Guest Nickynoonoo Posted March 2, 2009 Share Posted March 2, 2009 Hello everyone, I am new to this forum, wanted to join you all now that the process is starting to get under way for our dream move to Auz!! We now know that we will be moving to Sydney as we will be moving on a State Sponsored Visa. I had done loads of research on Perth as that was the location we first wanted as we have friends living there but Sydney was high on our list as well but I know nothing about the area/suburbs and where to go. :confused: My husband will no doubt be working in the City Centre and will need to commute so this is something we will need to take in to consideration. I must make a confession, I am probably a bit of a self confessed snob :embarrassed: and so want to move to a nice area, with call schools and a friendly community feel. My son will be 3/4 when we move. We currently live in a semi rural location so don't want anything too built up. As near to the beach as possible would be good but I don't mind a drive as cost will be important in those first years whilst we get settled. I hope you experts can help shed some light on the areas that I should start to research in preparation for our move and a possible visit towards the end of the year. Thanks so very much guys Nicky Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Dave 'n' Sam Posted March 2, 2009 Share Posted March 2, 2009 Hi Nicky, try Dee Why on the Northern Beaches. Lovely beach and fantastic for families (the place is full of pushchairs everyday). Good schools nearby as well. The downside would be for your OH travelling to the CBD as there is no train link. However there are express buses that go through Dee Why in rush hour that will take approx 50 minutes to Wynyard in the City. I spent a bit of time living in Harbord in 2007 which is next door to Dee Why with my kids (twin girls who were coming up to 3 at the time) and we all absolutely loved the area. I commuted into the CBD and it was a bit of a pain at times but far better than commuting into London everyday!! Hope that helps. Regards Dave 'n' Sam Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zoeburrell Posted March 10, 2009 Share Posted March 10, 2009 Hello everyone, I am new to this forum, wanted to join you all now that the process is starting to get under way for our dream move to Auz!! We now know that we will be moving to Sydney as we will be moving on a State Sponsored Visa. I had done loads of research on Perth as that was the location we first wanted as we have friends living there but Sydney was high on our list as well but I know nothing about the area/suburbs and where to go. :confused: My husband will no doubt be working in the City Centre and will need to commute so this is something we will need to take in to consideration. I must make a confession, I am probably a bit of a self confessed snob :embarrassed: and so want to move to a nice area, with call schools and a friendly community feel. My son will be 3/4 when we move. We currently live in a semi rural location so don't want anything too built up. As near to the beach as possible would be good but I don't mind a drive as cost will be important in those first years whilst we get settled. I hope you experts can help shed some light on the areas that I should start to research in preparation for our move and a possible visit towards the end of the year. Thanks so very much guys Nicky Hi Nicky We arrived in NSW in January and have stayed inland (Forestville), right on the coast (Collaroy) and have settled 2km from the beach in Mona Vale. All of them are really great but I'd say Mona Vale has been the right choice for us. We overlook a golf course, have a lovely little shopping centre with some nice boutiques and are on the L90 bus route (fast bus into the city - doesn't go off the main road and doesn't stop at every stop on the way!). It probably takes about an hour and 10 minutes on the bus into the city but I drove in last week at 7am and it took under an hour. Where ever you settle I'm sure you'll love it! I'd suggest short term renting when you get here - if you don't like the area after a while you can move to the next one! All the best, Zoe xx Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest BeeDownUnder Posted March 10, 2009 Share Posted March 10, 2009 Hi, we moved and settled in the Inner West - Hunters Hill/Gladesville/ Putney. Great for kids and great schools both public and private. Closest beach for us is 30mins to Balmoral and Northern Beaches take about 40-45mins drive if you leave early on the weekends, which is really nothing at all given that the traffic flows quite well in the morning before everyone else decides to descend. It's a great commute for the CBD and means hubby gets to spend lots of extra time at home. He doesn't work in the CBD, so it's 10mins each way for him. Beats the 1.5 hours each way we did every day without thinking in London. The area is not built up, but lots of nice detached houses and great parks for kids. You're not on the beach, but you are on the river with some lovely walks and with regular rivercat services into Circular Quay. Having said that, in my perfect world I would live in Avalon, Collaroy, Whale Beach, Newport, but being realistic for the moment we have stayed closer to the city. Hope this helps! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Burnett Posted March 11, 2009 Share Posted March 11, 2009 I'd suggest a look at the Inner West also. When we came down, it was purely for the sake of our children's uni education and subsequent careers. From that perspective, it was a sound move, for both now have stable, basically recession-proof employment in the city We chose the Inner West of Sydney based on the fact (1) we already owned a house in Abbotsford, which we'd had rented out for a couple of decades and (2) because of ease of transport for the kids, going in and out of the city each day. As it turned out, the local Council wouldn't allow us to knock down our house and build a new one we liked, so we sold the house and bought a new townhouse nearby. Again, it's worked out quite well. Points in favour of the Inner West location in which we reside: (1) one bus only needed to take the children from Abbotsford/Five Dock to the centre of the city. Takes about an hour, sometimes more, for distance of approx. 8 kilometres. Usually crowded, not air-conditioned, unless they're lucky enough to grab what they call an 'express' bus. (2) An arm of Sydney Harbour (actually a bay) wraps itself right around, which means the water is a five minute walk away (2) Golf course on our doorstep, literally, and another, larger one, a couple of kilometres away. Several more within fifteen minutes drive. Boating, marina, yacht club, etc. Twenty minutes west and there's the Homebush Stadium for the footy fans. (3) Walking track winds its way around the bay and there are shady parks and places to run the dog (4) easy access to larger shopping centres and what is termed 'cosmopolitcan Norton Street' and theatres, large book shops and just about anything else you'd ever need. City is only 8k away (a half hour bus trip on weekends) so it's all quite near the usual sightseer stops, i.e., Harbour Bridge, Sunday markets at the Opera House, Sydney's landmark gardens and parks, museums, art galleries, airport, etc. etc. (5) predominantly family suburb with also some good quality residential complexes such as the one we live in, which has gym, large swimming pool, private parks and roadways etc., play area for kids, bar-b-que areas so our place fronts onto a private park and we have no road traffic even though the main arterial road is not far away. Very quiet. Low crime rate. Several large public parks nearby. Lawn bowls and big RSL five minutes walk away. A licensed Soccer Club short walk the other way. Churches of several denominations in the village, just a pleasant walk away. Sailing club, rowing, fishing, etc. (6) several established and much in demand private schools (also nice little State school) within minutes of us. Lots of nice pre-schools, some church-run (7) no train station so the yobs/hoons don't come here (8) still quite affordable. Detached family homes run from around $800,000 to million and a half and family-sized townhouses with good size front and rear yards from around $750,000, and upwards although prices are climbing again. (9) large hospitals not far away, the Concord hospital for example is very close. Established city hospitals not far away and large Westmead hospital to the west. This suburb is also served by a number of specialist medical clinics There are also several nearby Inner West suburbs with access to the Light Rail, which would take you right into the city. You don't really need a car here, although of course most people do. But I haven't used mine for months. All in all, it's a handy spot, close to everything without having to trek half a day just to get anywhere. You never feel isolated Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Burnett Posted March 11, 2009 Share Posted March 11, 2009 Having re-read BeeDownUnder's post again, has reminded me that I didn't mention the ferry/RiverCat option for getting from here to the city. Nice way to get to work. Crowded as a rule on weekdays of course, but that's Sydney. Our kids alternate between the ferry and the bus for getting to the city. Couple of ferry crashes/smashes a while back has seen them using the bus more, lately. But yes, there's the ferry to work and it's a nice trip :smile: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Nickynoonoo Posted March 11, 2009 Share Posted March 11, 2009 Thanks so much Burnett, your reply has been really helpful and I will def look into the area on your recommendations. Cheers Nicky Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest utrique Posted March 16, 2009 Share Posted March 16, 2009 Hi there We have been over here since june 2008 , we chose st ives on the north shore , there are a number of lovely green suburbs around us including Pymbe Turramurra and Gordon , it is not cheap up here but very green , bush nearby so lots of walks and bike riding , we can get to the beach in 20 mins , we have the choice of abought 6 - mona vale , deewhy , curl curl , whale etc a differnet one each weekend , we have a number of train stations here - north shore line and also express buses , it takes about 30mins on public transport to the CBD , to drive out of rush hour about the same. Great schools and lots of families . Hope this helps , check out realestate.com for ideas of rental prices. Angela Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
christopher Posted March 17, 2009 Share Posted March 17, 2009 Hi, we moved and settled in the Inner West - Hunters Hill/Gladesville/ Putney. Great for kids and great schools both public and private. Closest beach for us is 30mins to Balmoral and Northern Beaches take about 40-45mins drive if you leave early on the weekends, which is really nothing at all given that the traffic flows quite well in the morning before everyone else decides to descend. It's a great commute for the CBD and means hubby gets to spend lots of extra time at home. He doesn't work in the CBD, so it's 10mins each way for him. Beats the 1.5 hours each way we did every day without thinking in London. The area is not built up, but lots of nice detached houses and great parks for kids. You're not on the beach, but you are on the river with some lovely walks and with regular rivercat services into Circular Quay. Having said that, in my perfect world I would live in Avalon, Collaroy, Whale Beach, Newport, but being realistic for the moment we have stayed closer to the city. Hope this helps! Interesting post as My wife and I are moving to Sydney in May, weve sort of chosen the Ineer west as the place to look at living, weve got an apartment for 3 weeks in Balmain to start with but will be looking for something more long term in those three weeks. I really liked the Inner West went we visited Sydney and its proximity to the city is a real plus as I will probably be looking at a job in the city (I am a graphic designer!) We also liked the 'cosmopolitan & arty' feel of areas in the Inner West. I just hope we can afford to rent then buy somewhere round there! our budget for rent is about 400 - 450 dollars a week and well hopefully have a budget of around 550,000 to buy, theres only two of us at the moment but we'd like something a bit 'quirky' I realise well probably only get an apartment for that sort of money?? Also my wife is a Nurse, are there plenty Hospitals around the Inner West? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BuddysMum Posted March 17, 2009 Share Posted March 17, 2009 We are looking towards Sydney suburbs too, but to be honest we can't afford what we want in any of the areas mentioned so far, nice as they are. I have been warned off Penrith and Paramatta, but wonder what anyone thinks of Emu Plains and Glenmore Park? We also like Sutherlandshire but understand that it is bush fire country in the summer. We hope to have up to about 550,000 or 600,000 but need 4 bed, 2 bath and room for a pool!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ellie 2 Posted March 18, 2009 Share Posted March 18, 2009 We are looking towards Sydney suburbs too, but to be honest we can't afford what we want in any of the areas mentioned so far, nice as they are. I have been warned off Penrith and Paramatta, but wonder what anyone thinks of Emu Plains and Glenmore Park? We also like Sutherlandshire but understand that it is bush fire country in the summer. We hope to have up to about 550,000 or 600,000 but need 4 bed, 2 bath and room for a pool!!! Have you looked at the Hills District? Great place to bring up a family and should be within your budget. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest The McT's Posted March 21, 2009 Share Posted March 21, 2009 Emu plains & Penrith get stinking hot, Penrith is ilke the land that time forgot, Emu plains utterly characterless but decent, lots of hoons there though. Have you considered the Blue Mts? 1hr + on train to Syd CBD. Glenmore Park is McMansion clone town, very dense housing - decent but perplexing in its layout with no real public transport so every journey is by car. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest The Sydney Lords Posted March 21, 2009 Share Posted March 21, 2009 We live in 'The Shire' and love it. It's extremely family friendly, many suburbs are very leafy and beautiful. Yes there are parts of Sutherland Shire that back onto and are near National Parks so of course there is a risk of bush fire, but no more risk than many other suburbs all across Australia. I certainly wouldn't live here if I thought that it was 'bush fire country'! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Annemcx Posted March 21, 2009 Share Posted March 21, 2009 Hi Nicky, Lots of good advice here by th look of things. I am doing research on other states and have come accross this website which might help, good suburb profiles. www.cityhobo.com they also had a link on there to another good migration info site which has more info on Sydney areas, schools etc. www.migrationangel.com Hope that helps. Anne Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest tenquidder Posted March 22, 2009 Share Posted March 22, 2009 We are looking towards Sydney suburbs too, but to be honest we can't afford what we want in any of the areas mentioned so far, nice as they are. I have been warned off Penrith and Paramatta, but wonder what anyone thinks of Emu Plains and Glenmore Park? We also like Sutherlandshire but understand that it is bush fire country in the summer. We hope to have up to about 550,000 or 600,000 but need 4 bed, 2 bath and room for a pool!!! Sydney is surrounded by bushland to the south, west and north, so in that respect Sutherland is no worse off than shires like Penrith, Blue Mountains, The Hills, Hornsby, Kuringai. Choice of an area is a very personal thing and obviously depends on budget. The only advice I would give is do not buy a place adjoining bushland. It may look beautiful but IMHO it's just not worth the fire risk. Emu Plains and Glenmore Park are basically extensions of Penrith, just a bit further out from the city. I don't know the area that well, not sure what negatives you were given about Penrith, so I won't comment further. Cheers Chris Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest mandy65 Posted March 25, 2009 Share Posted March 25, 2009 Move as far out of the city as you can, it is very expensive and crowded. There are a lot nicer places further out and a lot more affordable. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NigelWaring Posted June 1, 2009 Share Posted June 1, 2009 We have lived in the suburb of Cowan, which is on the upper north shore, for more than 25 years. Low and medium price houses still available but it is not often that residents leave. We have a railway station, one train per hour during the day, a few more at peak times. There is a school with about 80 pupils up to the age of 12, one general store and a leisure boat sale yard. The next suburb, towards Sydney is Berowra 3 kms away, there are about 3 trains an hour from there if you don't mind a short drive; Berowra also has a couple of supermarkets but shopping there is expensive compared to Hornsby. The nearest large town is Hornsby 18 kms away, it has a large railway station with trains to Sydney via two lines, limited stop expresses on the northern line. There is also a large Westfield shopping centre with three supermarkets, two department stores and two variety stores along with 250 speciality shops. The nearest beaches are 30-45 minutes away. The north shore probably has the best medical services in Metropolitan Sydney, there is a large private hospital, The San, at Wahroonga, quite affordable with average health insurance, about 200 specialists have rooms there. There is the Hornsby & Kuringai public hospital and not too far away at St Leonards, the Royal North Shore hospital which is both public and private. Have a look at us on Google Earth, feed in "Cowan 2081 NSW" and you'll see a small suburb of less than 200 houses in the bush, its surrounded by National Parks and Reserves. Yes it does get exciting at times with bush fires but with the headquarters of the Rural Fire Service nearby along with two volunteer Fire Brigades we've never lost a house. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest jen666 Posted June 4, 2009 Share Posted June 4, 2009 Hey Nicky, My partner and I have rented in the city for almost 3 years since moving here from UK (greater London). We have been looking to buy for about 6 months now. We would love city but its very pricey so looking further out but like you pretty snobby. Be very careful bout where in the West if you decide to settle there as there are very bad parts, hoonish I guess people here would call it. Places like Campbelltown, Cabramatta, I wouldnt even go there on my own in the daytime let alone live there or want to bring up kids there. Probs the Aus version of suburbs with dangerous estates and chavs. However some of the inner west (closer to the city) is gorgeous places like the person was saying that gave you all the info about the bays etc. I reckon the Shire (Sutherland, Cronulla etc) would be right up your alley as you were saying about the slight snobbishness. Sorry Shire people I dont mean that in a bad way we have been giving it heavy consideration, wonderful place to bring up kids, close to the beach, easy access to commute, very normal and I know people from there and that have grown up there (no chavvy accents to be found). Round Cowan, Horsnby all that area is rather lovely too but be very careful how far west you go thats all I'd say. Good luck! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NigelWaring Posted June 4, 2009 Share Posted June 4, 2009 Hey Nicky, ... Round Cowan, Horsnby all that area is rather lovely too but be very careful how far west you go thats all I'd say. Good luck! Not sure what you mean here, Cowan and Hornsby are north of Sydney nowhere near the West, we are on the railway line to Newcastle. Here's some pictures of the nearby bush, these were taken a couple of summers ago. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest jen666 Posted June 4, 2009 Share Posted June 4, 2009 Not sure what you mean here, Cowan and Hornsby are north of Sydney nowhere near the West, we are on the railway line to Newcastle. Here's some pictures of the nearby bush, these were taken a couple of summers ago. Hey Nigel, sorry I was not meaning Hornsby and Cowan are in the West I should have seperated my sentences. Hornsby and Cowan are North and if i could bear moving so far away from the city (I know its not that far but having made friends in the city I'm not yet ready to move out to there) but yes if I could it would be very high on my list, that and the Shire I think. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
meddy Posted June 4, 2009 Share Posted June 4, 2009 Hiya All Ive been reading the posts and im in the same dilemma. We intend to leave Portsmouth, I will join the aussie navy and will more and likely be posted in Sydney. The navy will provide DHA housing which look to be a good standard. Having never been to Sydney before (just Melbourne) i'm not sure what district to live in either. Me and the Mrs are in the same boat (excuse the pun) as we have a little boy aged 3. As i will be away most of the time at sea, i would like an area that is safe and near the amenities and good schools. Areas that ive seen housing at the moment are Mortdale, Gymea, Kirrawee and Belrose. Does anyone know what these areas are like, as they were on the defence housing website, so we are more and likely to be based there. Although we do have an option to privately rent somewhere else. Thanks in advance. meddy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest marcus34 Posted July 26, 2009 Share Posted July 26, 2009 Do not be warned off Penrith, Parramatta yes. Penrith is now an overgrown country town. I have lived in Glenmore Prk for the last 15 yrs.. and I thorougly reco. it. In fact whilst it is a large estate the 'quietness' keeps us awake Forthat amount of money u will be able to afford something u will like, there are plenty available here in that range. G/Park has 4 mdern schools, with several at Emu. a convnient small shopping centre, but we shop at Emu which is just 20 mins away for the weekly grocery shoppingy. From G/P is just 5 mins away from Mulgoa which is very country fied, the south coast beaches which we prefer to the northern ones are just 80 mins away. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest marcus34 Posted July 26, 2009 Share Posted July 26, 2009 Dont be put off by Penrith, maybe Parramata. We have lived here for 15 yrs and love it With that amount of money u will be able to find something u wil; like and afford on Glenmore park we have 4 modern schools, a medium sized shoppimg centre and a lovely environment. Plse call me for anything u want to know Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest marcus34 Posted July 26, 2009 Share Posted July 26, 2009 I disagree with the comment 'dense housing' on Glenmore Park. In yr price range u will certainly satisfy yr needs/ Penrith is a growing and robust ex country town, but with all modern faclities Blue Mtns yes tis nice, but u will certainly have to shop around there to find something suitable in yr price range\ Regards Jim............. Glenmore Park resident for 15 yrs Emu plains & Penrith get stinking hot' date=' Penrith is ilke the land that time forgot, Emu plains utterly characterless but decent, lots of hoons there though. Have you considered the Blue Mts? 1hr + on train to Syd CBD. Glenmore Park is McMansion clone town, very dense housing - decent but perplexing in its layout with no real public transport so every journey is by car.[/quote'] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
olly Posted July 26, 2009 Share Posted July 26, 2009 My nephew lives at Yowie Bay and loves it there. Commutes to Sydney central every day ok. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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