If you are looking to settle in Auckland, but can't afford the ever-inflating prices, then Hamilton is a great alternative. Hamilton is New Zealand's fourth-largest city, and the third fastest-growing area, with 240,000 people who call it home. Hamilton is located on the Waikato River, with 16km of this river passing through the city.
Hamilton enjoys a great location, between the hub of Auckland, and the coastal city of Tauranga, as well as being close to Hobbiton and the Waitomo Glowworm caves. Although Hamilton doesn't have any beaches, it is only a 45-minute drive away from the popular surf beach of Raglan.
Hamilton is home to the Waikato University, one of the top universities in New Zealand. Hamilton is home to a large number of students, which builds upon the student culture in the city. The city has 145 parks and gardens, with another 63 sporting areas. The largest of all the gardens is the Hamilton Gardens, with 21 different parks set over the 54-hectare park. Over a million people visit this city every year.
A large proportion of accommodation in Hamilton is intended for students. There is a significant flatshare culture throughout the city as well. If you are not a student, there are plenty of alternatives for you, with plenty of studio apartments, villas and houses in the city as well.
Hamilton's neighbourhoods
Hamilton's CBD is an especially lively area because of the student population and the number of shops and other activities. Hamilton's main street is known for its dynamic and sophisticated appearance with its cafes and restaurants. You will also find various attractions such as parks and a theatre. Outside the centre, some of the notable neighbourhoods are:
Beerescourt - This suburb is adjacent to the city centre and features access to the riverside walkway. With its hill location, it also affords beautiful views. It has its own small shopping area, with easy access to all of the retail parks of Te Rapa.
Glenview - A small suburb to the south of the city centre that was home to New Zealand's first shopping mall in 1969. It now has a small shopping plaza.
Hamilton East - One of Hamilton's oldest suburbs that was known as 'Irishtown' in the late 19th and early 20th centuries offers many 1900s villas and bungalows. It is the home of Beale Cottage, Hamilton's oldest remaining house, as well as many parks, the Cathedral, the Institute de Notre Dames des Missions convent heritage site, and the biggest attraction of Hamilton: Hamilton Gardens. There is also a shopping and retail area on Grey Street.
Hamilton Lake - Adjacent to Hamilton Central, Hamilton Lake features Lake Rotoroa as well as notable attractions including Waikato Museum, St Peter's Cathedral, and the Anglican Cathedral for the Diocese of Waikato.
Hamilton North - Formerly part of Hamilton Central, Hamilton North became its own suburb in the 1960s. It is home to Waikato Stadium for rugby union, Founders Theatre (whose fate is currently being disputed), and the Spanish themed boutique shopping street Casabella Lane.
Te Rapa - A semi-rural suburb to the north of the city known for its dairy factory, railway links, and large retail establishment converted from an old Air Force base. It is also home to New Zealand's last remaining horse racing course and the Waterworld pool complex.
As for the suburbs, Rototuna, Peacock, Tamahere and Matangic are rather inhabited by locals. In the suburbs of Cambridge, Gordonton, Crawshaw, Glenview, Melville, Thornton, Hillcrest, St James Park, Fairview Downs, etc, you will find a large number of expatriates and students.
Rent prices in Hamilton
House prices in Hamilton vary due to their location, size and comfort level. Houses for rent in Hamilton will range from $365 to $450 a week for a two-bedroom. If you are looking to buy, you will be spending between $500,000 and $600,000.
House hunting in Hamilton
TradeMe is a great option for looking at property, whether you are in New Zealand or still overseas. Other places like real estate agencies websites are worth considering, and it's worth visiting these agencies when you have arrived to see if there are any updates. If you are a student, check with the University of Waikato website, and any linked Facebook pages for available properties.
We do our best to provide accurate and up to date information. However, if you have noticed any inaccuracies in this article, please let us know in the comments section below.
