Island Bay
A hugely popular family area, next to the sea
Overview
A strong community spirit with settler history that goes back over 100 years, Island Bay is a very popular locality, especially for families. The area has attractive character housing, successful and popular schools, and an abundance of outdoor activities on its doorstep. All this is only 10 minutes’ drive to the central city.
Best Suited To
Families looking for a flat section, sea lovers, those with relatives living in the bay.
Population Profile
Family-orientated and home to descendants of Italian and Scottish settlers, Island Bay locals are either well established in the area, or new families attracted to a home with a flat section, a good selection of local shops and schools, and proximity to the sea.
Based on census figures, Island Bay appears as the average Wellington neighbourhood. There is cultural diversity here, although the majority of residents are still of European decent. Young couples often look to establish themselves in the area due to the abundance of outdoor recreation and the family-friendly environment. They typically start out in the more affordable, hillside streets, then move down to the valley floor when they can afford it. There is a strong community spirit here, evidenced by the annual Island Bay Community Fair.
Typical Homes
Island Bay was settled in the late 1800 and some of the original settler cottages still exist, close to the waterfront. The greatest growth occurred between 1920-1930, with villas and bungalows dominating most streets.
Some of the difficult hillside sites were not developed until the 1960s, and infill housing on the valley floor began to appear from the 1980s. Thankfully, infill housing has not become the norm and character homes on full sized lots remain a big attraction.
Most homes in Island Bay are relatively modest, single storey dwellings. There are groups of grander homes, most notably on the eastern side of the valley floor.
Amenities
Island Bay is blessed with a well-established shopping area on The Parade. In addition to the recently enlarged and upgraded supermarket, services include a great selection of cafes, takeaway stores, a butcher, baker, hairdresser, chemist, DVD store, and gift stores. There is also a local pub and liquor store.
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Island Bay has two very well-regarded schools and this is one of the reasons the suburb is so popular with families. Island Bay School is the largest primary school in the area, with approximately 500 pupils, ages 5 to 12. The nearby St Francis De Sales School is a Catholic primary school, catering for similar ages and with a role of approximately 290 students. The nearest secondary schools are approximately 10 minutes’ drive away in the eastern suburbs of Kilbirnie, or in the central city.
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The south coast waterfront is a big attraction for Island Bay residents. There is an attractive bathing beach here. Set just across the road from the beach is Shorland Park, which hosts the Island Bay Carnival in February each year. The Island Bay Marine Centre is located on the waterfront, offering hands-on marine education and open to the public on Sundays (and to school parties during the week). The southern portion of the City to Sea Walkway passes alongside Island Bay. The walkway offers panoramic views over Cook Strait and to the South Island.
Real Estate Trends
Island Bay continues to grow in popularity, and as a consequence, prices have risen steadily over the last 10 years. There have been eight sales in excess of $1.5 million in the last 12 months. Forty five sales were recorded between $1 million and $1.5 million. This is the typical range for a well-proportioned family home on a good-sized, level site.
At the opposite end of the market, it is possible to pick up small, detached houses in the $800,000 to $1 million range. These tend to need a fair bit of work and are normally located on the northern and western hillsides as you enter Island Bay.
Best Streets
Clyde Street and Tiber Street both contain large character homes and are situated on the preferred, sunny side of the bay. On the valley floor, The Parade and Derwent Street are popular, both being very handy to local shops and with flat sites that appeal to families. High Street, an elevated clifftop location at the south end of Island Bay, is popular for its panoramic views over Cook Strait.
House Prices
3 bedroom homes from $850,000. Most in the $1 million $1.3 million range.
4 bedroom homes from $1.2 million.
Travel Times
Central city – driving 10 minutes non-peak, up to 30 minutes peak.
Airport – driving 10 minutes non-peak.
Hutt Valley – driving 25 minutes non-peak.
Weather
Most homes in Island Bay receive very good sunlight through the day, but those on the eastern side are best placed. Homes on the western side of the bay can suffer some shading in the afternoon, especially if they back onto a rising hillside.