Glenfield

This virbrant suburb, often overlooked by second or third home-buyers, is a popular destination for people seeking reasonably priced real estate in a handy location. By CHARLOTTE COSSAR.

Known in New Zealand for the place that Rachel Hunter went to school, Glenfield has a lot more to offer than this claim to fame.

Popular with first-home buyers, this vibrant suburb is always changing - people, that is. People are always on the move here and this stepping stone suburb is always attracting new residents or staying as a home to those onto their second or third home.

And the reason why? It is affordable to buy here. Also, it is one of the largest areas of the North Shore, and it has a fantastic fairly new shopping centre as well as the mega stores of Wairau Park, it's close to motorway access, it has a cool new skateboard park and loads of sporting facilities.

AMENITIES

There is everything to do here and you don't have to venture far. Glenfield's leisure centre has a large gym, a swimming pool and squash courts. There are parks and playgrounds everywhere, and sports clubs galore.

One of the most popular is the local rugby club - and this isn't just because Walter Little played his rugby here. Although, he still has a close relationship with the club, which holds a popular sevens tournament.

WHO LIVES HERE?

Attracted to the area by the reasonably priced real estate are younger (20 to 30 year olds) first-home buyers and many migrant families, especially those from South Africa, Korea and China.

The occupations of residents vary widely and people of all walks of life can be found in this cosmopolitan area. This all adds to the vibrancy and feel of this thriving suburb.

HOUSE PRICES

Whatever type of home you seek, you will find it here - from one-bedroom units to five- to six-bedroom homes.

You can expect to pay around the $190,000 to $200,000 mark for one- and two-bedroom brick and tile units. A standard three-bedroom home will set you back between $220,000 and $280,000, a larger three-bedroom-plus home on a large site about $300,000 plus and a new home in one of the subdivisions on the fringe of Glenfield up to $450,000. The median sale price for April 2003 was $239,000.

Sought-after locations include the area around Chivalry Rd and homes that are on Glenfield's ridges - these have exceptional views of the harbour and estuary.