Looking for the small town feel with big city options? Then Palmerston North could be the city for you! Located in the Manawatu Region, this central location is nice to settle in. It’s far enough away from the big centres to feel as if you are in a small town, but close enough to head to some of the bigger cities if you need to.
As New Zealand’s seventh-largest city, there is still plenty on offer – high-quality education, an enviable outdoor lifestyle, cultural diversity, not to mention fantastic restaurants, cafes and entertainment options.
Here are five reasons to consider a move to Palmerston North.
1. There is a lively, youthful vibe
Did you know that around one-third of Palmy’s 80,000 residents are aged between 15-30? That’s a lot of youthful energy for one city! The proportion of youth is primarily due to the number of tertiary institutes in town. You will find Massey University, UCOL, and IPU NZ here – as well as nearby Linton Military Camp and Ohakea Air Base. You are quite literally spoiled for choice when it comes to education options. That means you can study virtually any career path you want in this city.
As you can imagine, such a large student population needs to be entertained. Consequently, Palmerston North is a hot spot for arts and theatre, and has a nice little pub scene going on too. There is always something to do, so you will never be bored!
2. Your budget will thank you for it
The Manawatu region is rated as one of the most affordable in the country. In fact, earlier this year, it was tagged as the best place in New Zealand to buy a property. Housing prices have been on the rise there, but in comparison to some of the bigger cities, it is still affordable.
Combine this lower cost of living with a thriving economy and excellent education services, and you have got a great place to settle down. Not to mention that there is no traffic to get stuck in, so travel and commuting costs are minimal.
3. There are jobs aplenty
Because of its central location, Palmerston North is a hub for many companies and businesses. In fact, it is referred to as the distribution and logistics hub of the North Island. Thirty companies have their call centres and distribution centres here, and the city is also popular for those working in healthcare, IT, education, or manufacturing.
There is also lots of support if you run your own business or are thinking of doing so. The Central Economic Development Agency (CEDA) help local businesses build their capabilities through their Regional Partner Network. This is backed by New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE) and Callaghan Innovation. There is support for all kinds of business, right from the startup phase to intense business growth.
With great jobs at hand and reasonable housing, Palmy offers a work/life balance that’s hard to beat.
4. Take your pick of mother nature’s best!
Can’t decide if you want to live near the beach, the forest, or the mountains?
If you relocate to Palmerston North, you don’t have to choose! There are beaches on the doorstep, awesome hiking, cycling and camping in the nearby Ruahine Ranges or Te Apiti -Manawatu Gorge, and ski fields in the mountains all within a few hours’ drive. Plus, if you want to enjoy a spot of the metropolis, Wellington is only a 2 and a half hour drive away.
5. Diversity is everywhere
Smaller cities are not normally known for their diversity, but Palmy is! In fact, the Manawatu region was the first-ever refugee resettlement area in the country and still maintains that welcoming nature. More than 130 different ethnic communities call this spot home, bringing with them exciting cuisines, cultural groups, and events.
All this culminates in the Festival of Cultures held every March. This colourful and heartfelt celebration of diversity brings the various ethnicities together to pay homage to their roots with performances, stalls, and – of course – outstanding food!
If you are moving within New Zealand, then Palmerston North might just be the city for you! Get in touch with us here at Crown Relocations for a free moving quote for your house relocation, storage, and insurance. Call our friendly team today on: 0508 227 696
