Sign In

The Best Suburbs in Palmerston North (2024)

Palmerston North, located in the heart of the Manawatu-Whanganui region, is known for its vibrant community, educational institutions, and diverse neighbourhoods. Whether you’re looking to relocate, invest, or simply curious about the city’s most desirable areas, this guide will help you navigate Palmerston North’s top suburbs. Let’s explore what makes these neighbourhoods stand out and why they might be the perfect fit for you.

Hokowhitu: Prestige and Proximity

Hokowhitu is one of Palmerston North’s most prestigious suburbs, known for its leafy streets, quality homes, and close proximity to the city centre.

Key Features:

  • Median House Price: Around $700,000
  • Top Schools: Zoned for Palmerston North Boys’ High School and Palmerston North Girls’ High School
  • Recreational Areas: Close to the Manawatu River and the Esplanade
  • Amenities: Boutique shops, cafes, and restaurants

Hokowhitu attracts families and professionals who appreciate its quiet, upscale atmosphere and excellent amenities. The suburb’s strong community feel and proximity to top schools make it a perennial favourite.

Milson: Family-Friendly and Convenient

Milson is a well-established suburb known for its family-friendly environment and convenient location near the airport and major employment hubs.

Key Features:

  • Median House Price: Around $600,000
  • Schools: Milson School and St Peter’s College
  • Amenities: Milson Shopping Centre and local parks
  • Transport: Easy access to public transport and Palmerston North Airport

Milson’s combination of affordability, amenities, and strong community spirit makes it particularly attractive to families and first-home buyers.

Kelvin Grove: Growing and Diverse

Kelvin Grove is one of Palmerston North’s largest suburbs, offering a diverse range of housing options and modern amenities.

Key Features:

  • Median House Price: Around $650,000
  • Schools: Cornerstone Christian School and Whakarongo School
  • Amenities: Kelvin Grove Shopping Centre and recreational facilities
  • Development: Ongoing residential and commercial development

Kelvin Grove’s growth potential and variety of housing styles appeal to a wide range of residents, from young families to retirees.

Fitzherbert: Upscale and Scenic

Fitzherbert is known for its upscale homes and scenic views, making it one of the most desirable suburbs in Palmerston North.

Key Features:

  • Median House Price: Around $917,350
  • Proximity to Massey University: Ideal for academics and students
  • Recreational Areas: Close to the Victoria Esplanade and walking tracks
  • Amenities: Quality dining and shopping options

Fitzherbert’s combination of luxury living and proximity to educational institutions makes it a top choice for professionals and academics.

Terrace End: Central and Convenient

Terrace End is a centrally located suburb offering a mix of character homes and modern developments.

Key Features:

  • Median House Price: Around $600,000
  • Schools: Ross Intermediate and Freyberg High School
  • Amenities: Terrace End Shopping Centre and Memorial Park
  • Transport: Excellent public transport links

Terrace End’s central location and variety of amenities make it a popular choice for families and professionals seeking convenience.

West End: Affordable and Accessible

West End is a diverse suburb offering affordable housing options and easy access to the city centre.

Key Features:

  • Median House Price: Around $550,000
  • Schools: Palmerston North Intermediate Normal School and Awatapu College
  • Amenities: Close to the Lido Aquatic Centre and the Esplanade
  • Transport: Good public transport links

West End’s affordability and accessibility make it a great choice for first-home buyers and young families.

Investment Potential

For those looking to invest, Palmerston North offers promising opportunities. According to recent data, the average house price in Palmerston North is $632,000. Some suburbs showing strong growth potential include:

  • Fitzherbert: Known for its upscale homes and proximity to Massey University
  • Kelvin Grove: Ongoing residential and commercial development
  • Milson: Convenient location near the airport and major employment hubs

Palmerston North offers a diverse range of suburbs to suit different lifestyles and budgets. Whether you’re seeking a family-friendly neighbourhood, a bustling urban lifestyle, or an upscale retreat, there’s a suburb in Palmerston North to suit your needs.

When choosing the best suburb for you, consider factors such as:

  • Budget: Property values vary significantly across Palmerston North’s suburbs. Determine your budget and look for areas that offer the best value for your money.
  • Lifestyle preferences: Do you prefer a suburban feel, urban convenience, or a more upscale environment? Consider what’s important to you in terms of daily living.
  • Commute times: If you’re working in the CBD or other specific locations, consider the commute times from different suburbs.
  • Schools: If you have children or are planning to, research the school zones and quality of education in different areas.
  • Future development: Look into planned infrastructure projects and developments that might affect property values and lifestyle in the future.
  • Community feel: Visit the suburbs you’re interested in at different times of the day to get a feel for the community and atmosphere.

Remember, while this guide provides an overview of some of Palmerston North’s top suburbs, it’s always a good idea to spend time exploring the areas yourself. Talk to locals, visit at different times of the day, and consult with real estate professionals to get a comprehensive understanding of each suburb.

As Palmerston North continues to grow and develop, its suburbs are likely to evolve, potentially creating new hotspots and investment opportunities. Staying informed about local developments and market trends will help you make the best decision for your living or investment needs in this vibrant city.

Related Posts