New Zealand is a beautiful country that offers a great lifestyle for families. With its stunning scenery, friendly people, and excellent education system, it’s no wonder that so many families are choosing to move to New Zealand. In this guide, we will explore the best places to live in New Zealand for families, taking into account factors such as safety, cost of living, and quality of life.
Why New Zealand is Great for Families
New Zealand is a great place for families because of its high standard of living, excellent education system, and outdoor lifestyle. The country is known for its stunning natural beauty, and there are plenty of opportunities for families to explore the outdoors together. Additionally, New Zealand has a low crime rate, making it a safe place to raise children.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Place to Live in New Zealand
When choosing a place to live in New Zealand, it’s important to consider factors such as the cost of living, job opportunities, and quality of life. It’s also important to consider the needs of your family, including access to good schools, healthcare, and recreational activities.
Top Cities in New Zealand for Families
Auckland
Auckland is undoubtedly the best city to live in New Zealand if you appreciate art, food, multiculturalism, and above all (and perhaps a little surprisingly,) nature. Auckland is the largest city in New Zealand with a population of over 1.4 million people. It is also the most multicultural city in the country, with over 200 different ethnicities represented. The city is situated on a narrow isthmus, which means there are many beautiful beaches within proximity. There are also plenty of things to do in Auckland, from exploring the many museums and art galleries to hiking in the nearby Waitakere Ranges. Auckland is the best place to live in New Zealand for business positions. Here you’ll find most of the major companies of New Zealand, and global companies, operating in the Central Business District (CBD).
Best Neighborhoods for Families
The best neighborhoods for families in Auckland are Epsom, Remuera, and Mission Bay. These neighborhoods are known for their excellent schools, safe streets, and family-friendly amenities.
Cost of Living in Auckland
The cost of living in Auckland is quite high, with housing being the biggest expense. However, salaries are generally higher in Auckland than in other parts of the country, which helps to offset the higher cost of living.
Wellington
Wellington is the capital city of New Zealand and is located at the southern end of the North Island. It is known for its vibrant cultural scene, excellent restaurants, and stunning natural beauty. Wellington is also home to the New Zealand government, making it a great place to live if you work in politics or public service.
Best Neighborhoods for Families
The best neighborhoods for families in Wellington are Khandallah, Karori, and Seatoun. These neighborhoods are known for their excellent schools, safe streets, and family-friendly amenities.
Cost of Living in Wellington
The cost of living in Wellington is generally lower than in Auckland, but it is still quite high compared to other parts of the country. Housing is the biggest expense, but salaries in Wellington are generally higher than in other parts of the country.
Christchurch
Christchurch is the largest city on the South Island and is known for its beautiful parks, gardens, and historic buildings. The city has a strong sense of community, making it a great place to raise a family.
Best Neighborhoods for Families
The best neighborhoods for families in Christchurch are Fendalton, Merivale, and Cashmere. These neighborhoods are known for their excellent schools, safe streets, and family-friendly amenities.
Cost of Living in Christchurch
The cost of living in Christchurch is generally lower than in Auckland or Wellington. Housing is more affordable in Christchurch, and salaries are still relatively high.
Cheapest Places to Live in New Zealand for Families
Rotorua
Rotorua is a city located on the North Island and is known for its geothermal activity, making it a popular tourist destination. Despite being a smaller city, Rotorua offers plenty of family-friendly activities and has a lower cost of living compared to the larger cities in New Zealand.
Best Neighborhoods for Families
The best neighborhoods for families in Rotorua are Lynmore, Springfield, and Westbrook. These neighborhoods offer affordable housing, good schools, and family-friendly amenities.
Cost of Living in Rotorua
The cost of living in Rotorua is significantly lower than in Auckland or Wellington. Housing is more affordable, and the overall cost of living is more manageable for families.
Napier-Hastings
Napier-Hastings is a twin-city area located on the east coast of the North Island. Known for its beautiful Art Deco architecture and stunning coastline, Napier-Hastings offers a great lifestyle for families at a more affordable cost.
Best Neighborhoods for Families
The best neighborhoods for families in Napier-Hastings are Greenmeadows, Taradale, and Havelock North. These neighborhoods offer affordable housing, good schools, and family-friendly amenities.
Cost of Living in Napier-Hastings
The cost of living in Napier-Hastings is generally lower than in the larger cities, with more affordable housing options and a lower overall cost of living.
Whanganui
Whanganui is a city located on the west coast of the North Island. With its rich history, beautiful river, and affordable cost of living, Whanganui is an attractive option for families looking to settle in New Zealand.
Best Neighborhoods for Families
The best neighborhoods for families in Whanganui are St. John’s Hill, Springvale, and Aramoho. These neighborhoods offer affordable housing, good schools, and family-friendly amenities.
Cost of Living in Whanganui
The cost of living in Whanganui is significantly lower than in the larger cities, making it an attractive option for families on a budget. Safest Places to Live in New Zealand for Families
Queenstown
Queenstown is a picturesque town located on the South Island, known for its stunning natural beauty and outdoor activities. As one of the safest places to live in New Zealand, Queenstown offers families a great quality of life.
Best Neighborhoods for Families
The best neighborhoods for families in Queenstown are Fernhill, Kelvin Heights, and Arrowtown. These neighborhoods offer a safe environment, good schools, and family-friendly amenities.
Safety Measures in Queenstown
Queenstown has a low crime rate, making it a very safe place to live. The local police force is proactive in maintaining safety, and the community is actively involved in ensuring a secure environment for residents.
Nelson – Best Places to Live in New Zealand for Families
Nelson is a city located on the northern coast of the South Island. Known for its sunny climate, beautiful beaches, and vibrant arts scene, Nelson is a safe and family-friendly city.
Best Neighborhoods for Families
The best neighborhoods for families in Nelson are Stoke, Atawhai, and Tahunanui. These neighborhoods offer a safe environment, good schools, and family-friendly amenities.
Safety Measures in Nelson
Nelson has a low crime rate, making it a very safe place to live. The local police force is proactive in maintaining safety, and the community is actively involved in ensuring a secure environment for residents.
Tauranga
Tauranga is a city located on the east coast of the North Island. Known for its beautiful beaches and warm climate, Tauranga is a popular destination for families looking for a safe and enjoyable place to live.
Best Neighborhoods for Families
The best neighborhoods for families in Tauranga are Bethlehem, Papamoa, and Otumoetai. These neighborhoods offer a safe environment, good schools, and family-friendly amenities.
Safety Measures in Tauranga
Tauranga has a low crime rate, making it a very safe place to live. The local police force is proactive in maintaining safety, and the community is actively involved in ensuring a secure environment for residents.
Best Places to Live in New Zealand for Families
Dunedin
Families and professionals often find New Zealand’s South Island town of Dunedin rewarding. Dunedin perches on hills around a clear blue harbor, enjoying four clear seasons. The Dunedin University of Otago brings events, opportunities, and lively students from around New Zealand. Dunedin’s Edwardian villas and reasonable cost of living draw New Zealanders and migrants alike.
Best Neighborhoods for Families
The best neighborhoods for families in Dunedin are Maori Hill, St. Clair, and Roslyn. These neighborhoods offer a safe environment, good schools, and family-friendly amenities.
Cost of Living in Dunedin
The cost of living in Dunedin is generally lower than in the larger cities, making it a more affordable option for families.
Hamilton – Best Places to Live in New Zealand for Families
Hamilton is a city located in the Waikato region of the North Island. It is known for its beautiful gardens, thriving arts scene, and family-friendly atmosphere. With a lower cost of living compared to Auckland and Wellington, Hamilton is an attractive option for families.
Best Neighborhoods for Families
The best neighborhoods for families in Hamilton are Rototuna, Flagstaff, and Hillcrest. These neighborhoods offer a safe environment, good schools, and family-friendly amenities.
Cost of Living in Hamilton
The cost of living in Hamilton is generally lower than in the larger cities, making it a more affordable option for families.
Palmerston North – Best Places to Live in New Zealand for Families
Palmerston North is a city located on the North Island and is known for its strong sense of community, excellent schools, and beautiful parks. The cost of living in Palmerston North is more affordable than that of the larger cities, making it a great place for families to settle.
Best Neighborhoods for Families
The best neighborhoods for families in Palmerston North are Hokowhitu, Kelvin Grove, and Milson. These neighborhoods offer a safe environment, good schools, and family-friendly amenities.
Cost of Living in Palmerston North
The cost of living in Palmerston North is generally lower than in the larger cities, making it a more affordable option for families.
Conclusion on the Best Places to Live in New Zealand for Families
New Zealand offers an incredible lifestyle for families, with its stunning natural beauty, excellent education system, and safe communities. While Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch are popular choices for families, smaller cities like Rotorua, Napier-Hastings, and Whanganui also provide affordable options with a great quality of life. For those seeking safety, Queenstown, Nelson, and Tauranga stand out as some of the safest places to live in the country. Ultimately, choosing the best place to live in New Zealand for your family will depend on your individual needs, preferences, and budget. We hope this guide has provided a helpful starting point as you consider the perfect New Zealand location for your family.
FAQs
What are the cheapest cities in New Zealand to live in?
Rotorua, Napier and Hastings, Whangarei, Palmerston North, and Hamilton are among the most affordable cities in New Zealand.
Is Auckland a good place to live in New Zealand?
While Auckland offers many opportunities, it is also the most expensive city in the country.
Are there job opportunities for working holidaymakers in New Zealand?
Yes, New Zealand offers various job opportunities for working holidaymakers, especially in sectors like tourism, agriculture, and hospitality.
Can I find affordable accommodation in Queenstown?
While Queenstown is known for its high living costs, more budget-friendly options are available in the city’s outer suburbs.
Which New Zealand city is known as the “hipster city”?
New Plymouth is often referred to as New Zealand’s “hipster city” due to its thriving arts scene and cultural vibe.
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