Grey Lynn

Including Westmere, Pt Chevalier and Arch Hill

Cosmopolitan to its very core, Grey Lynn typifies everything that is socialist chic in Auckland city. Like Ponsonby, Grey Lynn attracts the same sort of sensitive but wealthy bohemian. Westmere and Pt Chevalier exhibit some of the same tendencies of Grey Lynn but are slightly more conservative. Seen as less desirable, Arch Hill attracts younger professionals buying the trendy, if sometimes small, villas overlooking the Northwestern motorway.

Significant numbers of older people remain, and there are numerous Maori and Polynesian families.

Westmere and Pt Chevalier have a community of new immigrants and second and third-generation Indians and Pakistani. Being a waterfront suburb, Westmere's attraction to professionals has increased markedly in the past decade. Pt Chevalier has always been popular with older people. Now, it is in demand from young professionals as a commuter suburb.

Grey Lynn and Arch Hill remain known as older suburbs dominated by villas and bungalows, with occasional blocks of flats. Arch Hill has narrower streets and smaller worker's cottages.

Westmere and Pt Chevalier were developed as bungalow suburbs in the 1920s and grew along the tram routes. Westmere has a variety of wooden bungalows, but also brick and tile ex-state homes and the occasional stucco-clad art deco house.

Amenities Standards of local schools have improved markedly in recent years and include private and public schools.

The Grey Lynn Foodtown is something of a local icon and Woolworths also has a supermarket on Richmond Rd. The corner of Williamson Ave and Great North Rd is popular for cafes and at West Lynn on Richmond Rd the shops include cafes and wellknown Harvest Wholefoods. Westmere has a cluster of cafes, shops and specialist second-hand stores at the end of Garnet Rd, while Pt Chevalier has a mixed bag shopping strip along Great North Rd and a few other shops on the peninsula.

The annual Grey Lynn Festival (held in Grey Lynn Park) attracts more than 40,000 people to its stalls and entertainment. Auckland Zoo, MOTAT and Western Springs are just down the road. Grey Lynn Park has a free toddler pool and sports grounds, and Cox's Bay Reserve has sports fields. Pt Chevalier Park at the end of the peninsula is a lovely open space with plenty of parking.

Trends Westmere and Grey Lynn have experienced dramatic price gains recently. Grey Lynn because it's close to the city and on Ponsonby's doorstep, Westmere because of its coastal views and proximity to Herne Bay. As the more affordable, spill-over location, Arch Hill has also been in demand.

Rental and investment This area has always been in demand because of the nightlife and closeness to the city. It may not be so much a student zone but young city workers love it.

Best streets In Westmere, Rawene St and lower Garnet Rd. In Pt Chevalier, Harbour View Rd and Lynch St. In Grey Lynn, the upper reaches of Ariki St, Tutanekai St and Beaconsfield St. In Arch Hill, Cooper St, which has heritage status.