Swanson

CHARLOTTE COSSAR heads west to see where rural meets urban - and where property prices remain reasonable.

Swanson comprises a collection of lifestyle blocks in semi- or often genuine rural settings and a smattering of suburban dwellings.

For those looking for peaceful retreats, yet not wanting to venture too far past the confines of greater Auckland, Swanson provides the perfect solution - and often at an affordable price.

While still retaining something of an artistic, creative air, those moving to the area are often of a more professional persuasion. Many work-at-home professionals inhabit the larger acreages while commuting hobby farmers also proliferate much of this location. The journey to the city is not prohibitive and the suburban train line cuts right through the neighbourhood, providing an effortless form of transport to the CBD and Newmarket.

Even the essentially suburban parts of Swanson retain a distinctly rural feel. Subdivisions that have been cut into the ridge past Babich vineyard and across the back of St Jeromes retain a view across the vines and through to the Waitakere Ranges.

Swanson village is a pleasant mix of art shops, convenience stores and the delightful cafe located at the railway station. For those requiring more concentrated shopping and wider retail opportunities, both the Henderson Shopping Centre and Westgate are close at hand. Suburban sections tend to be large for Auckland, ranging from 600sq m to over 1000sq m - and the rural blocks tend to range from one acre to over five.

The real estate prices compare very favourably with the rest of the city. The views from many properties are spectacular, often taking in the Sky Tower, the Auckland Harbour Bridge and North Shore and everything in between. Five-acre blocks with modern homes may ask for anywhere between $700,000 and $900,000, while large, wonderfully cared-for houses on one-acre sections will sell for under $500,000.

Four- to five-bedroom homes on sections between 750sq m and 1000sq m could be yours for anywhere in the mid-$300,000s.

The area offers much in the way of family amenities - beautiful park surrounds as well as easy access to many Waitakere bushwalks. Swanson Primary School has established a good reputation among locals, while the local secondary school is Waitakere College.

The shopping centres include cinema complexes and there is no shortage of gyms, medical facilities and swimming pools in the vicinity. In addition to the Waitakere Ranges, there is, of course, easy access to the west coast beaches. Another popular local attraction is the Redwood Park Golf Club.