Birkenhead

Officially, Birkenhead's territory stretches from Verrans Corner in the west to Little Shoal Bay in the east. Its homes, in a range of design styles, stretch from the first villas built 120 years ago to near-new homes in the Chatswood subdivision.

Thirty years ago Chatswood was developed on land formerly surrounding the Chelsea Sugar Refinery and soon became one of the North Shore's most prestigious areas. Now, only a few vacant sites remain. The most recent areas opened up off Onetaunga Rd attracted the attention of Asian migrants during the influx in the mid-90s.

This is now prime seaside real estate, with several large properties - 5000 sq m and more - on the seaward side of Chatswood worth as much as $3 million. These share top billing with million-dollar-plus properties on Birkenhead Pt.

Birkenhead is a popular entry point for buyers wanting to live on the North Shore but also wanting to be close to Auckland city. City workers can use the ferry service to the city.

House prices between Verrans Corner and the Highpoint Shopping Centre range from $200,000. From Highpoint to Birkenhead Pt, the figure is $300,000.

Birkenhead's appeal is as much about the colourful wood pigeons and tuis in the tree-lined streets as the amenities it offers families and long-term residents.