With award-winning schools, short commutes and space to enjoy the great outdoors, Auckland is one of the best cities in the world to raise a family. Here’s where to find the suburbs that offer the right mix of lifestyle, convenience and value in 2025.
Moving your family to Auckland isn’t just about choosing a house – it’s about finding the right community. The city’s blend of coastal living, strong education options and easy access to work makes it a top destination for families planning a move overseas. From heritage seaside villages to leafy city-fringe neighbourhoods, these are the family-friendly suburbs worth knowing – complete with the latest 2025 property prices.
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Devonport
Set on Auckland’s northern shore, Devonport has long been a favourite for families who want coastal calm with city access. The 15-minute ferry ride to the CBD keeps commutes simple, while weekends are spent at local beaches, cafés and heritage sites. The area’s period villas and village atmosphere remain a huge draw.
As of August 2025, the average sale price in Devonport is around NZ$1.83m [1].
Takapuna
Takapuna offers everything a family could want in one postcode – great schools, a beach you can stroll to and Lake Pupuke for weekend kayaking or paddleboarding. Its central location keeps work travel easy, and the café culture rivals anywhere in the city.
Current house prices average around NZ$1.4m [1], but can be more depending on property type and proximity to the coast.
Howick
If you’re after community spirit and room to breathe, Howick delivers. Set on Auckland’s eastern edge, it’s known for its welcoming feel and good schools, as well as its local market and beachside walks.
Expect to pay around NZ$1.05m for a three-bedroom family home [1]– strong value for a seaside suburb still within easy reach of the city.
Remuera
Leafy, elegant and close to the CBD, Remuera remains one of Auckland’s most sought-after addresses for families. It combines a quiet, established feel with easy access to top schools and wide green parks.
Median three-bedroom homes sell for around NZ$1.76m [1], however, larger character houses typically exceed this. For many families, it’s the ideal blend of prestige and practicality.
Milford
Neighbouring Takapuna, Milford offers a similar North Shore lifestyle with slightly more space and quieter streets. Families enjoy the long beach, lakeside paths and proximity to highly regarded schools such as Carmel College.
The 2025 median for a three-bedroom home is NZ$1.43m [1], reflecting steady demand for this well-connected coastal pocket.
Ōrākei
For those who want to stay close to the city but still enjoy a relaxed pace, Ōrākei is a top pick. Its mix of family homes, local shops and kindergartens make it easy to settle in quickly. Views stretch over Hobson Bay and Mission Bay, and the CBD is less than 20 minutes away.
The typical three-bedroom home now costs about NZ$1.36m [1].
Epsom
Sitting just south of the CBD, Epsom is best known for its place within Auckland’s coveted ‘Grammar Zone’. Families move here for schooling first, lifestyle second – though it offers both in abundance, with Cornwall Park and Mount Eden nearby.
Expect to pay around NZ$1.78m for a three-bedroom property [1].
Hibiscus Coast
North of the city, the Hibiscus Coast offers a slower pace of life without losing touch with Auckland’s opportunities. It’s a stretch of family-friendly suburbs such as Stanmore Bay, Manly and Silverdale, all with beaches, parks and close-knit communities.
Property prices vary: around NZ$870,000 in Stanmore Bay [1] and NZ$1.25m in Orewa [1].
Meadowbank
Once a first-time buyer’s suburb, Meadowbank has grown into a family favourite thanks to its quiet streets, green reserves and strong transport links. It’s close enough to the city for convenience, but with a slightly calmer feel than Remuera next door.
Median prices for a three-bedroom home now sit around NZ$1.28m [1], making it a solid mid-market choice.
Comparison: 2025 median and average property prices
| Suburb | 2025 Price (NZ$) |
|---|---|
| Devonport | $1.83m |
| Takapuna | $1.4m |
| Howick | $1.05m |
| Remuera | $1.76m-$2.4m+ |
| Milford | $1.43m |
| Ōrākei | $1.36m |
| Epsom | $1.78m |
| Stanmore Bay | $870,000 |
| Orewa | $1.25m |
| Meadowbank | $1.28m |
Final thoughts
Auckland’s best family suburbs have something in common: a strong sense of community and access to both coast and countryside. Inner-city areas such as Remuera and Epsom remain aspirational, while the Hibiscus Coast and Howick deliver space and value. Wherever you choose, 2025 shows Auckland continuing to balance big-city opportunity with the kind of outdoor lifestyle families move halfway around the world to find.
Souces:
[1]: Auckland suburb report August 2025 | Barfoot & Thompson
