Moving to New Zealand: Four affordable places to consider
New Zealand is a beautiful country that offers its residents a great quality of life. However, when people consider moving to New Zealand, they usually only consider centres such as Auckland, Tauranga, Hamilton, Queenstown and Wellington.
While these cities have a lot to offer, the increased cost of living, rents, groceries and house prices can make these north island locations expensive places to live.
If you want to move somewhere more affordable, with lots to offer, check out these four towns you may not have considered yet.
Christchurch
Christchurch is the largest city on the South Island and offers a great quality of life. The city has a vibrant arts and culture scene and plenty of outdoor activities for those who enjoy hiking, skiing, and mountain biking. Christchurch is also known for its excellent education system.
It has several universities and colleges, including Lincoln University, Canterbury University and campuses for Canterbury Polytechnic and the Southern Institute of Technology.
The city is still rebuilding after the devastating earthquake in 2011, it has come a long way and offers plenty of opportunities for those who want to start a new life in New Zealand. New infrastructure is one of the major pros of this city.
One of the main drawcards for moving to Christchurch is the cost of living. The city boasts affordable rents and affordable house prices. There are also plenty of options for choosing where to live. From newly built subdivisions to townhouses, inner city apartments or beach-side properties, there’s no shortage of new (and earthquake-strengthened) homes to consider.
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Rotorua
Rotorua is a popular tourist destination due to its geothermal attractions and rich Maori culture. However, it is also a great place to live for those who enjoy a more laid-back lifestyle. The city offers affordable housing and has a strong sense of community.
Rotorua also has a growing economy, with plenty of job opportunities in the tourism, forestry, and agriculture industries. Rotorua also has a strong education sector, with several schools and a Bay of Plenty Polytechnic campus.
As more New Zealanders struggle with affordability in places like Tauranga and Hamilton, Rotorua looks increasingly attractive. Rotorua has a lower cost of living compared to Tauranga, especially when it comes to housing. The median house price in Rotorua is around $520,000, while Tauranga's is over $800,000. This makes it easier for people to buy a home in Rotorua or rent an affordable property.
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Alexandra
Queenstown and Wanaka are popular destinations for people looking for beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. However, there’s no denying these towns are becoming increasingly expensive. As a result, many people are looking for alternative places to live.
Alexandra is located in the heart of Central Otago, making it an ideal base for exploring the region. The town is just a short drive from Queenstown, Wanaka, and Cromwell, which means it's easy to access the amenities and attractions of these destinations without paying the high cost of living.
Median house prices in Alexandra are around $540,000, while in Queenstown and Wanaka, it is well over $1 million. This makes it easier for people to buy a home in Alexandra or rent an affordable property.
Surrounded by mountains, rivers, and lakes, Alexandra is ideal for hiking, skiing, and fishing. Alexandra also has a low cost of living, and the community is friendly and welcoming. The town has a growing economy, with agriculture, tourism, and healthcare job opportunities and is within commuting distance to Queenstown, Wanaka and Cromwell.
Whanganui
If house prices and living costs in New Zealand’s capital are getting you down, Whanganui is an affordable town a two-and-a-half-hour drive away. Why move to Whanganui? The town has a lower cost of living compared to Wellington, especially when it comes to housing. The median house price in Whanganui is around $360,000, while in Wellington, it is over $900,000.
House prices aren’t the only reason to move either. If you’re moving from overseas, Whanganui offers a stronger cultural heritage than Wellington, and other major centres do.
The town has a strong Maori presence, and there are many opportunities to learn about Maori culture and history, which sets it apart.
Located on the banks of the Whanganui River, the town offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities such as kayaking, fishing, and hiking. The town is also close to Mount Ruapehu, which is a popular ski destination in the winter.
Whanganui has a quaint and relaxed lifestyle, ideal for those looking for a slower pace of life. The town has a vibrant arts community and many cafes, restaurants, and bars to enjoy without the high prices and crowds that come with living in Wellington.
While Auckland, Tauranga, Hamilton, and Wellington are great cities, they are not the only places to live in New Zealand. Christchurch, Rotorua, Alexandra, and Whanganui offer a unique experience, a more relaxed lifestyle and a great alternative to our bigger or more expensive cities. These cities offer affordable housing, a strong sense of community, and plenty of job opportunities. If you are planning to move to New Zealand, it is worth considering these alternative cities and exploring what they offer.
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