These are the 13 best suburbs in Auckland

If you want city energy, short commutes, bars, restaurants and nightlife, the central city may be the best place to live in Auckland. As well as all that good stuff, you’ll find plenty of parks and a few good beaches in central Auckland. Unfortunately, you’ll also find some of the most expensive property in the country, whether you’re renting or buying. 

Herne Bay may be the most expensive suburb in New Zealand - the average property here costs around $3.5 million to buy. Renting is a bit more affordable, averaging around $850 per week. 

There’s a reason this area’s expensive. It’s positioned perfectly between Ponsonby and the coast, with sandy beaches, and a strip of fancy bars, restaurants and shops. The commute to the city from here takes around nine minutes in off-peak traffic. 

Ponsonby may be the city's busiest, most exciting area. The famous Ponsonby Road is stacked with bars, restaurants and upmarket shops, and the suburb is known for  its leafy streets and old villas everywhere you look. The commute to the city from here takes around six minutes

Westmere is a bit like Grey Lynn by the sea. It's got the same lush residential streets, plus great cafes and a famous butcher, add onto that several kilometres of coastline, amazing views and a rather lovely waterfront park. Another great family suburb, but like its neighbours - this area isn’t cheap. 

Mount Eden is one of Auckland’s most diverse suburbs. You’ll find stately old villas everywhere, high end bars, cosy pubs and boutique shops along Mt Eden Road. But nearby you’ll also find Auckland’s best Asian food on Dominion Road, plus zoning for great schools (including the coveted Grammar Zone). 

East Auckland is a very family orientated area, with great schools (including Macleans, one of the country’s best public schools), quality beaches and plenty of parks and bush walks. The commute to the city from here can be a little slow, but there are options, including a ferry from Half Moon Bay.

Half Moon Bay is a very quiet, safe family neighbourhood located on the coast line next to Howick. There’s a quick ferry to Auckland from here, plus a couple waterfront eateries and access to good schooling. If you want a coastal area that feels far away, in close proximity to Auckland - this is a great option.

Botany is one of Auckland’s fastest growing and most diverse areas. It’s home to city parks, a great golf course, and one of New Zealand’s largest shopping malls - Botany Town Centre. This is one of Auckland’s newest suburbs, so it’s a great place to look if you’re after a new-build home.

West Auckland is one of the city's most affordable areas, whether you're renting or buying. The commutes can be long but the proximity to West Coast beaches and the Waitakeres means the drive is always worth it.

In 2011 Hobsonville Point was a defence base, today it’s a thriving community of over 11,000 residents. This newly developed area features around 4,000 homes, five km of coastal walkways, 26 hectares of parks and reserves, 11 cafes, restaurants and bars and a great farmer’s market. The commute can be long if there’s traffic, but there’s a ferry that’ll take you to the city in 25 minutes. Homes here tend to be smaller, so it’s possible to find affordable property. 

Titirangi is a scenic, hilly area surrounded by native bush on the southern edge of the Waitakeres. It's about a 30 minute drive from town (and over an hour at rush hour) so the commute isn’t great - but the area itself is magic. The suburb has a charming wee village with boutique shops, cafes and a brand new food court - plus plenty of stunning bush walks nearby for outdoorsy types. It's also got great beaches and an incredibly stunning golf course. 

South Auckland has a lot going for it. It’s near the airport, with great transport links to the CBD, is a famously diverse area with one of Auckland’s best markets (Ōtara ). Most importantly, in one of the least affordable cities in the world, there are still some affordable homes to be found in South Auckland. 

Mangere Bridge is a lovely, family focused suburb on the coast between Māngere and Onehunga. It's got a massive waterfront area, one of the city’s biggest regional parks (Ambury Farm), and a little village with plenty of cafes and shops. There are great homes for first home buyers and young families in the area, with plenty of quality new builds. 

If you like parks and tree lined streets and don’t feel like spending $3 million on a home, Wattle Downs is a great place to live. It's located on a peninsula jutting out into the Manukau Harbour, and is home to at least three great parks - including the Wattle Downs path, a 10 km long shoreline cycleway and walking track. 

Across the Harbour Bridge from the CBD you’ll find the North Shore. This family-friendly area features an extensive coastline and tiny bays, with a mix of affordable homes and luxurious properties near the water. Life is lived at a slightly slower pace on the Shore, but there’s still plenty to do - whether you’re visiting a world class beach at Long Bay, or sipping a flat white by the waterfront at a Takapuna Cafe. 

Milford is a quiet seaside suburb, five to ten minutes drive from the Harbour Bridge, after you go through Takapuna. It's a little quieter than its bustling neighbour, but it’s still got the same great coastline, a lovely park and a town centre with a supermarket and some great cafes and bars. 

Birkenhead Point is the North Shore’s best kept secret. It sits on the cliffs along the coast from Northcote Point and the Harbour Bridge and has a lovely community feel, with a couple of great cafes and a craft beer bar. Homes here tend to be older, with plenty of white villas with sea views.