KEY POINTS:
Remuera has long been established as the residential area of choice for successful businesspeople and their families.
Much of the country's old money is housed within these impressive villas and bungalows, although inter-generational loyalty to the suburb does seem to be dying off.
Because Remuera is within
the Auckland Grammar School zone and close to a number of private schools, it is popular with affluent, education-conscious families seeking a comfortable suburban home.
School zoning is a also a definite attraction for large numbers of wealthy migrant families. There are also numerous retired people living in Remuera's apartments.
The suburb retains some sort of youthful balance, with a large number of professional people aged under 40 trying to establish a foothold.
For couples on a high joint income, the area's excellent resale prospects make a necessarily large mortgage still look like a good bet.
Remuera has some of the largest old homes in Auckland, some on extensive grounds.
During the past decade, contemporary, minimalist designer homes and luxury low-rise apartments have taken pride of place on the suburb's famous north-facing slopes.
The undulating geography of the suburb means that views of the city, the Hauraki Gulf and One Tree Hill are commonplace.
Amenities
The schools in Remuera are top-notch. There are at least seven high-decile primary schools, including the impressive St Kentigern and Kings Prep private schools.
The neighbourhood is in zone for the hugely popular Epsom Girls and Auckland Boys grammar schools. Remuera's young ladies often attend Diocesan School for Girls or St Cuthberts in nearby Epsom (both private). The Catholic girls school, Baradene College, and the charitable trust school of Dilworth are also in Remuera.
Remuera's popular shopping strip is dominated by banks, antique shops, real estate agents, boutique clothes stores and cafes.
Further east on Remuera Rd is Remuera Village, where there are wall-to-wall wine bars and casual eateries.
Remuera is home to numerous parks and reserves. Proudly poised overlooking its residents is Mt Hobson, where walking tracks offer a challenging workout.
There are numerous sports clubs in or near Remuera, including cycling, tennis, bowling, squash, badminton, netball and football. Remuera Golf Club is actually located in neighbouring Meadowbank.
Remuera has an excellent library, at least three medical centres and two hospitals nearby. The beginning of Remuera Rd is New Zealand's medical mile.
Trends
Remuera Rd has traditionally been a dividing line, with homes on the northern slopes being worth much more than those on the other side.
The cheapest residences in this affluent suburb start in the early $400,000s - and that's for a two-bedroom unit.
A three-bedroom house with negative aspects such as being on a main road, having no off-street parking, or within coo-ee of the motorway will be around $650,000; take away any such negatives and the price quickly soars over $1 million.
Best streets
All the streets north of Remuera Rd are desirable. Of special note are Victoria Ave, Arney Cres, Arney Rd, Eastbourne Rd, Waiata Ave, Tirohanga Ave, the upper part of Portland Rd, Seaview Rd and Westbourne Rd.