Is Christchurch a good place to live?
David Harris
| Last Updated: September 2023 If you’re on this page, you’re clearly wondering: Is Christchurch a good place to live?
Christchurch is a good place to live if you enjoy stunning scenic views, are looking for a friendly community, want to live in an area with vibrant culture, prefer a city with a good job market, and want affordable housing.
But before you pack your bags and head to Christchurch, let’s take a closer look at each one of the perks of living in the city.
1. Stunning Scenic Views
Christchurch is a city renowned for its stunning views and natural beauty. Surrounded by hills and the Pacific Ocean, this city has so much to see!
Here are some of our team’s top spots in the city for scenic views, so you can see what we mean:
Christchurch Botanic Gardens
In the heart of Christchurch city, you’ll find the Botanic Gardens — which is an oasis of greenery. The garden’s impressive collection of exotic and native plants make for the perfect selfie backdrop too.
Port Hills
For panoramic views of Christchurch and the surrounding areas, we suggest heading up to the Port Hills. There are plenty of walking and biking trails to explore, and the views are simply breathtaking.
Sumner Beach
Just a short drive from the city centre, Sumner Beach is a popular spot for swimming, surfing, and walking. When you’re done spending the day in the sun, the beach is backed by a charming village with cafes, shops, and restaurants waiting for you to explore.
Riccarton Bush
This ancient Kahikatea floodplain forest in the city is a remnant of the original landscape before the arrival of Polynesians and later European settlers. It’s a peaceful spot for a walk — if you’re lucky, you might spot some native bird species.
2. A Friendly Community
From the seaside suburb of Sumner to the historic and charming area of Merivale, Christchurch has diverse neighbourhoods, each with its own character and friendly community.
There’s a sense of belonging — the city’s community spirit is evident in its vibrant arts scene, sporting events, and local festivals.
Arts Scene
Christchurch’s community is significantly involved in the arts. The city has numerous art galleries, theatres, and music venues.
Events like the World Buskers Festival and the Christchurch Arts Festival bring local and international artists to the city, fostering a sense of camaraderie and cultural appreciation.
Sports Community
Sport plays a big part in the Christchurch community. Whether rugby, cricket, netball, or athletics, there are plenty of opportunities to get involved as a participant or a spectator.
The local passion for sports promotes physical health and brings people together.
Festivals and Events
The city hosts various festivals and events throughout the year, which are great opportunities for locals and visitors to unite.
These include the Christchurch Lantern Festival, and the New Zealand Cup and Show Week, a major highlight in the city’s social calendar.
3. A Vibrant Cultural Scene
Christchurch seamlessly blends tradition and innovation, creating a dynamic and vibrant culture scene throughout the city. So, whether you’re an art enthusiast or a foodie, Christchurch’s culture brings an enriching experience.
Below are some factors that make up Christchurch’s vibrant culture.
Arts and Music
Christchurch has a thriving arts scene. The city is home to the renowned Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetū, which houses one of the largest collections of artworks in New Zealand.
Additionally, Christchurch has become a canvas for street artists worldwide. Exploring the city’s street art is a colourful way to discover Christchurch’s resilience and creativity.
In terms of music, the city hosts numerous live shows, concerts, and music festivals throughout the year, catering to a wide range of musical tastes.
Heritage Buildings
Despite the devastating earthquakes in 2010 and 2011, several heritage buildings were restored and stand as testaments to the city’s architectural history. The Canterbury Museum and The Observatory Hotel, for example, hold stories of the past within their walls.
Food and Wine
Christchurch’s food scene is a reflection of its diverse culture. From traditional Kiwi dishes to international cuisine, the city offers many culinary experiences.
The surrounding Canterbury region also produces some of New Zealand’s top wines, and several vineyards are within a short drive from the city.
4. A Good Job Market
Christchurch has a dynamic and diverse job market catering to various skills and professions.
Christchurch has job opportunities in retail, manufacturing, professional services, and more. The city offers a good quality of life with its beautiful environment, friendly community, and cultural activities, making it an attractive place to live and work.
Here are the major employment sectors dominating Christchurch’s job market today!
- Construction and Engineering
- Healthcare and Social Assistance
- Information Technology
- Agriculture and Food Production
- Education and Research
- Tourism and Hospitality
5. Affordable Housing
As of recently, the median house price in Christchurch is $655,000.
For first-home buyers, Christchurch’s property market is accessible as it has several initiatives aimed at helping people get on the property ladder, including shared ownership and grants for new builds. Plus, there are many housing options, from suburban homes to townhouses.
However, for those who prefer urban living, there are many apartments throughout the city centre.
