Raising a family in the country’s largest city can be quite a challenge – the expensive property market and little space offered by many Auckland city center properties isn’t exactly what you want in a family home. However, with the business and employment opportunities found in Auckland, many are hesitant to leave. Choosing a family-friendly suburb, staying in the area, and making the best real estate investment possible requires a fair amount of research and patience. If you’re looking for a house on the market and trying to figure out what will be best for you and your family, look into some of these Auckland suburbs.

lynn gray

Zoned to Auckland Girls Grammar, Western Springs College and Mount Albert Grammar secondary schools, Gray Lynn is a popular choice for families raising teenagers who don’t want to be too far from the city centre. The CBD is within walking distance and the suburb has many public transport services. Many of the homes in the area have undergone recent renovations, but the median sales price of nearly $800,000 puts off many buyers.

San Juan

A popular family suburb near Glen Innes, Saint Johns has seen a lot of home development and renovation over the past 30 years due to its popularity. Selwyn College, the state secondary school serving the area, offers quality secondary education and the suburb is only a 20 minute drive from the CBD. In recent years, median prices for Auckland real estate for sale in Saint Johns have been hovering around the $650,000 mark.

papakura

South of Auckland City, but only half an hour from the CBD, Papakura offers a lifestyle that attracts many families. The lower median property price of $300,000 and the additional space it offers in the form of lifestyle blocks and family-sized sections make Papakura an incredibly popular choice for those who don’t mind the short commute. Papakura High and Rosehill College are excellent high schools in the suburb and there are several elementary and intermediate schools to suit families of any age.

birkenhead

North of Auckland’s central business district, Birkenhead is a popular middle-class suburb with easy access to the city center via the Northern Expressway. The suburb’s two primary schools, Birkenhead School and Verran Primary, are very popular and highly rated. The median home price of $500,000 is quite affordable compared to other suburbs so close to Auckland Central.

Choosing where to invest in Auckland will not be an overnight decision. Take time to consider your options and what you can afford. Research the growth that the suburbs you’re interested in have enjoyed over the past decade and try to make a real estate investment decision that will pay off well into the future. While the cost of living in the city is quite high compared to the rest of the country, the benefits in terms of opportunities and higher wages are extremely attractive.