Global Major Cities Guide

A general guide to the main neighborhoods and suburbs of Palmerston North, highlighting their characteristics and appeal.

Overview: Hokowhitu is one of Palmerston North's most sought-after suburbs, known for its leafy streets, proximity to the Manawatū River, and high-quality homes. It is popular with families, professionals, and retirees.
Housing: The area features a mix of modern homes, character villas, and townhouses. Properties here are generally well-maintained, with larger sections compared to other suburbs.
- Rental Costs: $550–$750 per week for a 3-bedroom house.
- Purchase Costs: $800,000–$1.2 million for a family home.
Amenities: Hokowhitu Village offers boutique shops, cafes, and restaurants. The suburb is close to the Esplanade (a large park with walking trails, gardens, and a playground) and has excellent schools, including Hokowhitu School and Palmerston North Girls' High School.
Transport: Well-connected by bus routes and bike paths. It’s a short drive or bike ride to the city center.
Lifestyle: Quiet, family-friendly, and community-oriented. The proximity to the river and parks makes it ideal for outdoor enthusiasts.
Tips: Hokowhitu is a premium area, so expect higher housing costs. It’s a great choice for families prioritizing education and lifestyle.

Overview: A growing suburb located northeast of the city center, Kelvin Grove is popular with families and first-home buyers due to its newer housing developments and affordability.
Housing: Predominantly modern homes with open-plan designs. Many properties are part of new subdivisions.
- Rental Costs: $450–$600 per week for a 3-bedroom house.
- Purchase Costs: $650,000–$850,000 for a modern family home.
Amenities: Kelvin Grove has a shopping center with a supermarket, pharmacy, and eateries. It also has several parks and playgrounds, making it family-friendly.
Transport: Regular bus services connect Kelvin Grove to the city center. Driving to the CBD takes about 10–15 minutes.
Lifestyle: Suburban and family-oriented, with a focus on convenience and modern living.
Tips: This area is ideal for those looking for newer homes and a quieter lifestyle. However, as it’s a growing suburb, some areas may still be under development.

Overview: Terrace End is a centrally located suburb with a mix of residential and commercial areas. It’s popular with young professionals, students, and retirees.
Housing: A mix of older character homes, townhouses, and apartments. Some properties may require renovation.
- Rental Costs: $400–$550 per week for a 2- or 3-bedroom house.
- Purchase Costs: $500,000–$750,000 for a standalone home.
Amenities: Terrace End Shopping Centre offers supermarkets, cafes, and specialty stores. The suburb is close to Memorial Park, which has sports facilities and a playground.
Transport: Excellent public transport links and walkable to the city center. Cycling is also a popular option.
Lifestyle: Vibrant and convenient, with a mix of residential and commercial activity.
Tips: Terrace End is a good option for those who want to be close to the city without paying premium prices. Be mindful of traffic in busier areas.

Overview: Milson is a family-friendly suburb located near Palmerston North Airport. It’s known for its quiet streets and community feel.
Housing: A mix of older homes and newer builds. Properties tend to have larger sections, making it ideal for families.
- Rental Costs: $450–$600 per week for a 3-bedroom house.
- Purchase Costs: $600,000–$850,000 for a family home.
Amenities: Milson has its own shopping area with a supermarket, medical center, and cafes. It’s also close to the airport and industrial areas, making it convenient for workers in those sectors.
Transport: Regular bus services to the city center. Driving to the CBD takes about 10 minutes.
Lifestyle: Quiet and suburban, with a strong sense of community.
Tips: Milson is a great choice for families, but its proximity to the airport may mean occasional noise from air traffic.

Overview: Awapuni is a diverse suburb located southwest of the city center. It’s known for its mix of housing options and proximity to the Manawatū River.
Housing: A mix of older homes, state housing, and newer developments. It’s one of the more affordable suburbs in Palmerston North.
- Rental Costs: $400–$550 per week for a 3-bedroom house.
- Purchase Costs: $500,000–$700,000 for a family home.
Amenities: Awapuni has local shops, schools, and parks. It’s close to the Awapuni Racecourse and the river, which offers walking and cycling trails.
Transport: Good bus connections to the city center. Driving takes about 10 minutes.
Lifestyle: Affordable and family-friendly, with a mix of urban and natural elements.
Tips: Awapuni offers good value for money, but some areas may have older housing stock that requires maintenance.

Overview: Highbury is an affordable suburb located west of the city center. It’s a culturally diverse area with a strong sense of community.
Housing: Predominantly older homes, many of which are more affordable than in other suburbs.
- Rental Costs: $350–$500 per week for a 3-bedroom house.
- Purchase Costs: $450,000–$600,000 for a standalone home.
Amenities: Highbury has local shops, schools, and parks. It’s close to the city center and the Esplanade.
Transport: Regular bus services and easy access to the CBD by car or bike.
Lifestyle: Affordable and community-focused, with a mix of families and retirees.
Tips: Highbury is a good option for those on a budget, but some areas may lack the amenities of more affluent suburbs.

Overview: Fitzherbert is a newer, upmarket suburb located on the southern edge of Palmerston North. It’s popular with professionals and families.
Housing: Modern homes with contemporary designs. Many properties have stunning views of the surrounding hills.
- Rental Costs: $600–$800 per week for a 4-bedroom house.
- Purchase Costs: $900,000–$1.5 million for a modern family home.
Amenities: Close to Massey University, Summerhill Shopping Centre, and the Victoria Esplanade. The area also has excellent schools.
Transport: Well-connected by bus routes. Driving to the city center takes about 10–15 minutes.
Lifestyle: Quiet, modern, and family-oriented, with a focus on quality of life.
Tips: Fitzherbert is ideal for those seeking a high standard of living, but it comes with a higher price tag.

Public Transport: Palmerston North has a reliable bus network, but many residents prefer to drive or cycle due to the city’s compact size.
Weather: The city experiences a temperate climate with cool winters and mild summers. Ensure your home has good insulation and heating.
Community: Palmerston North is known for its friendly and welcoming community. Get involved in local events and activities to settle in quickly.
Proximity to Work/School: Choose a suburb close to your workplace or school to minimize commute times, as traffic can build up during peak hours.

By understanding the unique characteristics of each suburb, you can find the perfect place to call home in Palmerston North!

Palmerston North