Sandwiched between the northern motorway and the very desirable seafront locales of Takapuna, Milford, Castor Bay and Campbells Bay, this stretch of suburbs benefits from all the facilities the Shore has to offer; easy motorway access and relative affordability. Westlake is the name synonymous with its two local secondary schools – both excellent institutions. It’s quiet, solid and, well, just downright handy to everything that’s important to the people of the North Shore – shops, beaches, motorways and cafés. It’s only a few minutes north of Takapuna but it’s far more affordable, which makes the picture even brighter. Sunnynook used to be one of the shore’s “nappy valley” suburbs but it now attracts a wider cross-section of people. Forrest Hill and Crown Hill are more upmarket with many elevated properties having fabulous views of the city.