The Best Places to Live in Auckland for Young Professionals

The Best Places to Live in Auckland for Young Professionals 

Wondering where are the best places to live in Auckland for young professionals?

The best places to live in Auckland for young professionals are the central business district, Mount Albert, Grey Lynn, Parnell, Howick, Ponsonby, Devonport, Epsom, and Takapuna. 

This is because all of these neighbourhoods offer a thriving job market, a rich variety of amenities, and good-to-average transportation systems. 

The Central Business District 

The Central Business District
Main reason to move herePlenty of business opportunities in various industries
Property prices / rent$$
Safety★★★★☆
Range of amenities★★★★☆
Public transportation system★★★★☆

The CBD is the geographic and economic centre of Auckland. It is the heart of New Zealand’s economy and financial sector. 

In this highly crowded area, nearly eight thousand establishments hold plenty of business opportunities for young professionals. 

So, the Central Business District is a good option for people who want office work because of the increased concentration of jobs in large companies. 

Some key industries young professionals can find jobs in the CBD are the information and communication technology service and business services industries. Also, the CBD serves as a centre for the creative industries. 

Although Queen Street and the other key shopping streets in the CBD have a high volume of foot traffic, several different public transportation options also serve the area. Hence, it’s easy for people to get around the city centre.

Real Estate Market Insights 

In the Central Business District, people can find a range of modern apartment complexes available for rent or townhouses on the outskirts of the city centre. 

Living in the CBD is also a popular choice among young professionals due to it being one of the more affordable places to live in Auckland. Below is some data pertaining to the real estate market in CBD. 

Median Sales Price395K NZD
Median Rent746 NZD
Rental Yield8.96%
Capital Growth-14.55%

Mount Albert 

Mount Albert
Main reason to move hereClose to Auckland CBD, cheap property, and a relaxed lifestyle
Property prices / rent$
Safety★★★☆☆
Range of amenities★★★★☆
Public transportation system★★★★☆

Mount Albert, an inner neighbourhood of Auckland, is steeped in history. Located 7 km west of Auckland’s central business district, this suburban town is perfect for people who like a relaxed lifestyle. 

Despite Auckland’s notoriously slow traffic, Mt. Albert is conveniently located near major thoroughfares like the North-Western Motorway and New North Road, making it easy to get around the city. 

There are many places to eat and relax in the area and stores selling necessities at Mount Albert. Many small reserves provide space for outdoor activities like barbecuing, picnicking and playing sports, and many walking trails around the area.

Real Estate Market Insights 

Mount Albert is an excellent choice for individuals who like to live in the suburbs but yet be close to the city’s action. New restaurants and cutting-edge housing alternatives have been built to complement the century-old landmarks that have long defined the neighbourhood. 

That’s why it’s an excellent option for young professionals who work in the city’s heart but can’t afford to live there.  Take a look at the Mount Albert real estate market stats we’ve compiled below.

Median Sales Price1.31M NZD
Median Rent606 NZD
Rental Yield2.94%
Capital Growth-23.64%

Grey Lynn 

Grey Lynn
Main reason to move hereClose to Auckland city centre, and excellent dining options
Property prices / rent$$$
Safety★★★☆☆
Range of amenities★★★★☆
Public transportation system★★★★☆

Given its proximity to the centre of Auckland, Grey Lynn is one of the ideal neighbourhoods for young professionals. It is located only three kilometres west of the city centre and is widely known as a haven for independent thinkers and free-spirited people. 

Many people in Grey Lynn enjoy the neighbourhood’s wide selection of excellent eateries, each offering a cuisine that reflects the diverse residents and businesses in the area. 

Additionally, Grey Lynn has plenty of parks where many often jog or walk their dogs before heading to work in the city centre.

Real Estate Market Insights 

Properties in Grey Lynn consist of streets with beautifully renovated villas, wisteria and bougainvillaea cascading from porch ceilings, and gardens running wild.

However, numerous apartment complexes are also available for young professionals looking for a more affordable home. Check out the data we’ve gathered on the Grey Lynn real estate market down below.

Median Sales Price1.45M NZD
Median Rent818 NZD
Rental Yield2.95%
Capital Growth-17.09%

Parnell 

Parnell
Main reason to move hereParnell Railway Station and the European vibes
Property prices / rent$$$$
Safety★★★★☆
Range of amenities★★★★☆
Public transportation system★★★★☆

Parnell, a neighbourhood of Auckland, is one of the three wealthiest in New Zealand. Because of its proximity to Parnell Railway Station, young professionals like moving here for easy travel to and from other parts of Auckland.

Large homes, rolling terrain, and a variety of tree-lined lanes are all features that attract many who come to live here. Plus, some of the best views of central Auckland can be seen in Parnell. 

Furthermore, many who live here also like the European vibes Parnell has, as there are numerous delicious chocolate cafés and French bistros in the neighbourhood. 

Real Estate Market Insights 

Parnell is one of the more expensive neighbourhoods in Auckland, but young professionals who can afford to live here enjoy tranquility. 

Young professionals who live in Parnell  have their choice of homes and apartments in Parnell for rent that are fully-furnished. 

Find out if Parnell is the right neighbourhood for you based on these real estate market statistics.

Median Sales Price1.44M
Median Rent966 NZD
Rental Yield3.92%
Capital Growth-17.89%

Howick 

Howick
Main reason to move hereEasy commute, low property prices, and plenty of recreation
Property prices / rent$
Safety★★★★☆
Range of amenities★★★★☆
Public transportation system★★★★☆

The neighbourhood of Howick is less than twenty minutes from the heart of Auckland via road. People who move here like that they can take a quick ferry or train ride to go where they need to be, bypassing rush hour traffic. 

Furthermore, Howick may seem like a tranquil neighbourhood, but that’s not the case. Howick is full of recreational opportunities. 

Some recreation options people in Howick enjoy are going to the night markets, mountain biking, hiking, tennis, golfing and sailing at any of the beaches in Howick. 

There are also numerous butcher shops and farmer’s markets in and around Howick, and the town is also home to many excellent art galleries. 

Additionally, locals and young professionals enjoy visiting the museums and the several rugby and football clubs in Howick.

Real Estate Market Insights 

In Howick, people can choose from apartments, modest townhomes and cottages. 

As rent tends to be cheaper, many young professionals in the area lean towards renting out a room in either a house or a simple room in one of the many apartment complexes towards the city.

Median Sales Price1.20M
Median Rent606 NZD
Rental Yield3.29%
Capital Growth-22.96%

Ponsonby 

Ponsonby
Main reason to move hereClose to Auckland city centre, and popular nightlife recreation
Property prices / rent$$$
Safety★★★☆☆
Range of amenities★★★★☆
Public transportation system★★★★☆

Ponsonby is located just 10 minutes from the heart of Auckland and features a wide range of dining options as well as lively bars, cafes, and boutiques. The neighbourhood’s restaurants, art galleries, and other cultural attractions attract people looking for a home in this area. 

Moreover, for people who enjoy fun times, Ponsonby has some of the top bars and clubs for a good night out. As a matter of fact, eating, drinking, and shopping is the motto of the majority of locals. 

Therefore, it has become a popular place for hip and young professionals to live and work.

Real Estate Market Insights 

Ponsonby is an upper-middle class suburban neighbourhood. Hence, there are a variety of  modern homes, apartments, penthouses and even mansions available on the market. 

To help determine whether Ponsonby is a good fit for your lifestyle, here are some stats pertaining the real estate market. 

Median Sales Price2.83M NZD
Median Rent808 NZD
Rental Yield2.36%
Capital Growth-14.40%

Devonport 

Devonport
Main reason to move hereClose to Auckland’s financial hub and abundant nightlife
Property prices / rent$$
Safety★★★★☆
Range of amenities★★★★☆
Public transportation system★★★★☆

The North Shore of Auckland is home to the suburb of Devonport, one of the city’s oldest neighbourhoods. 

Young professionals like moving to Devonport because of its conveniently close location to Auckland’s financial hub. Therefore, many people who don’t work in Devonport reside here, as Auckland is just a ferry ride away. 

Additionally, the abundance of cafes, restaurants, and bars gives the neighbourhood a constant buzz among young professionals looking for a source of nightlife after a long day of work.

Real Estate Market Insights 

As Devonport is also on the coastline, most of the homes in the town come with stunning ocean views. 

For those who rather not live right on the coast, can live further inland towards the centre of the town.  

In the table below is some data about the local real estate market to help you decide on whether Devonport is a good place for you to settle as a young professional. 

Median Sales Price1.91M NZD
Median Rent749 NZD
Rental Yield2.53%
Capital Growth-19.70%

Epsom 

Epsom
Main reason to move hereClose to downtown Auckland, and peaceful neighbourhood
Property prices / rent$$
Safety★★★☆☆
Range of amenities★★★★☆
Public transportation system★★★★☆

Epsom is an ideal community for young professionals with families. Many who are also just starting off in their career chose to move here too because of its proximity to downtown Auckland making for an easy commute to and from work. 

Furthermore, many people like moving to Epsom because of its aesthetically pleasing lush foliage, quiet streets, and peaceful atmosphere. The neighbourhood is also well-known for its horse racing.

Real Estate Market Insights 

For quite some time, Epsom has been lauded for its attractive parks, tree-lined streets, and eccentric architecture. Those who want to live in luxury can choose from the many century-old villas and state-of-the-art mansions available on Epsom’s real estate market. 

Additionally, Epsom has many highly desirable apartment complexes with plenty of amenities to make life easier for young professionals in this neighbourhood.

Below is some data on the real estate market in Epsom that may be helpful when considering whether to live here. 

Median Sales Price1.82M NZD
Median Rent787 NZD
Rental Yield2.28%
Capital Growth-22.02%

Takapuna 

Takapuna
Main reason to move hereLife by the coastline, and plenty of recreation
Property prices / rent$$
Safety★★★☆☆
Range of amenities★★★☆☆
Public transportation system★★★☆☆

Takapuna is a residential neighbourhood offering a breath of fresh air away from the traffic in Auckland’s city centre. Young professionals who move here like the more relaxed pace of life that comes with living on the coastline. 

There’s also plenty to do recreation-wise for young professionals. For example, many people go to the beach on weekends to relax or spend the day shopping for food, art, and antiques from the market.   

The beach-side suburb also has various restaurants, bars, boutique shops, and cafes. Moreover, Takapuna’s multiple parks and quiet surroundings make it ideal for anyone who wants to escape the noise.

Real Estate Market Insights 

Takapuna’s homes on the real estate market vary from suburban homes to modern apartment buildings. 

Median Sales Price1.54M NZD
Median Rent785 NZD
Rental Yield3.16%
Capital Growth-13.30%

FAQs about Auckland for Young Professionals