Judea retirees Barbara and Gordon Golem have lived in Judea since 1985. Photo / George Novak
Judea retirees Barbara and Gordon Golem have lived in Judea since 1985. Photo / George Novak
Judea stalwarts Barbara and Gordon Golem have lived in the area for nearly four decades and "can't imagine living anywhere else".
The suburb's affordability and accessibility to amenities have made it one of Tauranga's popular drawcards to live and work.
Barbara, 66, said she and Gordon purchased a three-bedroom housein Churchill Rd in 1985 after being told by a real estate agent to check the area out.
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"As soon as I walked into the house and saw the beautiful views of Waikareao Estuary and across to Mount Maunganui I knew straight away this was the one for us," said 66-year-old Barbara Golem.
The house has been added to over the years and is now a four-bedroom home with three bathrooms, a bigger lounge and other modern features.
"We paid $70,000 for the house. I know we could get nothing less than $1.1m if we decided to sell, which is excellent. But we have no intention of selling anytime soon."
Barbara said they felt safe and happy in Judea, which "definitely ticks all the boxes for us".
An aerial view of Judea. Photo / NZME
"Most of the houses around us are quarter-acre sections with only one dwelling on them, like our property. We are close to the Matiu Kauri Grove reserve, close to schools, shops, the industrial estate, the hospital and really close to the city centre."
"I pinch myself how lucky we are to be living here and can't imagine living anywhere else."
Tremains Bay of Plenty managing director Anton Jones, who grew up in Judea, said the suburb tended to have larger sized sections and houses "with a bit more character", many of which looked out on to the estuary.
It was also more affordable for first home homebuyers than other suburbs such as Bethlehem, he said.
Judea's ease of access to good schools, "very good amenities", the city centre and arterial routes added weight to its popularity.
Simon Anderson, managing director of Realty Group Ltd, which operates Eves and Bayleys, agreed, saying there was strong growth in the area, especially from first home buyers.
Judea offered a "big tick" for lots of people due to its many desirable features "but it still always comes down to location first for buyers, and Judea just being north of a major city centre is always going to be a popular place for people to want to move to."
The view from Judea couple Barbara and Gordon Golem's home.Photo / George Novak
He said in the last 20 years the whole dynamic of Tauranga city had changed, and as the city grows and develops "without question" Judea would also grow as the suburb of choice for increasing numbers of people to live.
A Tauranga City Council report showed Judea's population was expected to grow from the 2604 in 2018 to 3020 by 2028 and to 3432 by 2048.
Oceania Healthcare spokeswoman Mary-Rose Norton said The Bayview offered residents a "very unique" living environment with an emphasis on encouraging independent living.
"We've found Bayview's location is a huge drawcard for people. They love the fact that it's so central, with three shopping complexes within a 10-minute drive and can easily get to the city centre and hospital appointments.
"Many of our residents have lived in Judea their whole lives, and they relish the peace and quiet away from the traffic noise, but still have ready access to the main traffic routes."
The Bayview retirement village in Waihi Rd, Judea. Photo / Sandra Conchie
