Seeking an enriched lifestyle at 63, Barbara made the bold decision to embrace apartment living in Auckland’s bustling city centre.
After raising her children and watching her grandchildren grow, she sought a lifestyle that would allow her to live centrally and enrich her daily life.
“All of the kids and grandkids had left home, and I wanted somewhere compact, with almost no maintenance,” Barbara explains, reflecting on her transition from a large property in West Auckland to a more manageable apartment near Albert Park.
Watch Barbara’s story to discover how apartment living offered her options to downsize with easy access to daily needs and a vibrant community in Auckland’s city centre.
Barbara's apartment lifestyle has deepened her community connections—continue reading to learn how she's embraced a vibrant social life and enhanced her daily routines.
Daily Convenience at Her Fingertips
One of the most immediate benefits Barbara noticed was the convenience.
Her apartment gives her the freedom to stay close to essential services while enjoying the city’s vibrant energy. Whether it’s walking to work or enjoying cultural events and parks, everything is close by.
“Every facility's just down the road - my doctor, my chemist, the supermarket—it's incredible to be able to walk to everything within five minutes.”
Barbara’s decision to choose apartment living was more than just about reducing upkeep - it was about enhancing her quality of life.
She had previously managed a large garden, but it had become too much to maintain. Now, she finds peace and tranquillity in the nearby parks.
“I once had a huge garden, but it became too much work. Now I get to come and sit and read in Albert Park, and it’s just totally uplifting,” she explains.
This proximity to green spaces has provided the perfect substitute, providing a place to relax and rejuvenate without the burden of maintenance.
Proximity to green spaces like Albert Park allows Barbara to relax and rejuvenate, supporting healthier, more connected neighbourhoods and promoting well-being.
Navigating the City with Ease
Moving to the city centre also meant giving up a car, a major shift for someone from West Auckland.
“I abandoned owning a car; as a Westie, that was a first, I used to have one for each hand” she admits.
With public transport options like trains from Waitematā Station, buses, and ferries right at her doorstep, Barbara has embraced public transport.
“It’s so central for me to get to anywhere,” she says, highlighting how Auckland’s public transport network has made her life not only more sustainable but also less stressful.
Accessible public transport options provide Barbara with seamless connections to work, shops, and community activities, enhancing her urban lifestyle.
Connecting with a Vibrant Community
Apartment living has also connected Barbara to a rich community she hadn’t experienced before.
“One of the things I love about living in the city centre is that you get to know the community really quickly,” she says.
The Ellen Melville Centre, a community hub, has become a favourite place for her to meet others and participate in activities such as Korean language classes, yoga, and mahjong.
“The people who live here really care about the city,” she notes, underscoring how apartment living fosters a close-knit community of people who are invested in their surroundings.
Embracing Housing Choices in the Right Places
Barbara’s story is one example of how Auckland Council is responding to what Aucklanders have asked for—more housing choices near town centres, where jobs, education, shops, and parks are within easy reach by walking, cycling, and public transport.
As Auckland grows, the council is focused on supporting new housing in locations with easier access to daily needs, so that Aucklanders, like Barbara, can live close to work, green spaces, and the facilities and services they use every day.
Living near community hubs like the Ellen Melville Centre allows Barbara to connect with others through enriching activities.
This approach fosters connected and vibrant communities, where people can spend more time doing what they love and less time commuting.
With more options to live in areas that make walking, cycling, or using public transport easier, Aucklanders benefit from shorter commutes and reduced reliance on cars.
It allows people to stay active, enjoy their surroundings, and feel closely connected to their neighbourhoods.
Barbara’s experience shows how our plans provide opportunities for Aucklanders to improve their quality of life, creating convenience, strong communities, and places people are proud to call home.
As Barbara says, “It’s a magical spot to live.”
Altogether Auckland: Tāmaki Turuki
Inspired by Barbara’s story? Together, we can make Tāmaki Makaurau even better. Discover Auckland Council’s future-focused plan and learn how we’re transforming our city—visit OurAuckland.
