Affectionately known by locals as "Palmy”, Palmerston North is a vibrant city in the heart of the North Island. Known for its strong student culture, it blends youthful energy with a rich agricultural heritage, and boasts a thriving arts and café scene, beautiful parks, and easy access to outdoor adventures. With its central location and strong economy, Palmerston North continues to grow as a key regional centre with a relaxed yet dynamic lifestyle.

Karen MacGillivray from Bayleys Manawatu says the area’s proximity to main centres and infrastructure is one of the biggest drawcards.

“It’s less than two hours to Wellington on the main arterial route and is connected to Massey University, Universal College of Learning, (UCOL), Te Wananga o Aotearoa, International Pacific College (IPC) and English Teaching College (ETC). RNZAF Base Ohakea and Linton Military Camp are within community distance.”

MacGillivray has lived in the area herself for just under five years and says she’s still in awe of the city’s beauty.

“It’s fantastic and full of life with lots of walking and biking trails. It’s almost as though the people who have lived here for years don’t appreciate it as much as the new residents in the area because the facilities are just so wonderful.”

It’s also a city with lots of colour and lots going on, with a year-round calendar of events, including theatres, festivals and sporting events.

“We’ve got stock cars, and the facilities to host major rugby matches. The golf clubs are massive around the region too.”

“The Weetbix triathlon is also a big event for the city.”

Palmerston North has a history of innovation in the business sector, and the city is known for strong education, government, healthcare, and research and development sectors, as well as its role as a hub for distribution and logistics within the Manawatu region.

With a selection of both older housing and new builds on offer there’s something for everyone looking to make the move and some affordable options too.

So, what are the four up and coming areas across Palmerston North and what can you expect from each of them?

FOXTON BEACH

MacGillivray says Foxton Beach is a beachside township that’s getting a lot of attention.

“Many people are looking at it in terms of lifestyle, investment and for a holiday home.”

“Lots of people from Palmerston North flock to Foxton Beach for the day to enjoy the surf, the fishing, the waterskiing, and facilities at the Manawatu Marine Boating Club, but more are actually choosing to move out there, whether it be for retirement or as busy professionals wanting somewhere to relax away from the bustle of the city centres.”

MacGillivray says the area has been attracting a diverse range of people including, young families and downsizers, and believes it’s wonderful to watch the vibe of the area change between the weekdays and the weekends.

“During the week, it's quite a sleepy little place, and then on the weekend, there's jet skis and people driving around in their dune buggies and ATV’s. There’s so much to do.”

The housing is just as varied as the demographics too.

“There's a mix of little wee original batches all the way up to new townhouses, family and executive homes and even lifestyle blocks all within five minutes of the beach.

“While a lot of it is affordable there’s also a high-end aspect to Foxton Beach.”

MacGillivray says there’s the added convenience of its location too.

“The main thing is its proximity to Wellington, and with the Otaki to Levin highway project, it’s going to make that commute to Foxton even more attractive.”

While there might not be a big shopping centre, the area still has everything you need in one place.

“There’s lots of cafes, family friendly garden bars and the boat club, as well as the Four Square in Foxton beach and the supermarket in Foxton that’s only 8 minutes away, otherwise it’s 40 minutes from Palmerston North’s main centre.

MacGillivray says it’s beachside living that you just can't beat.

“You can park up your vehicle on the beach along the wide stretch of sand, and the sunsets are next level.”

“There’s the opportunity to buy a place with beachside views, but they are in hot demand.”

So how much will a property likely set you back? Right now, the median sales price for a spot in Foxton Beach is $485,000.

ASHHURST

MacGillivray says Ashhurst is another thriving little town just outside of Palmerston North, with the completion of the Manawatu-Tararua Highway being a huge game changer for the wider region.

“The new route significantly improves the access between Palmerston North heading north to Woodville, and what we're finding is because of the new roads and increased access that a lot of people are choosing to move just out of the main city - like first home buyers, and families.”

To cater to them, there’s a range of housing on offer including townhouses and lifestyle blocks and there’s plenty of great schooling.

“There’s a primary school that goes through to intermediate, and the secondary schooling is not far in Palmerston North central. It's an area and a lifestyle that’s great for families who like to be active with things like cycling and hiking around the Tararua and Ruahine Ranges.”

As for amenities, MacGillivray says there’s a range of charming cafes and cute little boutique shops. If you’re after anything more significant, she says it’s only a 10-minute drive into Palmerston North.

Right now, the median sales price in Ashhurst is $671,000.

FITZHERBERT

Fitzherbert is an upscale suburb on the outskirts of Palmerston North.

“It's known for its modern homes, scenic views and proximity to the educational institutions and recreational facilities.”

“It predominantly features contemporary homes with stylish designs. Many offer picturesque views of the surrounding hills and some can even see all the way out to Mount Ruapehu on a clear day.”

MacGillivray says there are pockets of older housing, but predominantly the stock on offer is modern or brand new.

“The majority of the residents are aged between 30 and 64, and with a higher price point they are often many people’s second home.”

“There’s a big attraction for families as well being so close to many educational institutions.”

It’s a location that’s full of convenience too, being just a 10-to-12-minute drive from Palmerston North’s major shopping centre The Plaza, as well as an easy walk down to Victoria Esplanade and the Manawatu River.

“There’s also the Summerhill Shopping Centre which has retail and dining options and a supermarket.”

“It’s obvious that Fitzherbert is the area with the most growth and growth potential, with many new houses. I can see the suburb pushing further and further out in the coming years.”

So how much will a home in Fitzherbert set you back? Right now, the median sales price is $870,000.