Raumati

ginger wrote: (eg. a house on a hillside with no section is no good for us).

That's rules out quite a lot of houses in Wellington


I say go for it. If your DH is up for the hour commute then why not. If you don't like it then look at moving closer.

We're in Island Bay and love it so much. There are plenty of reserves near us that would be doggy friendly.
I commute to the Hutt 3 days a week and that takes me 45 mins including daycare drop off.

Um with dogs, not sure about the city council you'd be with, I think it's porirua but Wellington city council is 3 dogs and you need special permission for anymore. But I think Porirua is 2.

Um yup zoning down here!!

*waves* We live in Raumati South. Honestly, its WONDERFUL. We are right near the beach and its an absolutely awesome place to go during summer. I will admit, moving up from Mt Vic in the centre of the city took a bit of getting used to. The pace of life up here is slower but once you get used to it, you really appreciate it.

We were able to afford a pretty nice house because the prices are slightly lower than that of the city. For a first home, we are pretty happy with what we got.

Yes, some of the schools are zoned. However, there are 3 within Raumati itself, of which 2 are not zoned. One is an alternative school (Rudolf Steiner) but Raumati South and Raumati Beach schools are very mainstream if that is what you are after. And Kapiti College in Raumati has a better reputation than Paraparaumu College although both cater for quite different types of skills (ie Drama and Arts at Kapiti vs Sports at Pram).

As for the commute, well, yes its long. However, its scenic and depending on what time your DH starts will depend on how long it takes to get into town. I started early each morning and left home by 6.30. I was in the CBD by 7.10am at the absolute latest. I preferred to drive, people say it makes you tired but I enjoyed it. Plus there are plenty of people who are looking to carpool so that brings down the cost. The trains are being upgraded as we speak and I used to take the bus sometimes as well as it doesn't stop along the way so its a clear run into town. I used to leave town at 4pm and would be home by 4.40pm.

There is a huge network for young families, Kapiti Kids Connect is on FB so you could like this and see whats happening in the area.

Coastlands is the local mall. At the moment its fairly basic but they are currently doing it up so its hopefully going to be pretty awesome once finished. There are so many cafe's around here and they are all nice, stylish, good food (quite a lot of local stuff too), awesome coffee etc. They rate better than some places that are very expensive in town. And they cater for young kids too.

Oh, and they are building a huge new aquatic centre in the next couple of years - its going to be awesome. Waterslides etc, the works. Well worth the wait!

Am happy to talk more if you want - PM me if you want to know anything.

Good luck in your decision!!

hehehe its funny seeing the varying driving times since I've been driving from palmy to wellys alot in the last year.

I live in Te Horo and moved here directly from Australia. Its a very nice change from the fast pace that is Australia but i love how if i want a city fix its not that far. And Im also used to the travelling, altho i wouldnt want to do it every day. If i did have a job in the city i would prob catch the train so i could blob and read a book.

CuriousG explained the area really well, I would have to say she is spot on and this area is gorgeous.

Its like a holiday away from the hustle and bustle and a great place to raise kids

Good luck with your descision and move

That's about how I remembered it drive-wise (am pulling on memories that are about a decade old though, so a bit of confirmation helps ).

DH will be driving, not bussing or training - he'll have 5am starts, so it'll be getting in the car and going. We will, if we make the move (if we get the job, please please, please, please!!) get a new car that's got good mileage economy though. No bl**dy way he's doing that run in our Subaru

anakk wrote: Though there is something about just being close to the beach ... (must be those ripping southerlies that come off the south coast and make the temp plunge ).

The view from our deck is the South coast. It's as awesome to look at on a stormy day as on a calm day. Especially when we can watch the ferry on it's merry dance on the not so nice days

Ok, just adding my two cents worth

I love Raumati, out of all the areas in Kapiti it is probably the one I prefer the most. Although I love where I am now, Paraparaumu Beach, being so close to family and friends.

I don't know too much about commuting but I would say from Paraparaumu Beach to Wellington is about 45 minutes for us (15 minutes to Otaki)

As for the lifestyle, I think I am appreciating it more and more. I love being so close to the beach, the family atmosphere, there is so much on for the kids and I totally second the Kapiti Kids Connect website.
There are a few things the whole area is lacking... shops, movies, pools, play areas for kids.... but its still not that far to find them. They sound like they are working on building it up.

I still love the place!

If he's starting at 5.00am then the commute would be absolutely do-able. You guys would be used to it coming from Auckland anyways.

The local council would be Kapiti Coast District Council if you are looking to find info re your dogs.

It is a lovely place. I have very fond memories of time spent at Raumati beach as a child.

Is Raumati the place with the pro-life sign???

I think if I was going to live anywhere in Kapiti I'd pick Paekakariki. Also "interesting" people living there but more awesome "interesting"

Fancy nudist beach being close by?? I personally don't mind it at all but might be something worth considering if you are looking at Kapiti. Not entirely sure if it went through but I know they were looking at designating parts of Kapiti Coast as a nudist beach.

If he's commuting at 5am then it'd be sweeeeet. I guess I'd just worry about you being all the way out there. I don't doubt your ability to find rad people whereever you go, but I think perhaps being closer to town would be better socially.

Petone is looooovely. But $$$$.