Living in New Plymouth, New Zealand?

Question

How is life there? I might be moving there in the next 6 months. Is there muchto do in the city? Are there a lot of young people there? I am 26 years old. I hope it's not a retirement city or something like that. How is housing there? Cheap? Expensive? Do lots of people live in flats? Is there good public transport?

Answer 1

I have never been to New Plymouth, but I used to live in Napier which is on the east coast almost directly across from New Plymouth. And it has a similar population, its a coastal town, its a north island town and so it should be pretty much the same kind of town as Napier. In Napier there is plenty of stuff to do, lots of tourist attractions, outsiders liken it to a mini Miami with its palm trees and Art Deco. I wouldnt say Napier is a retirement city, but probably not the best for young people who are looking at partying all the time. Housing is relative to the rest of New Zealands economy, although maybe slightly cheaper than the big cities like Auckland and Wellington. There is adequate public transport and the city is not that large to make your way around. Maybe 10 miles long by 10 wide. Flats are common in Napier. So putting this in mind I can imagine Npaier would be alot like New Plymouth in the sense of most of your questions, but minus the "mini MIami" status, hope this helped a little

Answer 2

My uncle lives in New Plymouth and we visit him every now and then.

Well when i went the weather was havoc because it was winter and there were 9 thunder strikes in one go!

Well life there is very peaceful, it's a small safe town to live in.

There's only one major shopping area there which is like a shopping mall and it's quite large but you might get bored of it soon.

Yes, there are lots of young people there like teenagers, of course it's not a retirement city! Haha.

The housing there is usually old but lots of new houses are popping up by the second.

No there are totally no flats, well not many!

Ummm, we usually drive a car, not many buses or taxis at all.

:) hope this helped.

Answer 3

Oh the Naki...what a town! i love it there, right on the beach & the mighty Egmont looking over you...you can't beat New Plymouth...it has a bit of everything for everyone :)  it's like..a mini California :)

Answer 4

Still laughing at the girl that mentioned a comparison to California, is she kidding?  She's obviously never been to California!!  It's probably more like Delaware if anything!  

A bit perplexed as to why you would move to New Plymouth of all places, it's not exactly the central hub of the work force or anything.  It's a small town, not alot to do there, some good outdoors type stuff, not much night life unless you like going to a small pub or something.  It is pretty though, but most places here are anyway.

You might be better off somewhere a bit more active, Wellington isn't that far from there & it has a brilliant nightlife.

Have a look at a lonely planet guide book.

Good luck!