Henderson Valley

It has a country feel yet is handy to the city, writes CHARLOTTE COSSAR.

Nestled at the foot of the Waitakere Ranges is this stunning area that has the best of both worlds - a rural outlook and feel while still being close to the city.

Henderson Valley attracts a variety of residents - from young families wanting a bit more space for the children to run around to older residents wanting a slower pace of life away from the busy streets.

Lifestyle is the main reason for people moving to this area. It is just a short drive into the heart of the Waitakere Ranges, a stone's throw from Kumeu and the north and it is still close to major shopping areas.

It is hard to find anything negative to say about the area. Once people stumble on it they are suprised by the beauty of the lush land and picturesque outlook.

Property prices

Homes in this area of Henderson vary from original homesteads to modern executive houses. Prices start at about $200,000 and they can fetch around the $1 million mark.

Henderson

For a completely different lifestyle and a faster pace of life, Henderson itself is buzzing, a breeze to get around and packed with amenities.

Regarded as the centre of West Auckland, it has new developments, including the $80 million redevelopment of West City shopping centre, the $14 million upgrade of Henderson Aquatic Centre and the ongoing development of Waitemata Stadium.

The suburb, which was named after councillor and MP Thomas Henderson (1810-1886), is central to major transport routes, including Great North Rd, Lincoln Rd, Swanson Rd and Te Atatu Rd, making it accessible to the city centre. The only thing you need to be aware of, however, is the slow trip into the city at peak hour and the sun strike on the way home.

Property prices

While many of the homes are around 30 to 40 years old, there are some new, attractive housing developments in the Lincoln Rd area and off Sturges Rd, which offer more modern-style houses from $210,000.

In other parts of the suburb you can buy an older-style, three-bedroom home on a 700sq m to 800sq m section for around the $200,000 mark.

Things to do

The area boasts lots of parks and green spaces and it is within easy reach of the West Coast beaches. And the shopping is something else!