bigpoppadolph

I noticed how new the Northern beaches high was and think the kids will like that, their schools are pretty new and hi-tech over here. Would've been nicer if they had a few more years of reports and experiences but looks good from what I can see so think we'll give it a go. That's if we get accepted, I was shocked when I saw the catchment area it's the largest I've seen. So this horsey place you mentioned is that on the main road (blacks beach road) from Eimeo road all the way to the beach? And I'm guessing the left side is the older, more established blacks beach, the right side is the new estate (cove?) that you mentioned to not touch with a barge pole? I appreciate the recommendations as all we have to go on is what info we can get on google maps/street view and the realestate.com site. We like the rural view area and although we would like to be close to the beach, the 5km from rural view is nothing, especially compared to what we have now.Plus it's closer for the schools/shops etc so makes sense to be looking there. Do you (or anyone) have any experience of the new estate/houses in rural view? I wondered if these were from the same house builder you mentioned that was pretty poor? Thanks, BPD

Thanks Lorna How long have you been in Mackay? Sounds like you got a bargain with your place Do you work at the Mackay base hospital? My OH would like to work there so fingers crossed with applications but we're quite confident. Also, my step daughter was born there in 2007. We looked at mount pleasant but everything at the time seemed quite expensive so we looked elsewhere, might have another look to make sure. We're not fussy to be honest, as long as the schools are good. We live in a 3 bed semi-detached in the UK so a 4-bed+ in the sun with a short drive or walk to the beach is a dream to us! And a pool is a bonus but not essential. Our nearest beach at the moment is a 2 hour drive lol. Thanks, BPD

Thanks eera, and I've also found the reply button! I did notice that most houses have stuff outside just by having a look around on google street view, not a great selling point I guess. We stayed in Mackay in 2013 and loved the place, makes even more sense as we have family there. We have a big family so need at least a 4 bed possibly 5 and the prices around the CBD compared to the northern beaches were pretty much double, that's what made our mind up, or at least for the first year. By settlement issues do you mean the foundations of the houses? I didn't really understand that sorry. I'll have a look around the Rural View area, thanks for the heads up!

Thanks srg73 We're not worried about the work aspect, was just dubious about the cheap rentals. But I guess if people are lacking work and they built too many houses during a suspected boom then that's probably why they're going so cheap. I didn't find buying a property was cheap though, only rentals. We hope to rent for the first year to see how we get on then we'll see what's the best idea for our money. Thanks, BPD

Thanks srg73 We're not worried about the work aspect, was just dubious about the cheap rentals. But I guess if people are lacking work and they built too many houses during a suspected boom then that's probably why they're going so cheap. I didn't find buying a property was cheap though, only rentals. We hope to rent for the first year to see how we get on then we'll see what's the best idea for our money. Thanks, BPD

Thanks Bungo I haven't looked at specific agents just clicked 4 bedrooms, Mackay, search from low to high and the first 20 or so were mostly in black's beach. Surprisingly it's cheaper than renting a 3 bed over here. Family have secured me work and coming over on the OH visa as a midwife shouldn't be a problem from what I've read. Just wondered what people thought of the area and why it seems too good to be true. Thanks, BPD

Hi all, first post If all goes as planned we will be moving from Derbyshire UK to Mackay QLD in September 2016. OH has family in Mackay who have a place on the harbour, very nice but out of our league. After searching for a rental priced low to high on realestate.com we were surprised by the quantity and low prices around the blacks beach area. Did a little research and it seems perfect for us, close schools shops and beach, everything we need for our first base in Australia. So my questions are, does anybody on here live near black's beach? Thoughts and oppinions? How are the schools from a people perspective? The annual reports seem pretty good for northern beaches high and eimeo road primary. Any information would be much appreciated. I'm always a little dubious when something seems too cheap, or maybe it's because the houses are in abundance? Thanks, BPD