Hi I arrived from uk 2004 and whilst I live in sydney, we wanted to live in Canberra, but hubbies job was here. My parents and brother live in Canberra - Kaleen, and love it. There is also an estate about 40 mins outside canberra called Murrumbateman - lovely houses on acreage - rather cheap - tanked water, this is where we wanted to live. Look at
Real Estate, Property, Land and Homes for Sale, lease and rent - realestate.com.au for both rental and sale properties to giv eyou an idea. Kaleen - preoperties seem to go quickly and are sought after. Although we are not a religious family my brothers kids have all gone and little ones continue to go to Catholic schools - he feels in that area they are much better, but each to his own. (My kids in sydney go to public school).
Hope this helps,