Mt Roskill

By CHARLOTTE COSSAR.

A spiritual suburb, there is a lot more to Mt Roskill than a church on every corner.

A strong grounding in religion has given this suburb an important sense of community, and this is what has attracted an increasing number of ethnic groups, which is changing the suburb's make-up.

With more and more families moving here, the area, which was mostly developed in the 1950s, caters well for them with a mix of brick and tile bungalows, solid ex-staters and newer townhouses.

With most of the area already being chopped up into smaller sections, you basically know exactly what you are getting with no surprises a few months down the track.

Bordered by Three Kings, an area with tradition and a peaceful atmosphere, Hillsborough - with its gorgeous coastal walking tracks and sea views - Waikowhai, which also has properties positioned well for Manukau Harbour views, Mt Roskill is positioned nicely to enjoy what this vibrant area has to offer.

AMENITIES

Nearby Three Kings has a plaza with a range of shops, a supermarket and a library, as well as a quarry site with interesting walks up to the reserve where there are amazing views.

Only minutes away you find Royal Oak, Mt Eden, Dominion Rd, Lynfield and Blockhouse Bay shopping centres - and who can forget the upgraded and upsized Westfield St Lukes. Parks and reserves are abundant with approximately 12ha of land dedicated to green belts and sports grounds, including Keith Hay Park, the War Memorial Park and Winstone Park.

With four public primary schools, it is no wonder the suburb has seen an increase of families who are looking for a stable area with rising house prices. These families tend to stay in the area so their secondary-aged children can attend the popular Mt Roskill Grammar.

WHO LIVES HERE?

As already mentioned, many residents are immigrants, mainly from India, Korea, China and a few from the Middle East. This has added to the fabulous atmosphere of the area and greatly increased the variety of culinary delights available.

WHY ARE PEOPLE MOVING HERE?

People are moving to this area because the house prices are still affordable, compared to its more expensive neighbours. Only 20 minutes off peak and about 40 minutes in peak traffic from the central business district, you are also close to the airport and Manukau, Onehunga and the Industrial Edge, and West Auckland.

Although the proposed motorway extension has had a negative affect on some properties close to the route, many people believe that when finished this 4km stretch of road will allow residents to travel more freely, and it will free the major arterial routes that presently cause a few traffic-related headaches.

HOUSE PRICES

Although you can sometimes pick up a two-bedroom unit on Mt Roskill's fringe for about $190,000 plus, most properties in the area sell in the $300,000 bracket. If you have a bit more to spend, you may be able to buy a property that can be subdivided, but these are few and far between.

Generally, expect to pay from $250,000 for a two-bedroom unit, from $280,000 for an untidy three-bedroom home and from $400,000 for a new townhouse.