We often receive questions about where to live in Auckland, which neighbourhood to choose, and where is safest and most affordable. In this article, we’ll tackle the question “Where should I live in Auckland?” As a disclaimer, we want to point out that this information is subjective and expresses our opinions and experiences.
General Information
Auckland is the largest and most populous city in New Zealand. The population is around 1.5 million with a geographical area of 2,700 square kilometres. As the city grows and develops, low-rise construction prevails, accounting for its large area and relatively low population. The city may be contingently divided into several regions: North, West, Downtown, East, and South.
North, North Shore, Rodney
- Advantages: Cozy and clean neighbourhoods, good schools, nice beaches, and low crime. The population is generally middle class.
- Disadvantages: These neighbourhoods are connected to the downtown area by the bridge where there are regular traffic jams and detours. This can be very time-consuming. Additionally, there is no bicycle or pedestrian access to the centre of town.
- Cost of living: Mix of expensive and affordable neighbourhoods.
- Best neighbourhoods: In our opinion, they are all nice.
West
- Advantages: Generally good neighbourhoods, decent schools, located near the western beaches, train line to downtown.
- Disadvantages: Average quality of housing, uneven income distribution, sometimes heavy traffic.
- Cost of living: Reasonable and accessible.
- Best neighbourhoods: Henderson, Te Atatu, Titirangi
Downtown, CBD and Surrounding Areas
- Advantages: Good neighbourhoods, decent schools, quick access to most educational institutions and attractions. This means you won’t have to use public transport.
- Disadvantages: The downtown area is quite crowded and noisy, small geographically, uneven income distribution, high student populations, limited parking.
- Cost of living: May vary greatly, from affordable to very expensive.
- Best neighbourhoods: Eden Terrace, Epson, Freemans Bay, Herne Bay, Parnell, Ponsonby, Mount Albert, Mount Eden, Royal Oak
East
- Advantages: Cozy and clean neighbourhoods, good schools, nice beaches, middle class, train access to downtown.
- Disadvantages: Homes not always in great condition, uneven class distribution in some neighbourhoods, some lower-income areas, sometimes heavy traffic.
- Cost of living: Mix of expensive and reasonably priced homes.
- Best neighbourhoods: Ellerslie, Kohimarama, Meadowbank, Mission Bay, Orakei, Remuera, St Heliers, Stonefields, Botany Downs, Dannemora, Half Moon Bay, Howick, Pakuranga
South
- Advantages: Decent neighbourhoods, decent schools, train access to downtown.
- Disadvantages: Many low-income neighbourhoods, some unsafe areas, not the cleanest area, sometimes high traffic.
- Cost of living: Reasonable and affordable
- Best neighbourhoods: Clover Park, The Gardens, Totara Heights, Alfriston
Useful links
- Interactive map with pricing
- Average cost of rent by district
- Cost of living in Auckland
- List of suburbs of Auckland
- List of schools by district
- More information about schools
- Schedules, routes, and fair prices for public transport
- Find routes on Google Maps
- Events in Auckland and around the country
- Interactive map of home break-ins
