Cira Olivier: Otūmoetai, Bellevue, Brookfield - where is the grass really greener?

There are noticeable differences in the upkeep of properties and signage across Tauranga suburbs, but this has no bearing on their residential appeal, Cira Olivier writes. Photo / NZME

OPINION

They say the grass is greener on the other side, which is clear to see when moving between Tauranga's established suburbs - Brookfield, Bellevue and Otūmoetai.

Driving through Otūmoetai, you'll struggle to find a strand of grass out of place in the picture-perfect streets.

The houses are modern, massive and sit neatly in their lots, as though the entire area was designed by an artist ensuring everything looked as though it was meant to be there.

Crossing the invisible boundary towards Bellevue is like driving into the classic idea of suburbia, with big patches of lawn out the front of well-kept houses.

The trees don't look like they're trimmed every second day as they do in Otūmoetai. Some houses look pristine, while others are neat but might not have the fence painted.

It's obvious when you reach Brookfield that you're no longer in either of these suburbs.

There are more patches of dead grass where multiple cars frequent, more unpainted fences, and houses that look to me like they're well overdue for a lick of paint.

The street line paint is more worn, as are signs, shops and parks.

They say the grass is greener on the other side, and when looking at the hard stats, it would seem this is true.

Unemployment is higher in Brookfield West and East at 5.3 per cent and 3.6 per cent compared to Otūmoetai North and South's 2.6 per cent and 2.7 per cent.

The median income in Brookfield is around $30,800 with the median age around 35 years, while Otūmoetai's average age is around 44 years with an average income around $35,000.

It's also worth noting there are more retirees in Otūmoetai, which could skew the figures down a little.

They say the grass is greener on the other side, but despite what the numbers say and what the lawns look like, I would have to disagree - and I think the Brookfield community would, too.

Speaking to locals, other than the traffic at peak hours, there's nothing they can think of that's wrong with their little village.

Not only do they have everything they need in one area - now including a local GP - but it just feels more welcoming to me.

Maybe that's because I'm younger and there are more families and kids.

Maybe it's because I'm a little rough around the edges and feel extremely out of place among the likes of Otūmoetai's marginally older population with seemingly a lot of money.

But it's a place I could genuinely see myself living and enjoying, and a place I think shows that the old saying doesn't quite stack up.