Birkdale

By CHARLOTTE COSSAR.

Although relatively small, Birkdale is a bustling community rich in history dating to the 1880s, with many of the streets being named after the original families who settled here.

The community spirit is entrenched and often the story of neighbours having to help each other to retrieve cars out of the mud is still told. Many years ago, the roads used to be so bad that car owners had to resort to using chains to stop the mud caking the wheels.

Since then, the population has grown immensely and the old strawberry fields and fruit farms have been replaced with homes - although there are some large homesteads still available, albeit occasionally.

Centrally located, about 10 minutes' drive from the central business district outside of peak hours, the suburb is very popular with commuters who want an affordable area with good amenities, including schools and shopping.

With bush, water and city views, the area is value for money and an ideal suburb for first-time homebuyers and families who crave a quarter acre section and a reasonably sized house.

SCHOOLS

There are four primary schools in the area - Birkdale, Birkdale North, Kauri Park and Beach Haven - and one intermediate. The college, which was originally called Birkdale College but had a name change to Birkenhead when the area became known as Birkenhead City then North Shore City, is well used by the community, especially the pool in summer and sports fields in winter.

WHAT IS THERE TO DO?

The beach, a wharf and strip shops at Verrans Corner offer locals a variety of options for recreational pursuits of the energetic variety or the not so. Many of the local shops are quaint and have been trading in the area for ages, while others cater for everyday needs, including an antique shop, cafe, dairy, takeaways, hairdresser and bakery. And if these don't fulfill your wants, there are shopping malls near by at Birkenhead, Glenfield and Albany.

And for those who want to exercise their limbs, there are walking tracks in Kauri Park, near the top of Rangatira Rd, which are great for exploring the local flora and fauna.

TRANSPORT

A local icon, Birkenhead Transport, which has been operating in the area for a long time has increased its fleet of buses and the routes it offers. Commuters are well served and navigating the area has been made easier.

Commuters not game enough to tackle the harbour bridge on a daily basis and who are not prone to seasickness can catch the ferry from Birkenhead into the city. Ferries depart at regular intervals during peak hours.

HOUSE PRICES

Homes and sections in this area vary in price and type, from full sites to crossleased and subdivided and older-style bungalows to terrace housing. However, for a three-to-four-bedroom home on about a section of 658sq m, you can expect to pay between $120,000 and $240,000, with the early $200,000s being standard. Properties with coastal or water views, which are always sought after, fetch from $330,000 to $500,000 plus. A two-bedroom unit generally fetches between $120,000 and $140,000, and a three-bedroom terraced house about $250,000.