There was a time when Palmerston North, the city I live in, was considered too boring to be worth visiting. Fortunately times are changing. I grew up in Palmerston North, and couldn't wait to escape from it at the age of 19. My husband and I chose to return here just over five years ago. We left Wellington, the capital city, behind and have never regretted our move.
Palmerston North may be the heart of rural Manawatu, but it is alive and vibrant. Apart from the attraction of returning home, to be closer to family, we have found much to capture our interest here. For a start, education here is alive and well. It is a university and research city, therefore alive with developing minds, intellectual stimulation and challenging issues. The public library captures many visiting literary figures and regularly attracts authors and poets to read and share their works with locals.
The flatness of the city, built on a river plain, also has its attractions for sports people. Top sports people develop here - triathletes, cyclists, swimmers, roller skaters and of course rugby players, to name but a few. The hills that overlook the city to the east, the river and the nearby beaches offer limitless outdoor recreational opportunities. One of my favourite local facilities is a 50 metre outdoor swimming pool.
I couldn't live without my coffee drinking, dining out and live theatre, so these were an important consideration when moving back here. There is an amazing range of cafes and restaurants, both in the city and nearby in rural areas.The rural ones are combined with other attractions such as herb and lavender farms to make the short trip out of town worthwhile.
Theatre is alive and well here in Palmerston North. One local professional theatre produces shows of a high quality, but so do the amateur groups providing regular top class entertainment.
Palmerston North is my home town and now my home of choice. Sure, it's landlocked and has indifferent weather, but short drives take you to those two qualities elsewhere. We love living here and will probably never move.
Palmerston North may be the heart of rural Manawatu, but it is alive and vibrant. Apart from the attraction of returning home, to be closer to family, we have found much to capture our interest here. For a start, education here is alive and well. It is a university and research city, therefore alive with developing minds, intellectual stimulation and challenging issues. The public library captures many visiting literary figures and regularly attracts authors and poets to read and share their works with locals.
The flatness of the city, built on a river plain, also has its attractions for sports people. Top sports people develop here - triathletes, cyclists, swimmers, roller skaters and of course rugby players, to name but a few. The hills that overlook the city to the east, the river and the nearby beaches offer limitless outdoor recreational opportunities. One of my favourite local facilities is a 50 metre outdoor swimming pool.
I couldn't live without my coffee drinking, dining out and live theatre, so these were an important consideration when moving back here. There is an amazing range of cafes and restaurants, both in the city and nearby in rural areas.The rural ones are combined with other attractions such as herb and lavender farms to make the short trip out of town worthwhile.
Theatre is alive and well here in Palmerston North. One local professional theatre produces shows of a high quality, but so do the amateur groups providing regular top class entertainment.
Palmerston North is my home town and now my home of choice. Sure, it's landlocked and has indifferent weather, but short drives take you to those two qualities elsewhere. We love living here and will probably never move.
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Hi Thanks to Glynis I have read your blog, and first impressions are great. I am sure you will have no trouble finding things to write about, and I for one look forward to your future posts. All the best.
ReplyDeleteInteresting article. I look forward to more.
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