Newcastle, NSW - any one made the move?

**drstu** · 31-07-2012, 06:41 AM

Hi All,

My research continues in plans for our move next year! I have the possibility of work in Newcastle, NSW, but it is an area that we never traveled in whilst in Aus. Making the move will me my wife and I, plus 2 children who then will be 3 and 2. The job is in Broadmeadow?

Has anyone made the move to Newcastle? How to you find it? Pros and cons would be useful.

Thanks so much for your time.

Best wishes,

Stu.

**Peterlegg** · 31-07-2012, 04:03 PM

Hi, Broadmeadow is ok, its outside of Newcastle per say, an outer suburb. Not far to the sea by car. Not much else to say about it on the whole.

**BENS0N** · 31-07-2012, 04:07 PM

Have been out there a couple of years ago to visit OH family and loved the place. I am also flying out next Wed to start my life there so give me a couple of months and I will be able to tell you all the pros and cons and how easy it was to 'fit' in there.

**kevkim** · 31-07-2012, 04:11 PM

Hi,
My daughter and son-in-law made the move to Newcastle 4 years ago and love it there. They live in Marmong Point and there are several great suburbs around there. We are on the verge of being granted our visas to go and join them and plan to fly in September. We're looking to live on the west side of Lake Maquarie, Toronto perhaps. It's a great lifestyle around there.
Not too sure about Broadmeadow itself but I can ask the family for you if you need more info. What line of work are you in?
Kim

**drstu** · 31-07-2012, 08:01 PM

Benson that would be great if you don't mind PMing me an update as your insight would be valuable.

Kevkim - My wife and I are both doctors. Although I might be working in Broadmeadow we won't necessarily have to live in that area.

Best wishes,

Stu.

**kevkim** · 01-08-2012, 05:09 AM

Hi Stu,

My daughter is also a doctor and as I said, loving working and living in the Newcastle area. I'm sure you'll both like it too if you make the move.

Kim

**Peterlegg** · 01-08-2012, 12:37 PM

I moved to Bellbird in the Hunter Valley in 2004, I used to live in Surrey, England, UK. I visit Newcastle atleast 2 times a week. The area is OK if you have a job already, Hunter Street in Newcastle looks bad, with all the shop closures over the years and new large shopping malls such as Charlestown and Kotara which are very good, shopping in Newcastle is very limited, so people travel to one of the malls that I mentioned. Near Broadmeadow in Islington/Giggs hill, Newcastyle there is a large TAFE complex (TAFE colege), they run many courses. I am 54yrs old and at present doing a course at TAFE Newcastle.

Why do you not Google the area and surrounding area that you are thinking of moving too, its hard to divide good and bad aspects of Newcastle as it depends what you are looking for. I live on a large property with lots of space, we have horses in our paddock, many parrots in large aviaries, again it depends what you are looking for and how you want to live your life out here in NSW, Australia.

Regards

Pete

**gconnolly87** · 03-08-2012, 07:13 AM

Hi there, I have moved to maitland about 30 mins drive from Newcastle, sounded a lot to me when I have yet to see it all. Do you have a facebook page as there is a really good facebook page called 'expats in the hunter' you will get good info from ppl on there and quicker too.

If not i can ask for you, depends on what you are looking for in terms of social, commutable distance, transport options, things for the kids, schools etc.

**drstu** · 04-08-2012, 07:52 AM

Thanks everyone.

gconnolly87 - How do you find Maitland ... it is a town that has been suggested. Is there anything there or do you have to travel to get anywhere interesting?

**gconnolly87** · 04-08-2012, 11:17 PM

We have been here 12 weeks or so now, enjoying it. There is a decent sized shopping centre called Stockland Greenhills in East Maitland about 5 mins drive from Maitland. Maitland has a small centre itself and high street but I have only used the Woolworths in that place so far (woolies is like a tesco here). There is a gym, pubs ( I have found a website that called publocation.co.au which helps with that), cinema, raceground depends on what you are looking for and you enjoy doing? There are some nice places on the doorstep of maitland such as Ashtonfield and East Maitland itself has some beautiful homes. If you know what you are looking for socially then I can maybe answer more questions.