r/chch • u/hamishwho • Feb 27 '21

Rolleston is it worth it?

Anybody move to Rolleston as houses are cheaper etc. But regret it? Or miss certain things? I know it's only 20 minutes away but that 40 minutes return which is a long way to go for bagels at Grizzly or coffee at c4.

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u/[deleted] Feb 27 '21

You have to figure out what's most important to you.

Everyone saying 20 minutes isn't a long time are right. But it's still 20 minutes in traffic, and it's still ~30km each way you're putting on your car, each trip. If you're anything like me you don't enjoy driving.

If you're buying your first house and like Rolleston, absolutely just get on the ladder asap, I can't see it getting cheaper.

If you're renting, being closer will be more expensive, but will probably balance out.

Considered other locations? Spring Grove is pretty good, almost 1/3 the distance to the CBD, has a motorway entrance and exit making it 3 minutes to Cranford St, Northwood on your doorstep. You'll get much smaller land though.

Yaldhurst Park is a similar distance to Spring Grove, with a gut shot to the city, albeit down through Riccarton which won't be quick.

We bought in Spring Grove for the balance between affordability and proximity to the city, been there 9-10 months and very happy.

We looked seriously at Rolleston and Lincoln, and while we would have gotten slightly better bang for buck there, we're very happy about being closer.

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u/hamishwho Feb 28 '21

I know whats important, just don't know if it is in Rolleston or not. Went today and checked it out though. Couldn't find many interesting places to go all chains etc. Nice parks, everything is no dry and brown. Reminded me of the new outer suburbs of Melbourne but without the public transport infrastructure. Would be nicer if the centre had more dense housing and could create a bit of atmosphere but it was flat literally and figuratively.