Mt Eden

Mt Eden Including Sandringham, Balmoral and Three Kings.

The arty bohemian era that Mt Eden has been famed for is definitely passing - raising families in desirable school zones has brought materialism and middle class values. Mt Eden has predominantly European middle- to upper-class families, and significant numbers of Asians and Indians.

In Three Kings the mix of residents is changing with new terrace housing blocks and infill housing being built. Sandringham is a cosmopolitan area with a mix of nationalities and many young families.

Mt Eden has turn-of-the-century villas, interspersed with Californian bungalows and other period homes. In Balmoral and Sandringham, the sections tend to be bigger and there are more bungalows. Mt Eden has its share of older blocks of flats and one- to two-bedroom brick and tile units, plus terrace housing blocks. The old state housing area of Three Kings is now a mix of owner-occupied housing and tenanted homes, with many ex-state homes getting trendy renovations.

Amenities All the Mt Eden primary schools are highly regarded, as are Balmoral and Three Kings schools. As well as Auckland Grammar, co-ed Mt Roskill Grammar has a good reputation. Sandringham families are in zone for Mt Albert Grammar (co-ed) and Auckland Girls Grammar.

There's plenty of shopping locally - Eden Quarter has a well-stocked Foodtown, while Mt Eden village has specialty shops. Along Dominion Rd there are Asian groceries at Balmoral; Sandringham has Indian and Pakistani groceries and two halal butchers. The Three Kings shopping centre includes a supermarket and a library.

As well as the Mt Eden Domain, there are smaller parks such as Edenvale Reserve, Potters Park and Centennial Park. In Three Kings, the quarry site has interesting walks with great views.

There are soccer and athletics clubs, as well as Mt Eden Swimming Pool and Eden Park, which hosts local and international rugby and cricket.

Mt Eden village has eateries that draw diners from all parts of the city. Dominion Rd and Sandringham Rd have ethnic eateries, while the city end of Mt Eden has quirky cafes and a few pubs.

Trends Demand in Mt Eden is always strong and this has fed through to nearby areas. Houses in the grammar zone command premiums. Developers have been attracted to Three Kings and Balmoral for the do-ups.

Rental and investment The school zones will always attract a steady stream of renters.

Best streets Anything in the grammar zones and close to Mt Eden village. In Sandringham, the roads nearest Mt Eden, especially north of Balmoral Rd. In Balmoral, the roads around the popular Maungawhau Primary.