Birkenhead

Just a short trip by ferry or car from central Auckland is Birkenhead. Once covered in tall kauri then cultivated into strawberry fields and orchards, the area still has lush land with large reserves and walkways through native bush.

Birkenhead has many character bungalows and villas, many of which have sea views, trendy townhouses and apartments, and is home to young and old.

The young at heart are close enough to the city, a 10-minute drive, to enjoy its nightlife, while families enjoy the local amenities, including sports grounds, sports clubs, a swimming pool, rock climbing, water sports, scenic bush walks, library, cafes and restaurants and a shopping mall.

The local primary school is generally within a five to eight minute walk of most homes and the college is only 15 minutes away.

To live in the area, you could expect to pay from $200,000 for a townhouse or apartment, $300,000 to $380,000 for a large family home and more than $500,000 for executive homes with views of the city or Hauraki Gulf, some of which are fetching more than $1 million. The average rates for the area are about $1200 to $1400.

The area has a busy feel, with its residents being on the go. In summer, the local Community Trust organises a free fun night picnic at a local park, there is an annual Christmas parade and regular markets and car boot sales.

The most sought-after parts of Birkenhead and its surrounding areas include Birkenhead Point, Chatswood and Northcote Point, especially if the homes have sea views, but the whole area attracts a mix of nationalities and ages and it is becoming a popular area offering educational and employment opportunites.

Birkenhead is home to generations of families, which gives the area an established feel, and a community feel.