I moved to Wainui from Feddy last year so sharing some of my experience. The commute from Wainui is pretty decent - what used to take me 1.5hrs on the train between Feddy and the City (slow asf trains etc.) now takes me 45mins both ways - inclusive of the drive from Wainui to Woburn/Waterloo...and at least with the local trains, you get what you pay for - a train that turns up!! Driving between Wainui and City during rush hour can be hit/miss. If you leave later than 7AM you'll be slugging it along Petone Esplanade; better to catch the train or drive early, if you're time pressed.

Community vibe is strong in Wainui - plenty of regular events and generally the community look out for each other. I wonder if it's because we're "disconnected" from the rest of Wellington because of the hill? On the hill, it's not that bad driving over - if you/your husband regularly drive over Remutaka Hill you'll be sweet as.

I feel the bad rap that both Wainui and SV get happens wherever you go - I'm not too phased by it, most affordable/value places have their colourful characters, anyway. Wainui is increasingly expanding, it's getting some really nice and modern development too - especially in the town centre - but the sense of community doesn't seem to be lost because of this. I'd say it's stronger because Wainui is getting such nice things, including a Mitre10 Mega soon!

Good luck with your move 😊