Hamilton

๐ŸŒ†

Neighbourhoods

Overview of different neighbourhoods in Hamilton and their suitability for various lifestyles.

Sections

1. Hamilton Central

  • Housing Options: Predominantly apartments, townhouses, and smaller homes. Some older character homes are also available.
  • Average Rent/Property Prices:
    • Rent: NZD 400โ€“600 per week for a 1-2 bedroom apartment.
    • Property Prices: NZD 600,000โ€“900,000 for apartments or townhouses.
  • Type of Accommodation: Modern apartments and compact housing, often catering to young professionals, students, and small families.
  • Accessibility to Amenities: Excellent. Close to shopping centres, restaurants, cafes, bars, and the Waikato River. The Hamilton Transport Centre (bus hub) is located here, making it easy to commute.
  • Community Vibe: Urban and lively, with a mix of professionals, students (due to proximity to Waikato University and Wintec), and young families. Itโ€™s a bustling area with a vibrant nightlife and cultural events.
  • Best For: Young professionals, students, and those who enjoy city living.

2. Hillcrest

  • Housing Options: A mix of standalone houses, townhouses, and student flats.
  • Average Rent/Property Prices:
    • Rent: NZD 450โ€“700 per week for a 3-bedroom house.
    • Property Prices: NZD 700,000โ€“1,000,000 for standalone homes.
  • Type of Accommodation: Family homes and student accommodations. Many properties are older but well-maintained.
  • Accessibility to Amenities: Excellent. Close to Waikato University, Hillcrest Shopping Centre, and several parks. Public transport is readily available.
  • Community Vibe: Family-friendly and student-oriented. The area has a mix of long-term residents and a transient student population.
  • Best For: Families, university staff, and students.

3. Rototuna

  • Housing Options: Modern standalone homes, townhouses, and some new-build apartments.
  • Average Rent/Property Prices:
    • Rent: NZD 600โ€“900 per week for a 3-4 bedroom house.
    • Property Prices: NZD 900,000โ€“1,500,000 for modern homes.
  • Type of Accommodation: Spacious, modern homes with larger sections, often in new subdivisions.
  • Accessibility to Amenities: Excellent. Rototuna has its own shopping centres, schools, and parks. Itโ€™s a self-contained suburb with everything you need nearby.
  • Community Vibe: Affluent and family-oriented. The area is popular with professionals and families due to its excellent schools and safe environment.
  • Best For: Families and professionals seeking a suburban lifestyle.

4. Hamilton East

  • Housing Options: A mix of older character homes, student flats, and modern apartments.
  • Average Rent/Property Prices:
    • Rent: NZD 400โ€“700 per week for a 2-3 bedroom house.
    • Property Prices: NZD 700,000โ€“1,200,000 for standalone homes.
  • Type of Accommodation: A mix of heritage homes and newer developments. Many properties cater to students and young professionals.
  • Accessibility to Amenities: Excellent. Close to Waikato University, Hamilton Gardens, and Grey Streetโ€™s cafes and shops. Public transport is readily available.
  • Community Vibe: Diverse and vibrant, with a mix of students, families, and professionals. The area has a creative and slightly bohemian feel.
  • Best For: Students, young professionals, and those who enjoy a mix of urban and suburban living.

5. Chartwell

  • Housing Options: Standalone homes, townhouses, and some apartments.
  • Average Rent/Property Prices:
    • Rent: NZD 500โ€“800 per week for a 3-bedroom house.
    • Property Prices: NZD 800,000โ€“1,200,000 for standalone homes.
  • Type of Accommodation: Family homes, often with larger sections. Some newer developments are available.
  • Accessibility to Amenities: Excellent. Close to Chartwell Shopping Centre (Westfield), schools, and parks. Public transport is available but less frequent than in central areas.
  • Community Vibe: Family-friendly and suburban. The area is popular with families and retirees.
  • Best For: Families and retirees seeking a quieter lifestyle.

6. Dinsdale

  • Housing Options: Standalone homes, often older but spacious.
  • Average Rent/Property Prices:
    • Rent: NZD 450โ€“700 per week for a 3-bedroom house.
    • Property Prices: NZD 700,000โ€“1,000,000 for standalone homes.
  • Type of Accommodation: Older family homes with larger sections. Some properties have been renovated.
  • Accessibility to Amenities: Good. Close to local shops, schools, and parks. Public transport is available but less frequent.
  • Community Vibe: Quiet and family-oriented. The area has a mix of long-term residents and younger families.
  • Best For: Families and those seeking affordable housing options.

7. Frankton

  • Housing Options: Older standalone homes, townhouses, and apartments.
  • Average Rent/Property Prices:
    • Rent: NZD 400โ€“600 per week for a 2-3 bedroom house.
    • Property Prices: NZD 600,000โ€“900,000 for standalone homes.
  • Type of Accommodation: Affordable housing, often older but with character. Some newer developments are available.
  • Accessibility to Amenities: Good. Close to Frankton Village, Hamilton Lake, and the CBD. Public transport is available.
  • Community Vibe: Diverse and working-class. The area is undergoing some gentrification, with new developments and businesses moving in.
  • Best For: Budget-conscious individuals and families.

8. Nawton

  • Housing Options: Standalone homes and townhouses.
  • Average Rent/Property Prices:
    • Rent: NZD 400โ€“600 per week for a 3-bedroom house.
    • Property Prices: NZD 600,000โ€“900,000 for standalone homes.
  • Type of Accommodation: Affordable family homes, often older but spacious.
  • Accessibility to Amenities: Good. Close to The Base (a large shopping centre) and local schools. Public transport is available but less frequent.
  • Community Vibe: Working-class and family-oriented. The area is affordable and has a strong sense of community.
  • Best For: Budget-conscious families and first-time buyers.

9. St Andrews

  • Housing Options: Standalone homes, often larger and more established.
  • Average Rent/Property Prices:
    • Rent: NZD 500โ€“800 per week for a 3-4 bedroom house.
    • Property Prices: NZD 800,000โ€“1,200,000 for standalone homes.
  • Type of Accommodation: Spacious family homes, often with large gardens.
  • Accessibility to Amenities: Excellent. Close to The Base, golf courses, and parks. Public transport is available.
  • Community Vibe: Quiet and family-friendly. The area is popular with professionals and retirees.
  • Best For: Families and retirees seeking a peaceful lifestyle.

10. Te Rapa

  • Housing Options: A mix of standalone homes, townhouses, and apartments.
  • Average Rent/Property Prices:
    • Rent: NZD 500โ€“700 per week for a 3-bedroom house.
    • Property Prices: NZD 700,000โ€“1,000,000 for standalone homes.
  • Type of Accommodation: Modern homes and apartments, often in new developments.
  • Accessibility to Amenities: Excellent. Close to The Base, schools, and industrial areas. Public transport is available.
  • Community Vibe: Suburban and convenient. The area is popular with professionals working in nearby industrial zones.
  • Best For: Professionals and families.

General Tips for Housing in Hamilton

  • Rental Market: Hamiltonโ€™s rental market is competitive, especially in areas close to the university or major amenities. Itโ€™s advisable to start your search early.
  • Property Management: Many rentals are managed by property management companies. Be prepared to provide references and proof of income.
  • Cultural Considerations: Hamilton is a multicultural city, and most neighbourhoods are welcoming to newcomers. However, itโ€™s always a good idea to visit the area and get a feel for the community before committing.

Hamilton offers a wide range of neighbourhoods to suit different lifestyles and budgets. Whether youโ€™re a student, professional, or family, thereโ€™s a place for you in this growing city.