[nolasmom]

I've just stumbled upon this thread as we are looking for a long term rental in ChCh near the University of Canterbury. We've been renting a furnished cottage in Richmond since our arrival a month ago. It was described as a "mixed" neighborhood and they weren't kiddin'. My husband's convinced a prostitute and/or meth dealer lives across the street. I would avoid anything east of the city center. While you may run across some nice pockets, what we've seen is dicey at best. We're looking at Ilam, Upper Riccarton, Fendalton, and Burnside. If anyone has any other suggestions, we'd be most obliged.

*Funny note - Our car salesman said he knows of no other city where the desirable neighborhoods are near the airport and the ghetto is beachside.