Top Suburbs in Christchurch for Families, Young Professionals & Retirees

The Best Suburbs in Christchurch for Every Lifestyle

Christchurch, the largest city on New Zealand’s South Island, offers an exciting blend of natural beauty, job opportunities, and family-friendly communities. Whether you’re moving to Christchurch for work, education, or a new start, there’s a suburb for everyone.

With its stunning backdrop of mountains, rivers, and oceans, the city boasts a mix of established neighbourhoods and emerging suburbs. Here’s a breakdown of the best suburbs in Christchurch, for every lifestyle:

Best Suburbs for Families

Fendalton

Fendalton is an affluent, family-friendly suburb just a short distance from the CBD. It’s known for its tree-lined streets, elegant character homes, and proximity to top schools such as Medbury School and Christchurch Boys’ High School. The area is renowned for its safety, making it a top choice for families with children of all ages. You’ll find parks and spacious properties, perfect for family living.

Sumner

If beachside living is your dream, Sumner is an idyllic family-friendly suburb. The area offers easy access to nature, including beautiful beaches, parks, and hiking trails. The Sumner Promenade is lined with cafes and quirky seaside architecture, making it a perfect spot for family outings. The local playgrounds make it especially popular with young children, and the short 20-minute drive to the CBD adds convenience without sacrificing natural beauty.

Riccarton

Riccarton is a well-established suburb just west of the city centre. It offers a mix of family homes with spacious gardens, parks, and highly regarded schools, such as St Theresa’s School and Christchurch Boys’ High School. Its proximity to the Westfield Riccarton shopping centre, as well as a variety of restaurants and cafes, ensures that everything your family needs is within a short distance.

Best Suburbs for Young Professionals

Merivale

For young professionals looking for a vibrant, central location with easy access to the CBD, Merivale is hard to beat. Located directly north of the city, Merivale offers a range of stylish apartments and townhouses. The area boasts excellent transport links, trendy cafes, boutique shopping, and a bustling nightlife scene. The nearby Merivale Mall and well-regarded schools make it an attractive option for those balancing work and lifestyle.

Ferrymead

A bit further out but full of character, Ferrymead is quickly becoming a popular choice for young professionals who enjoy a mix of residential living and retail vibrancy. Situated near the picturesque Charlesworth Reserve and Pegasus Bay, this suburb offers a cool, laid-back vibe with a range of cafes and boutique stores. Its proximity to the CBD, just a 15-minute drive, makes it ideal for commuters. The Ferrymead Heritage Park adds an extra cultural charm for those interested in Christchurch’s history.

Addington

Addington is a neighbourhood that has undergone a significant revitalisation in recent years. It’s a hotspot for young professionals seeking modern apartments and creative spaces. Addington is well-connected to the CBD and offers a lively cultural scene, with trendy cafes, bars, and restaurants. It’s also home to the popular Addington Raceway and event centre, ensuring there’s always something happening.

Best Suburbs for Retirees

1. St Albans

For retirees seeking a peaceful yet convenient suburban lifestyle, St Albans offers a perfect balance. The area is quieter than some of the city’s busier suburbs but still within easy reach of the CBD. With tree-lined streets, spacious parks, and proximity to healthcare facilities, it’s ideal for those looking to enjoy their retirement in a calm and relaxed environment. The local community is tight-knit, and the area offers a variety of cafes and shops for leisurely days out.

Halswell

Located on the southern edge of Christchurch, Halswell is a quieter, more rural suburb that appeals to retirees. The area offers a slower pace of life while still providing easy access to the city centre. With its larger properties, walking trails, and scenic views, Halswell is perfect for those looking to enjoy outdoor activities and a peaceful environment. There are also several parks and recreation areas, providing ample opportunities to stay active and social.

Riccarton

Although Riccarton is known for its appeal to families and young professionals, it also has a lot to offer retirees. Its central location, combined with proximity to the Westfield Riccarton shopping centre, makes it a convenient place to live. The suburb’s wide variety of parks and green spaces offer plenty of options for outdoor enjoyment, and the community-oriented vibe ensures retirees feel welcomed and connected.

Up-and-Coming Suburbs in Christchurch to Watch

While the established suburbs like Fendalton and Merivale are known for their appeal, several up-and-coming areas in Christchurch are becoming increasingly popular due to their development potential and growing amenities. These are worth keeping an eye on if you’re looking to invest or move in the near future:

Spreydon

With its affordable housing options and close proximity to the CBD, Spreydon is quickly becoming a sought-after area. The suburb offers a variety of property types, from family homes to modern apartments. It’s expected to continue growing as more amenities are introduced.

Wigram

Wigram is an exciting new development area that’s quickly evolving into a thriving residential and commercial hub. Its location close to the airport, combined with ongoing infrastructure projects, makes it a prime area for future growth.

Papanui

Papanui is another emerging area with great potential, especially for those looking for affordable housing within easy reach of the city. As more developments are planned, the suburb is becoming increasingly attractive to families and professionals alike.

Moving to Christchurch? Let New Zealand Movers Help

Whichever suburb you choose, moving to Christchurch is an exciting journey. At New Zealand Movers, we’ve helped many Kiwis move to, from, and within Christchurch. We expert moving services that ensure your relocation is smooth, safe, and affordable.

Get in touch with the friendly team at New Zealand Movers to start your next adventure in Christchurch with ease, request a quote online or call us on: 0800 00 00 22

Christchurch

Moving To Christchurch – What You Need To Know

Thinking about moving to a place that’s perfectly situated between the mountains and the sea? One of the most naturally beautiful places in New Zealand, Christchurch is our country’s second biggest city – and our biggest in the South Island.

If, like many other Kiwis and expats, you’re thinking or relocating to Christchurch, the team at New Zealand Movers offer you some extra information before packing up your current home. Here’s what you need to know about moving to Christchurch… and why it’s such a great idea!

It has some of New Zealand’s best educational institutions

First up, the schooling facilities. Christchurch is home to some of the best educational institutions in New Zealand. From kindergarten all the way up to university, you’ll find that Christchurch offers an elite level of education across both the public and private sector. From top-rated government schools like Hillmorton High School, to distinguished private schools like Rangi Ruru Girls’ School, moving to Christchurch basically guarantees an excellent education for your children. The University of Canterbury is New Zealand’s second-oldest university and frequently ranks as one of the best in the country.

It’s a big city with a relaxed feeling

With a population of almost 400,000, Christchurch is a big city – and yet it feels a lot more relaxed. There’s a bustling cosmopolitan hub in the centre of the city, with many village-feel suburbs surrounding it. Some of the best suburbs to live in Christchurch are Riccarton, Ferrymead and Sumner Beach.

Christchurch has excellent job prospects

Christchurch is a rapidly-growing city, meaning there’s plenty of work to be found across a multitude of different industries. Some of the most in-demand jobs include construction workers, IT specialists, teachers and lecturers, hospitality workers, healthcare workers and tourism professionals.

Homes are more affordable here

Homes on the North Island can certainly be on the pricier side. Christchurch, on the other hand, is a breath of fresh air in this department. While the average residential home in Auckland is over $1mil, and around $857,000 in the Bay of Plenty region, the average home price in the Canterbury region is significantly less, coming in at $668,000. Perfect for long-term movers, investors or both, your dollar goes further in Christchurch.

It’s a beautiful place to call home

People aren’t just attracted to Christchurch because of its affordable housing, great schools, and excellent job prospects – but it’s also a city set amidst some of the most stunning natural landscapes in New Zealand. From pristine beaches to majestic mountains, Christchurch offers outdoor enthusiasts a paradise at their doorstep.

  • Mountains, Beaches, and Rivers: Whether you enjoy mountain biking, hiking in the nearby Port Hills, or relaxing by the coast at Sumner Beach, Christchurch offers endless opportunities to explore nature. The Waimakariri River provides perfect spots for fishing, kayaking, or picnicking, while the Southern Alps are just a short drive away for skiers and adventurers.

  • A Year-Round Playground: The combination of mountains and the sea makes Christchurch a year-round destination for outdoor activities. Enjoy hiking and biking in the summer, and skiing and snowboarding in the winter.

With its unique blend of opportunity, lifestyle, and natural beauty, Christchurch is becoming an increasingly popular choice for both Kiwis and expats. If you’re thinking of relocating you and your family to Christchurch, New Zealand Movers are here to help and just a phone call away. Offering the best professional moving service in the country, New Zealand Movers are proud to deliver a premium moving experience to take the stress out of relocation. Get in touch with the friendly team of Christchurch movers at New Zealand Movers and ask for a quote today.

Christchurch

5 Reasons To Move To Canterbury

Christchurch, and the entire Canterbury region, is one of the best places in New Zealand. Not only to visit, as so many of us do but to live there. Mountains, beaches, and national parks are all part of the deal when you move to Canterbury, along with the perks of a modern, international city. Here are our top 5 reasons to move to Canterbury and why New Zealand Movers are the team to get you there.

Housing is refreshingly affordable

One of the best things about moving to the Canterbury region is that you’re almost always saving money when buying or renting a house, compared to the North Island. The median house price in the Canterbury region is around $680,000, while it’s well over a million in Auckland and Wellington.

Job opportunities in Christchurch

Job opportunities in Canterbury are plentiful. The Canterbury region has seen its fair share of hardship in the past decade, but the city of Christchurch has quickly set about rebuilding itself, with plenty of work to be done in construction, IT, retail, and hospitality. No matter what field you’re in, there are plenty of job opportunities in New Zealand’s second-biggest city.

It’s practically designed for family life

Canterbury is a haven for families, with top-ranking primary and secondary schools like Rangi Ruru Girls’ School and Middleton Grange School, alongside highly-rated universities like The University of Canterbury.

Not only is there world-class education but plenty of family-friendly activities. Weekends are spent the way they should be – hiking, bike-riding, picnicking, and going to the beach on warm days.

Nature

Nature is one of the biggest drawcards of the Canterbury region. Mountains, rivers, and beaches are all big parts of life in Christchurch, with national parks dotted all over the region. You’re also super close to New Zealand’s national playground: the Otago region, where hundreds of thousands of tourists flock to each year for adventure sports.

International city

Ōtautahi, Christchurch is an international city, home to New Zealand’s first international airport. You can go straight from Christchurch to Australia, Singapore, the USA, and Dubai to anywhere in Europe, with frequent services from the city.

Sold on moving to Canterbury? Get in touch with New Zealand Movers. They’re your experts in intercity and international moves, helping you get settled in the Canterbury region, wherever you are moving from.

New Zealand Movers pride themselves on a professional, affordable service, offering full-scale moves with packing and storage included if necessary. Get a quote from New Zealand Movers today.