Part of a Cityscape series presenting the opinions of real people who live in Christchurch's central city: Gwyn Guanzon.

Which neighbourhood do you live in? I live in the northeast side of the four avenues.

How would you describe the vibe there? It is pretty convenient and laid-back. It is mainly a residential area which is a stone’s throw away from the business district. It has the feel of a quiet village that is pretty near one’s place of work.

Your neighbours are... Chester Street East is a very supportive community. It has a Facebook page that can keep everybody in the loop.

Read more of Cityscape's central city living coverage here

Why do you choose to live in the four aves? When I moved here in Christchurch three and a half years ago, I was enrolled in Ara and I preferred to walk to school.

Biggest drawcard? The convenience of just walking to the city centre is priceless. Theatres, cinemas, shopping and restaurants are just around the corner. I walk going to work too. More than that, it is the experience of how the city evolves every time I walk. When I got here, Cashel Mall and Oxford Terrace were barely beating. Now, these areas are full of life. And there is more to it in the days to come.

Biggest drawback? The reliance of the community to cars is now being felt in the city. The lack of public transportation to move just around the city centre makes it difficult to move during winter and the rainy months.

Fave local coffee? Black Betty along Madras Street and Beat Street Café along Barbadoes. They always provide good coffee and warm atmosphere.

Food? Sari Sari is always there every time I crave for Filipino food. And the choices in Little High are wonderful.

Entertainment? I always look forward to what is onstage the Isaac Theatre Royal and I cannot wait for The Court to be back in the city.

Retail? The small bespoke shops along the alley going to Riverside Market are very charming. And the fresh produce inside is always a delight.

How do you get around? I walk.

What’s your occupation? Working as an Architectural Technician for Gravity Architecture.

Is work handy to home? The office is around two and a half kilometres from home. It is not a short walk but it is always a delight. I walk along Avon mostly, and I marvel at the changing season every time.

Can you describe the Christchurch of the future? If done meticulously right, Christchurch can be a template of a modern city.

Why should other people move here now? Aside from the fact that it does need the numbers, the advantages in living in the city outweigh the disadvantages. The central city’s promise with the rebuild is now being felt. We see new facilities being built and old ones restored. Move to the central city and witness how it grows.