This is a very multicultural area, with Europeans, Maori, Pacific Islanders and Asians all having called Mangere home for a long time.
Being next to the sea, Mangere was one of the earliest parts of Auckland to be settled, sothere is a smattering of villas and bungalows, often on the site of old farms or market gardens. Much of Mangere was developed by the state during from 1940-1960, with streets of weatherboard homes. In Mangere Bridge, large brick-and-tile homes from the 1960s and 1970s dominate.
This is a very family-oriented area, and the families are often big, so you're never far from a school. As befits its senior status, Mangere Bridge has an established shopping centre with a village-like atmosphere. Mangere Town Centre also sells the basics, but it is rundown and depressing.
Mangere Mountain, once the site of one of the largest fortified pa in the region, is now a much-loved haven for recreation. Ambury Farm Park is a working farm on the foreshore of the Manukau where visitors are welcome.
There's a narrow strip of reserve along the pretty foreshore at Mangere Bridge, and the abandoned bridge is now popular for fishing and relaxing.
Trends Land formerly occupied by farms is being converted into residential developments, such as Peninsula Park and Puriri Grove. This is still an affordable area but it hasn't been immune to house price rises.
Rental and investment There's high demand for rental properties here, but some landlords have problems with tenants not caring for properties.
Best streets Kiwi Esplanade in Mangere Bridge has water views, nice houses, mature trees, and a reserve along its entire length. Nothing else in this area can compete with that.
