I might be badgering you for advice again over the next few months, I still think Wollongong might be a bit too far to travel but will have to see when we get there. Its definately on my 'good' list!
We're in the very early stages I guess, still waiting to hear if we've passed TRA. Should find out in about 2 weeks. In the meantime the agency we're with has put together our visa application so it can be sent straight off, which gives us a lift a bit as she is optimitic of a positive outcome from TRA. Everything crossed we're hoping to be there no later than July next year. At what stage did you put your house on the market Sam?
Hi Jan
House going on market on Monday, visa was granted end April but were not very organised I'm afraid, also needed to wait for my daughter to finish GCSE's in June so didnt think there was any hurry, now hubby has a job to go to by Dec I'm starting to panic a bit about how long the house will take to sell.
Good Luck with the TRA, I'm sure you'll pass, the agents normally know whats what.
Just thought I'd let you know, hubby passed TRA today!!! Now have to find out if he needs a licence to work over there, hes a joiner by trade, don't suppose you know the answer?
Hi Sam, replied to your PM. You're very lucky thats all you had to do to get your visa, the TRA is alot of hard work, took the best part of 4 months to prepare!! You defo set on Sydney or surrounding areas? Jxxx
I live in Stanwell Park, which is about 20 minutes from Wollongong. I work in the gong and go there a lot for shopping, friends etc... I love it here. Its a big town with a small feel. The traffic problems that grip sydney dont exist here. In fact I think I have been in one traffic jam in the year that I have lived here. It has all the same services as Sydney, so you dont miss out on anything.
I am biased towards the northern suburbs. We lived in Thirroul when we first got here and have recently moved to Stanny. The coastline up here is gorgeous and most homes will be close to the beach and have the backdrop of the escarpment. Mountains and sea in the same town. The north is a bit more expensive though and if you want to buy be prepared to pay upwards of 500k for something semi decent. Rent is anywhere between 300-500 per week in the north, but worth the money in my opinion. The southern suburbs are cheaper, but still lovely places to live, and closer to the centre of wollongong.
There are some stunning areas of natural beauty here, lots of outdoor activities, and the shopping isnt too bad.
I can recommend the entire Illawarra, its beautiful, charming and friendly. We were initially going to settle somewhere in Sydney, but decided to give the Illawarra a go, and if we didnt like it, move to Sydney. We are still here a year late and have no plans to go anywhere.
Spot on post Claire, the trouble is you're letting the secret out........I told you to keep it quiet !:)
I see you've moved up to Stanny......good choice.
Location: Great Yarmouth, Norfolk to Shellharbour, Illawarra
Posts: 36
Quote:
Originally Posted by AndyandJan
Thanks guys for this good feedback. We're definitely thinking of Flinders or Albion Park, anything of these areas greatly appreciated.
Hi Andy & Jan
My OH and I live in Flinders and we love it, been here since November 07. We live in a newish area in Flinders called Woodlands and over the road from the house we have lovely parks with duck ponds, cycle paths and walk ways and picnic areas with BBQ's. For the kids there are plenty of safe play areas and a basketball court and a ball park and we even have a dog park! There are a couple of schools here also, although, not having kids myself, don't know much about these. The beach is a 5 min drive away or about a 15 min walk, shops, cafes and restaurants and pub are about 5 mins away in the car at Shellharbour village, where there is also a skateboarding park for the kids or there is a shopping centre with supermarkets etc at Shellharbour Stockland Mall. I would highly recommend Flinders, it's a nice, quiet neighbourhood, though like Skippy says, I am bias! Everything you need is closeby, nearest train station is at Oak Flats, about a 5 min drive and Flinders is due it's own train station shortly so easy to get into Sydney but does take about 2 hours on the train from here. We came from Great Yarmouth in UK, so it's sort of home from home for us, with this being a small coastal town, we won't be going anywhere else! Ps we had the Adelaide dilemma also but knowing what we know now, so glad we didn't head for Adelaide, too quiet and we have a bit of everything here, so much to see and do. Hope this helps! Donna xx
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There are a couple of schools here also, although, not having kids myself, don't know much about these.
We were around that area a couple of weeks ago C/C, it's a nice area, we have 2 grandchildren at Flinders school, there is a high school going to be built on the southern side of that school too in the future.
