Why the Waikato? New Zealand’s best upcoming region to live in

Waikato boasts strong and vibrant communities, great schools and huge lifestyle advantages. Growing numbers of people are raising their families, starting or joining local businesses and enjoying the slower yet still connected way of life here. We think it’s the perfect place to build in New Zealand and have seen huge growth in the Pokeno and Te Kauwhata areas, specifically, already.

If more than 2,000 hours of sun per year (we’re looking at you, Auckland!) wasn’t appealing enough, here’s 3 reasons why we think the Waikato is the best place to live in New Zealand.

1. The lifestyle.

Waikato district offers, relaxed, peaceful living. The rural tranquillity and views of farmland and bush are making it increasingly popular for lifestyle living. Residents enjoy a temperate climate and plenty of space within relaxed and safe communities. There’s everything you need to make the Waikato home, including modern health care, education facilities, leisure activities, vibrant business and industrial sectors and a strong sense of community.

Plus, you get the full kiwi experiences with Waikato’s west coast beaches and harbours, its range of lakes and the beautiful Waikato River providing opportunities for water sports and recreation including deep sea fishing, trout fishing, surfing, swimming, scuba diving, sport life-saving, jet and water-skiing, rowing, canoeing, Waka Ama, hang gliding, paragliding and kite surfing.

2.  It’s affordable for first home buyers to build.

As pointed out in 1 News Now, it is nearly impossible to live in Auckland from a cost perspective. “On a median household income, a bank may reasonably lend enough for a house priced at $467,000 (about 55 per cent of the median). This is enough to buy a house on the outskirts of the city or perhaps in a Supporting Growth Area such as Pokeno.”

This means that not only is it unrealistic for New Zealanders to buy in larger cities like Auckland, but renting is incredibly difficult too.

The Waikato serves as an opportunity for anyone looking to make a home in New Zealand with far more affordable housing costs, and building your home adds extra, additional benefits. The area is particularly appealing to young families, who are able to buy new, standalone homes on decent sections for well under the median house price in Auckland.

3. You get the best of both worlds!

Waikato towns are a short commute to New Zealand’s largest city Auckland, and its fourth largest city, Hamilton. This means more opportunity but not at the expense of living in the rat race! Te Kauwhata's position alongside the Waikato Expressway means it is  an attractive place to live for people working in either Auckland or Hamilton and places in between. The Expressway is the major four-lane state highway roading network linking Auckland to Hamilton and further south.

With the Waikato District Council pumping more than $32 million into a new library, roading, and upgraded water and power infrastructure, the Waikato has many advantages, and as Pokeno's population is projected to explode from 3000 to 12,000 by 2045, it’s a region to want to be a part of!