Pakuranga: An exclusive extract from

Including Highland Park and Edgewater 

After being the place to bring up kids for generations, Pakuranga's population has aged with younger generations having moved to more desirable areas. But the well-built and well-maintained homes on large sections with mature trees are starting to be seen by young families as a compelling alternative to a townhouse on a small section. 

As well as the Pakeha families who've been here since it was first developed, Pakuranga has proven attractive to immigrants in the past decade, especially Asians. And it's a perfect spot for those who love to be near the sea. 

If you're after a solidly built, three- or four-bedroom weatherboard or brick home with internal-access garaging, you'll have plenty of choice. Similar but more modest homes are available in Edgewater, southeast of Pakuranga. Highland Park, developed more recently, has homes of a similar style but prices are generally higher. 

Amenities Pakuranga abounds with schools at all levels. Be warned, however, that decile ratings vary wildly. 

The Pakuranga Town Centre shopping mall, which opened in 1965, is now a much-improved Westfield shopping centre with about 80 retailers. Just a few minutes' drive from Westfield is The Hub on Ti Rakau Drive, with its emphasis on home decor retailers. Opposite The Hub is Botany Town Centre. Highland Park has its own shopping centre, with 30 shops and cafes. 

Lloyd Elsmore Park has everything from tennis courts and golf courses to horse riding and croquet, badminton and bowls. The new Lloyd Elsmore Pool & Leisure Complex includes a 25m pool for lane swimming, a 15m teaching and water therapy pool, and a 25m leisure pool, which incorporates a toddler's splash pool, complete with fun fountains. Entry is free. There is also a creche, cafe, gym, spa pool, sauna and steam room. 

Pakuranga also has several gyms, a big skate park, a beautiful golf course (the Pakuranga Country Club) on Cascades Rd, and a boat ramp at Tiraumea Drive reserve, which gives access to the Tamaki Estuary. 

Te Tuhi The Mark on Reeves Rd is a vibrant centre for community, cultural and arts events and exhibitions. Just opposite is the library. 

Trends Pakuranga seemed completely developed by the 1980s, because all the empty sections had gone. After a lull of about 10 years, however, infill housing really took off. Extensive subdivision was still happening in Highland Park, Golflands and Edgewater until recently. The strongest demand is for lower priced homes, although people will fork out for quality and, to some extent, a good location. 

Rental and investment There's a good range of rental property and steady demand from immigrants who haven't yet bought.

Best streets Fisher Pde is probably the stand-out address because of its waterfront location. Other desirable streets include Kentigern Cl, Browns Ave, Udys Rd, Portadown Ave and Chatsworth Cres. Once-drab Ennis Ave is an up-and-comer.