Nestled to just northwest of Central Christchurch, Bishopdale stands out as a warm and welcoming suburb, offering a good blend of established infrastructure and modern conveniences. For those considering a move to Christchurch or looking to invest in property, Bishopdale is a popular option for those looking for an affordable neighbourhood close to the airport, yet also not far from the city centre. What makes Bishopdale and it’s surrounding a desirable place to live? Let’s take a look!
Bishopdale is a suburb that strikes a nice balance between peaceful residential living and accessible urban amenities. Historically, the area was once home to pip-fruit orchards established by the Bishop brothers in the mid-19th century, hence the name. Much of the housing stock in Bishopdale and its surrounding suburbs dates from the 1960s onwards, predominantly featuring single-storey, brick or timber construction with corrugated iron or tile roofing.
Centred at the heart of Bishopdale is the Bishopdale Village Mall, which was first built back in the 1960s but has undergone improvements and upgrades over the years. This hub, with its central, open-air shopping area, remains a focal gathering point for local residents. At the Bishopdale Mall, you’ll find a good range of shops, cafes and services.
Bishopdale is a suburb that boasts a strong sense of community, its Library and Community Centre provides a modern and inclusive space for reading, learning and connection. The Bishopdale Recreation Centre offers a large facility with a gym, squash courts and a stadium that hosts various sports competitions and events, as well as after-school and holiday programmes for children. Also, the suburb’s abundance of parks and recreational areas underscores its family-friendly appeal, offering green spaces for relaxation, play, and outdoor activities.
Bishopdale is located in the northwest area of Christchurch, near the Christchurch International Airport, and it’s surrounded by several other well-known suburbs that contribute to Bishopdale’s appeal by offering a wider range of amenities and recreational facilities, all within easy reach these include:
For families, the quality and accessibility of education can be a big factor in where you choose to live, especially in Christchurch where strict school zoning rules apply. Bishopdale delivers well on this front with a range of well-regarded schools located within the area. These include:
In addition to these primary and intermediate schooling options, Bishopdale is well-served by numerous preschools, day cares and kindergartens, providing excellent early childhood education options for all. Secondary education (while not directly located within the Bishopdale suburb) includes a wide array of highly-regarded Christchurch high schools in surrounding suburbs, such as Burnside High School, Papanui High School and St Andrew’s College. The New Zealand College of Business, a tertiary institution, also offers vocational training opportunities.
Bishopdale spans approximately 3.2 square kilometres and as of June 2024, its estimated population stands at 9,850 people. The suburb itself is generally divided into three statistical areas, including Bishopdale North, Bishopdale West and Bishopdale South, each contributing to the overall demographic profile.
According to census data, Bishopdale holds a good mix of families, young professionals, and retirees, helping to build a diverse and multi-generational community. The suburb also boasts a good rate of home ownership, with over two-thirds of households owning their home.
Bishopdale’s location is undoubtedly one of the reasons why it is such a popular suburb. It is situated very close to Christchurch International Airport, which offers excellent connectivity for frequent travellers and those working in the airport sector. Its proximity to major arterial roads like State Highway 1, Harewood Road, Sawyers Arms Road, Wairakei Road and Memorial Avenue also makes for easy access to other parts of Christchurch and beyond.
The suburb is well-integrated into Christchurch’s public transport network with numerous public bus routes, including the highly convenient Orbiter service conveniently connecting Bishopdale to the city centre and other key destinations. A direct bus journey from Bishopdale Mall to the Christchurch city centre typically takes around 20 minutes.
Beyond its borders, Bishopdale’s strategic location means residents are never far from a wide array of attractions and amenities. Orana Wildlife Park, New Zealand’s only open-range zoo, is a major drawcard located nearby, plus the wider Christchurch area also provides access to major retail hubs like Northlands Shopping Centre and Westfield Riccarton are just a short drive away.
An abundance of parks, including the Port Hills for walking and cycling, and the Christchurch Botanic Gardens in the central city. The International Antarctic Centre, a popular tourist attraction, is also conveniently located nearby. Residents benefit from a good range of medical centres, pharmacies, and healthcare professionals within Bishopdale and neighbouring suburbs.
The Bishopdale property market presents an attractive proposition for both homeowners and investors. Characterised by its steady values and desirable lifestyle offerings, the market primarily consists of established residential homes. The property market in Bishopdale is predominantly made up of stand-alone three to four-bedrooms, with some townhouses and units also available.
According to TradeMe Property, the average house value in Bishopdale is currently sitting around $657,150. While property values can and do fluctuate, recent data suggests a relatively stable market with some positive yet slow growth observed over the past year.
On average, it could take approximately 30 to 40 days to sell a house in Bishopdale, indicating a reasonably active market (individual results will vary).
sits around $550 – $650 (according to MyRent.co.nz), with an estimated rental yield of around 4.8%, making it an appealing area for property investors seeking reliable returns. While specific market, conditions can vary, Bishopdale’s consistent demand from both owner-occupiers and tenants bodes well for long-term capital growth and rental yields.
The ongoing development and revitalisation efforts across the wider Christchurch region continue to enhance the overall appeal of the city, which in turn positively impacts desirable suburbs like Bishopdale. As Christchurch continues to grow and evolve, Bishopdale is poised to remain a sought-after location, making it a sound investment for prospective buyers.
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