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 and paddling pool 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 walking 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 like Rangi Ruru Girls’ School 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
