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. Hereโs where to find the suburbs that offer the right mix of lifestyle, convenience and value in 2026.
Moving your family to Auckland isnโt just about choosing a house – itโs about finding the right community. The cityโs 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 property prices.
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Devonport
Set on Aucklandโs 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, cafรฉs and heritage sites. The areaโs period villas and village atmosphere remain a huge draw.
As of November 2025, the average sale price in Devonport is around NZ$2.08m [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 cafรฉ culture rivals anywhere in the city.
Current house prices average around NZ$1.46m [1], but can be more depending on property type and proximity to the coast.
Howick
If youโre after community spirit and room to breathe, Howick delivers. Set on Aucklandโs eastern edge, itโs known for its welcoming feel and good schools, as well as its local market and beachside walks.
Expect to pay around NZ$964k 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 Aucklandโs 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$1.82m [1], however, larger character houses typically exceed this. For many families, itโs 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$1.39m [1], reflecting steady demand for this well-connected coastal pocket.
ลrฤkei
For those who want to stay close to the city but still enjoy a relaxed pace, ลrฤkei 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$1.68m [1].
Epsom
Sitting just south of the CBD, Epsom is best known for its place within Aucklandโs 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$1.76m 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 Aucklandโs opportunities. Itโs 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$842k in Stanmore Bay [1] and NZ$999k in Orewa [1].
Meadowbank
Once a first-time buyerโs suburb, Meadowbank has grown into a family favourite thanks to its quiet streets, green reserves and strong transport links. Itโs 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$1.42m [1], making it a solid mid-market choice.
Comparison: November 2025 median and average property prices
| Suburb | 2025 Price (NZ$) |
|---|---|
| Devonport | $2.08m |
| Takapuna | $1.46m |
| Howick | $964k |
| Remuera | $1.82m+ |
| Milford | $1.39m |
| ลrฤkei | $1.68m |
| Epsom | $1.76m |
| Stanmore Bay | $842k |
| Orewa | $999k |
| Meadowbank | $1.42m |
Final thoughts
Aucklandโs 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, these figures show that Auckland is continuing to balance big-city opportunity with the kind of outdoor lifestyle families move halfway around the world to find.
Sources:
[1]: Auckland suburb report November 2025 | Barfoot & Thompson
