The apartment lifestyle

[AMR]

I am considering renting out the family home and moving into a smaller apartment instead as I work in town and have a family member who studies at auckland. The main obstacle encountered during our due diligience is the expenses incurred in merely having a parking space ($60 a week thereabouts).

A family member does shift work every saturday morning before public transport services are available so it appears a car is essential, and taxis seem quite expensive.

Are there any companies which will let you hire cars by the hour? Any taxi companies offering deals? How is apartment living in general?

[CJ]

http://www.cityhop.co.nz/

[evie]

Hi AMR - Apartment living is really fun provided you are happy with the apartment and the building. It can get pretty crazy as it is noisy (from main roads) and sometimes your neighbours can be inconsiderate. It really depends on your lifestyle. Less things would be better when living in an apt. Great thing is there is no maintenance!

Living in the city is great as there are shops everywhere and it is very convenient. It is also warmer when living in an apt. If you are a fitness sort of person, make sure you rent where there is a gym or pool! Having said that, try to rent in a building that not many would want to use the gym... Apt living is for the "happening" crowd - in my opinion. I personally couldnt live in an apt cos I want a fish tank, a nice deck with my fire place, my cats and dog needs to run/play, I like some sense of silence and listen to the birds in the morning. I have been living in Westmere for years and I can hear the lions roar early in the mornings!!, the elephants and monkeys too! I love it.

So you may like the sound of horns and foot traffic?

YES parking cost between $55 to $65 per week. I rent my parking space for $65 a week. You could park on the street after hours... But would need to be spot on to remove the car early in the morning before the warden tows it away!! It is always free on weekend (depending on the street)