Christchurchers...

[Deviant Esq]

Well mate, you've heard it from me already, but as the rest have said it depends on how far you want to commute, and in which direction. North is pretty shocking for traffic at rush hours if you're commuting - there's pretty much one way in and out and as has also been mentioned, the driving standard is generally bollocks.

I like south and west. Halswell / Prebbleton (still sort of attached to Christchurch) is a good option, or Tai Tapu if you want to head a little further away. Both are still close to Christchurch so it isn't much to commute to, and there's more than one option into town so you can mix it up a little... and they're much closer to the fun riding roads as well

Things are moving along then?

[HenryDorsetCase]

we live in the south east (near Princess Margaret Hostable). When we purchased it was Somerfield, but when we sell it will be in Lower Cashmere.....

I pushbike to work most days, and its close to erverything I want to do, only drag is getting out of town going north, but its not that big a deal really.

Property prices have gone mental the last two years but the market is definitely cooling: next year will be the acid test. We are presumably in the Cashmere High School zone since we are 50 m from the main gate.

I like beckenham. St Martins too.

[Kickaha]

I'd go along with Deviant Esq, North of the Waimak has Pegasus Bay coming along which will add a a lot more traffic and the roading to improve this is still at least three years away and will only help from Belfast on heading South

The scum sucking maggots that currently use the northern motorway don't have much idea of common road courtesy

I'd add West Melton and Lincoln as other areas to consider which are both about 15-20 minutes from the outskirts of Chch

[fireliv]

It can be hard finding property in a place you dont know!! Just lucky when we moved here my sister took us in untill we got to know the city!

Because of the recent move I cant recommend anything rural. Look forward to meeting ya when you do arrive, dont forget to come along to the wednesday night rides when ure here!

[Fat Tony]

It can be hard finding property in a place you dont know!! Just lucky when we moved here my sister took us in untill we got to know the city!

Sister's phone number please? We'll be renting for starters while we have a nosey round for somewhere.

Had a good look on realestate.co.nz again yesterday at the suggested areas... wow... some nice properties... just have to hope that our house in the UK is worth twice what it is

Thanks again all

[SVboy]

I would push for Lincoln-lots of new housing, good local schooling,semi rural and a manageable commute to CHCH. Average to higher property prices.

[HenryDorsetCase]

or Tai Tapu if you can afford it: no easterly wind.

$$$$$$$$$$$$ though

[bgd]

We're in Merivale. Good schools and very central. Not particularly rural but it is close to Hagley Park. The Park is Chch's greatest asset. Renting for a while is definitely the best approach.

Think carefully about the commute. What may seem a breeze to start with may become a major chore down the track. We've met plenty of Brits who settled in Sumner and now hate the daily trek into town.

Chch is a great city and a wonderful place to bring up kids.