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I'm wondering what the best neighborhoods in Honolulu would be - in town,(definitely dont want to be commuting on the freeway), safe, "urban" feel. I'm a single mid-20s woman. Also, I have a married friend with two small children considering the move to Honolulu - what are his best bets?
thanks!
Hmm....the Only Neighborhoods That Come To Mind Are :kaimuki Or Wakiki, Both Are Very Expensive (anything Near Town Is)...wakiki, Full Of Tourists But A Fun Place To Be...what Kind Of" Urban Feel" Do You Mean? There Is Chinatown, It Has Bars, Arts,coffee Shops Etc.....but, You Definitly Wouldn't Want To Live There, It's Not Safe....if Your Looking For A Super Urban Feel Like Ny Or Chicago, You Won't Find That In Hawaii...it's Full Of Tourist, Very Kick Back Islanders, It's Definitly A Slower Place...most People Are Polite, Helpful And Drive Well!! Oh And Bring A Very Big Wallet....it's The Highest Cost Of Living In The Nation,when You Factor In Gas, Utilities, Groceries Etc.....aloha
ok, scratch the "urban feel" comment I made - I really just want to live in town, with the shortest commute possible (will be working at Queen's and Kaiser Hospitals) in a safe, quiet, affordable neighborhood. I'll be renting a 1 bedrooom or studio.
thanks for the comment, any additional info on areas of honolulu to avoid would be appreciated.
ok, scratch the "urban feel" comment I made - I really just want to live in town, with the shortest commute possible (will be working at Queen's and Kaiser Hospitals) in a safe, quiet, affordable neighborhood. I'll be renting a 1 bedrooom or studio.
thanks for the comment, any additional info on areas of honolulu to avoid would be appreciated.
I was very impressed with the culture; their professionalism and literacy. We stayed at Ohana- Waikiki has the shopping and restaurants; the North Shore has the beautiful beaches and more laid-back appeal. The southwestern part of Oahu was sort of dicey- some unemployed (west of the airport).
If you like a city, you will love it. I have heard its expensive though. If I could retire right now, I would move there in an instant!
you should be fine by queens. a one bed would probably cost around 700-800 a month..start your apt. search early as rentals go very quickly, there's usually anywhere from 5 to 20 people looking at the same apt.....a lot of homeowners on the islands have studio or 1 bedroom apt. within their property...that's also a good way to go, as much of the time your utilities will be included in the rental price..when we first moved here we rented a studio in waikiki for 3 weeks and it ran $1200.....good luck!
thanks for the info! what about these areas of town, as far as safety and affordability are concerned: Kalihi, Nuunua, Punchbowl, Pacific Heights, Makiki?
kalihi:...wouldn't put my worst enemy there
pacific heights: crowded old homes and one way in and one way out, some nice veiws though!
punchbowl: certain parts just ok
nuuanu: pretty nice bout the same as puchbowl, but less crowded
if i had to choose...hawaii kai, kailua, some parts of upper makakilo, portlock....all of these are VERY expensive....and traffic is a nightmare during rush hour...do heavy research is the only advice i could give!!!
I hope the original poster won't mind me jumping into this thread. Terrie, do you know anything about these neighborhoods - Aina Haina, Niu Valley or Waialae Iki? I believe they are all considered to be in the Diamond Head area? We looked at Hawaii Kai, but are afraid the commute would be too long. My husband would be working near the airport. Also, I will be having to drive in to get my daughter to school (looks like most of the private schools are in Honolulu proper - also, for that matter if you have any input on schools...). Any feedback appreciated!!
Sorry I Can't Help You With The Schools (my Kids Are Grown)...the General Thought Here Is The Schools Are Not Great....private Seems To Be The Way To Go....although I Know It's Around 10,000 A Year....all Of The Areas You Mentioned Are Very Nice...hawaii Kai Would Be Your Longest Commute For Sure....kahala-waialai Is Considered The Nicest Area Of The Island That Is Near Town.. (most Expensive Too)....anything Around Diamond Head Is Very Nice.....i Would Stay Away From Getting Too Close To Waikiki...hope This Helps
Ps Nui Valley, Aina Haina....very Close To Hawaii Kai....but Also Nice Areas....if You Live Near Diamondhead The Commute To The Airport Would Take About 20 Mins No Traffic...the Good News Is He Would Be Going Against Traffic.....do You Mind If I Ask Where Your Moving From And What Part Of The Airport He Will Be Working In>?
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well~~ the people are great-
specific ares of honolulu
