Swanson

Including Waitakere, Ranui and Massey

Swanson's enviable location in the foothills of the Waitakere Ranges defines its identity. The restfulness of the bush and the availability of blocks of land are a lure for families wanting a more laidback semi-rural lifestyle, and good access to beaches. They're happy, progressive people who give back to the community. Waitakere township has all of the charm of a country town. Massey North folk like to call themselves Westgate, an area considered more progressive and urban.

Ranui has a solid mix of Maori and Pacific Islanders and first-home buyers and renters.

Waitakere is popular with larger families and their farm animals and pets.

Swanson has a mix of older weatherboard homes and some newer brick and tile houses. Ranui's Pooks Rd and Coroglen Garden developments have settled into the landscape and are a stylish complement to Ranui's original weatherboard homes and the flush of group homes built during the 1960s.

In Waitakere, section sizes range from residential on 1012sq m, semi-rural on 1350sq m, and rural on large acreages.

Massey's upmarket homes include those in Royal Heights which have views across the Waitemata Harbour.

The area is well served by primary schools. Secondary school-age children travel by train to high schools in Henderson, Massey and Avondale. There's retailing for every lifestyle here. Swanson has its car boot sales, and plant, produce and craft market. Waitakere township has its dairy. Royal Heights Mall in Royal Rd includes the well-known Swiss Butchery. The Westgate shopping centre is the retail focal point for Massey.

The Massey Leisure Centre is a fine example of the Waitakere City Council's input into community facilities. The Signal Gallery in Swanson showcases the work of local artists and artisans.

Golf courses include the Waitakere Golf Club, the Massey Golf Club and the Redwood Park Golf Club in Swanson. There are pony clubs in Massey and Waitakere township. Massey also has archery and athletics clubs.

The Swanson Station Cafe is the top stop in Swanson for all commuters, rail or car. There are several eateries in the Westgate shopping centre.

Trends As the rural areas of Kumeu and Taupaki are now priced beyond the reach of many, interest has turned to Swanson and Waitakere. Which means prices are holding strong here. Ranui is one of the last areas in Auckland to go up in price and among the first to drop.

Massey is attracting a lot of second-home buyers.

Rental and investment The rental stock is almost exclusively three-bedroom homes. Waitakere township rarely has rental properties available.

Best streets Christian Road, Swanson; White Heron Drive and Petrel Place in Royal Heights.