an arts and crafts club, garden circle, senior citizen social club and toastmasters.
HOUSES
All buyers from first timers to retirees are attracted to this area, and a selection of sections, baches, family homes, houses with views and waterfront properties are available. There are no apartments, units or townhouses in this area.
For a three-bedroom home you can expect to pay about $320,000 and for a waterfront property from $600,000 to $2 million. Homes with sea views are very popular and the most sought after.
Beachlands
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