Mt Albert

By CHARLOTTE COSSAR.

This cosmopolitan area oozing life is home to a melting pot of residents. Traditionally an area where middle-class New Zealand lived, it now attracts young and old looking for a funky place to live with solid roots.

Mt Albert was the second suburb - after Remuera - settled by well-to-do families in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Many of the gracious homes built for these families remain today, with the majority exceptionally restored. The beautiful and substantial bungalows and villas are now home to families attracted to the area by the larger sections and, up until recently, average house prices. Also in the area are modern homes on half sites, units and ex-state houses.

Experiencing an increase in prices, similar to other suburbs bordering the inner-city fringe areas, you are now hard pushed to find a family home for under $500,000. However, ex-states in reasonable condition on half sites will set you back from $300,000, units and smaller homes are priced from the low $200,000s, and some homes on larger sections in the very desirable Golden Triangle are starting to get up to the $2 million bracket. Generally, most properties range between $500,000 and $700,000.

The Golden Triangle, which is on the mountain slopes with north-facing views, is definitely the place to live. Not only do you enjoy the best views the suburb has to offer, you are surrounded by substantial bungalows with owners who have often moved from other sought-after suburbs to obtain the address. Gone are the days that Mt Albert is considered a stepping stone to Mt Eden, Remuera and beyond.

Families are now moving back to the area realising what they left, or moving here for the first time in search of larger sections and generous homes in an area that is a lot more with-it than many people realise.

SCHOOLS

The area is well served by schools. Gladstone School is very popular at primary level, many intermediate children attend Kowhai Intermediate in Kingsland, then Mt Albert Grammar caters for secondary pupils. A strong Catholic family area, there is Marist Primary and Marist Sisters College.

However, it doesn't stop here, Unitec is also in Mt Albert. Always developing, this tertiary institution offers a myriad of courses from boat building to architecture.

There is a language school in the old St Helens hospital. The school has attracted many Asians to the area and further increased the amount of excellent ethnic restaurants and cafes.

AMENITIES

The most popular amenity in Mt Albert has to be the Philips Aquatic Centre in Alberton Ave. A destination on most parents' to-do list during the school holidays, the complex is a great place to visit and while away the day. Exceptional fun, there is something for everyone - from wave to baby pools.

Rocket Park in Wairere Ave is well-used by young and old. Parents who enjoyed the park as youngsters are always keen to introduce the facility to another generation. And for great walking, you can't get better than the volcanic slopes of Mt Owairaka.

Also in the area are many sports clubs and recreational facilities.

WHY DO PEOPLE LIVE HERE?

Local agent Lesley Hawes of Ray White says Mt Albert is close to everything yet there are still houses around with good-sized sections. "Really, it is predominately a good Kiwi family suburb."