kirra Posted November 2, 2011 Share Posted November 2, 2011 My husband has secured work in Eagle Farm. I will most likely get work in the CBD...so we are looking to live North of the river We have 2 young children so want a smart, leafy family orientated suburb with good primary schools. Im ok paying $1000 + per wk as we are prepared to pay that bit extra for a pool (living the dream!!)..obviously the cheaper the better, but will not freak out having to spend the bigger amt. Im being selfish but its my commute to the CBD Im most worried about (my husband will be driving to eagle farm..). I want it to be easy and quick (30mins or less) as Ill most likely be the one racing home to get the kids from daycare/after school clubs Im looking at Wilston/Grange or Clayfield/Hendra areas. What suburb has the quickest and best commute links to the CBD for me....but also a nice family orientated suburb? Or..pls, by all means recommend something else thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fish.01 Posted November 2, 2011 Share Posted November 2, 2011 Hi Kirra, Someone like Clayfield might meet your criteria best. I think the Eagle Junction state primary is highly sought after...here is the catchment map: http://education.qld.gov.au/schools/catchment/pdfs/eaglejunction-ss.pdf If you live somewhere off Park Ave north of the train line your children will have an easy walk/cycle down to the excellent Kalinga park with the play fort, creek and cycle tracks: Somewhere around the area this house is in: http://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-clayfield-403456509 Your husband will be a few streets from the East West arterial that takes you to the airport precinct in a few minutes and you will have a 15 minute train ride to the CBD. Journey planner here: http://jp.translink.com.au/travel-information/journey-planner Note: currently is construction for airport link tunnel down the eastern end of the suburb finishing 2012 I think. Wilston is also close to the CBD, a nice suburb with a couple of nice primary schools and a small cafe strip. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kirra Posted November 2, 2011 Author Share Posted November 2, 2011 Thanks for this. I also read the eagle jun school had a good reputation. I will take this onboard. That fort at Kalinga Park looks great! Thankyou Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Boy Somerset Posted November 3, 2011 Share Posted November 3, 2011 Wilston / Grange / Alderley are very nice, and Wilston School is (I understand) excellent. All close to the CBD too Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Loopylu Posted November 4, 2011 Share Posted November 4, 2011 Hi Kirra My twin boys did 18 months at Eagle Junction State School. They were not particularly happy there. The other kids were not at all welcoming and they were bullied for being English and also more advanced academically than the other kids (because they started proper school earlier!). One of my sons had a note passed to him in class suggesting that he might like to kill himself. We tried inviting other children over for play days but were looked down on because our rental in Clayfield was only small and did not have a swimming pool or tennis court. Our kids were never invited back. On a more objective note, the school site at EJ is very tight and the buildings are old. They also have a lot of temporary contract teachers there. Our kids's school now in Eatons Hill is only 10 years old, has spacious grounds and generally permanent staff. It is a much nicer environment for the kids. If you are a yummy mummy type who plans to be a lady who lunches, goes to the gym and beautician while her husband puts in the hard yakka in the city then you'll be fine in Clayfield, Ascot, Hamilton and the like. The middle classes/professionals in Brisbane are so much more class conscious than people in the UK in my opinion. The topic of conversation at barbecues is size of house, boat, salary, which kids' private schools etc, We are so glad that we are living in a more normal area - Eatons Hill - and our boys are so much happier at the local state school. Sorry for being abit negative, but if you are a down to earth person you might find Clayfield not to your liking.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fish.01 Posted November 4, 2011 Share Posted November 4, 2011 We moved from the outer suburbs to a area that would be a similar inner city demographic and I wondered how much we might hit the "size of house, boat, salary, which kids' private schools etc" discussions. My wife is pretty laid back and luckily we can report that despite the odd one or two the parents are great and the kids lovely (my boy is finishing prep). The atmosphere is really friendly and relaxing. Shame you found some people like that at Eagle Junction. The school has houses around it with tennis courts but 98% of the suburb wouldn't have one so it's a shame when a minority can ruin the atmosphere. Does anyone else have experience of the school for the OP as it does fit the OP's criteria well for her commute/airport/parks etc? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Loopylu Posted November 4, 2011 Share Posted November 4, 2011 You'd probably find Clayfield to your liking/quite normal if you are from the stockbroker belt around London. However, coming from the West Midlands where people call a spade a spade and don't have airs and graces, I hated Clayfield. We moved there originally because my husband had lived there 17 years ago before he moved to the UK. It used to be a reasonably priced area to live with a mixed demographic. He was quite shocked at how it had changed on his return. It served us well as a base close to the city when we only had one car, I was getting used to my new job on Eagle Street and doing my law conversion exams but we were glad to escape north after about a year to the hills and trees... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fish.01 Posted November 4, 2011 Share Posted November 4, 2011 You'd probably find Clayfield to your liking/quite normal if you are from the stockbroker belt around London. However, coming from the West Midlands where people call a spade a spade and don't have airs and graces, I hated Clayfield. We moved there originally because my husband had lived there 17 years ago before he moved to the UK. It used to be a reasonably priced area to live with a mixed demographic. He was quite shocked at how it had changed on his return. It served us well as a base close to the city when we only had one car, I was getting used to my new job on Eagle Street and doing my law conversion exams but we were glad to escape north after about a year to the hills and trees... Shame. My wife's a Geordie and not the snobby socialite type and she already, after 1 year of our sons schooling, knows a whole bunch of mothers having constant playdates etc. She's at one right now in fact They do like to go to cafes/dinner around Paddington sometimes but all seems pretty relaxed. Really nice bunch of people which counts for a lot when you're stuck with them through the school years :cute: Even 17 years ago Clayfield was Brisbane's rich list suburb...maybe your husband just didn't mix/notice the yummy mummies back then...too busy chasing the young totty :biggrin: Very hilly and full of trees around here in the inner west so maybe you're onto something...makes people friendlier :wink: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kirra Posted November 4, 2011 Author Share Posted November 4, 2011 Well to give some backgound, I work in Investment Banking (but understand my career is going to not flourish in BNE) and Im an Aussie (but from NSW) so my kids are half english/half Aussie as my husband is english. We currently live in Surrey in 'stockbroker belt' :laugh: So you guys are summing me up well :laugh: Im sorry to hear about your experience Loopylu. That sounds terrible and Im glad you are happy where you are now. Ill be mindful of that, bullying is my pet hate Im definitely not a yummy mummy. For me I decided its time to pull the plug on the UK as my lifestyle is all wrong now I have kids. I love working but hate the commuting and right now commuting 3 hrs per day into Canary Wharf and enduring 'signal failures' every day on the trains. Im up at 5, my kids are out the door by 6.30am and Im home at 7.30pm. I race to work, race to get home and feel like I fail everywhere as Im not putting in the big hrs in the city but never seeing my kids The reason I want close to the cbd is to no longer have the big commute. I like working and the independence it gives me but I want my kids and me to have an 'easier' life. I desire a cosmopolitan city but without the admin of a big city. The obvious choice for me in my quest to move home was Sydney as its close to family and where I grew up but I decided its more expensive than London and it was jumping from the fat into the fire. My brothers told me BNE will offer me the mix Im after and think its a great city for young families...so off we go. I have visited BNE only once! Ive been in the UK for 10 yrs though so you in a way break down your thoughts of where you would go and view your home country as a foreigner and weighing up each city ...not just assuming, like I orginally did, that we will go to SYD as thats where Im from. We hope BNE gives us the lifestyle change we desire thankyou all for your input Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Loopylu Posted November 4, 2011 Share Posted November 4, 2011 Hi Kirra No offence intended by the reference to the stockbroker belt around London! Not everyone who lives there is Hyacinth Bucket! My commute is 1 hour door to door from Eatons Hill. When we lived in Clayfield it was about 30 minutes. I figured an extra hour a day was worth it to live in a less built up and more affordable area (we still had to double our mortgage though to get a house that only has one more room than what we had in the UK!). I'm lucky in that my husband stays home with the kids, does the housework and works part time during school hours otherwise I'd be very stressed out too:arghh:. I'm sure that you'll like Brisbane. It will be a much slower pace of life than London or Sydney but it seems that that is what you want and need, so enjoy! Lucy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kirra Posted November 4, 2011 Author Share Posted November 4, 2011 No offence at all Lucy. :biggrin:I survive where I live as Im the worker and not the lady who lunches. The lady who lunches are perfectly made out and slimi whereas I try to be presentable but look warn out and pulled in a million directions. They are generally OK to me because Im unusual in that I do the same job as the husbands they think are amazing. If anything theyre jealous I could, if I wanted, walk out on my husband and retain my quality of life. Alot feel trapped, giving up their careers and have to put up with their pigs of husbands...ok, totally generalising lol and if Im presented with any Brissy beotches Ill handle it. QLD'rs generally are not huge fans of NSW people..mainly friendly rivalry, but I guess Im an out of towner and always open to not fitting in. Im ready ! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fish.01 Posted November 4, 2011 Share Posted November 4, 2011 No offence at all Lucy. :biggrin:I survive where I live as Im the worker and not the lady who lunches. The lady who lunches are perfectly made out and slimi whereas I try to be presentable but look warn out and pulled in a million directions. They are generally OK to me because Im unusual in that I do the same job as the husbands they think are amazing. If anything theyre jealous I could, if I wanted, walk out on my husband and retain my quality of life. Alot feel trapped, giving up their careers and have to put up with their pigs of husbands...ok, totally generalising lol and if Im presented with any Brissy beotches Ill handle it. QLD'rs generally are not huge fans of NSW people..mainly friendly rivalry, but I guess Im an out of towner and always open to not fitting in. Im ready ! Have you been watching too many state of origins ? :biggrin: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Loopylu Posted November 4, 2011 Share Posted November 4, 2011 Qlders aren't fans of anyone who is not a Qlder...:twitcy: I found the opposite with the ladies that lunch. They treated me as an object of pity in that my hubby was not the main breadwinner and I had to work full time so couldn't spend time with my little darlings. Have to say, I could not do the full time stay at home mum thing. Maternity leave drove me demented. I love my kids but am too much of a control freak to be at home all of the time and have no routine. I'd probably survive now that they are all at school but would probably get bored very quickly. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fish.01 Posted November 4, 2011 Share Posted November 4, 2011 Qlders aren't fans of anyone who is not a Qlder...:twitcy: .... You really haven't had much luck with the people you've met have you :biggrin: I wouldn't know hardly anyone if I had that attitude....with 1 in 4 born overseas been surrounded by blow-ins my whole life...where people are from is usually just an interesting conversation...except at state of origin time of course...then I'll be coming to check up on you to see who you're supporting :wink: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Loopylu Posted November 4, 2011 Share Posted November 4, 2011 It was tongue in cheek about the Qlders. Generally the Qld people I have met here have been fine. The problem is that they have their own established lives in Qld and so aren't too fussed about become busom buddies with new arrivals. I have spent the last three years trying to create a circle of friends here but it has been a struggle. I didn't really want to be a Brit who only socialised with Brits but circumstances seem to be pushing me that way. It's been a difficult couple of weeks with two family friends dying relatively young in the UK (43 and 68) so I am abit grumpy and down at the moment. Anyway, the weekend is upon us and the weather looks good so hopefully my mood will improve! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fish.01 Posted November 4, 2011 Share Posted November 4, 2011 It was tongue in cheek about the Qlders. Generally the Qld people I have met here have been fine. The problem is that they have their own established lives in Qld and so aren't too fussed about become busom buddies with new arrivals. I have spent the last three years trying to create a circle of friends here but it has been a struggle. I didn't really want to be a Brit who only socialised with Brits but circumstances seem to be pushing me that way. It's been a difficult couple of weeks with two family friends dying relatively young in the UK (43 and 68) so I am abit grumpy and down at the moment. Anyway, the weekend is upon us and the weather looks good so hopefully my mood will improve! Yes, I knew you were tongue in cheek but figured you really haven't had much luck given your experiences at Eagle Junction so there has probably seemed like an element of truth to it....doesn't sound pleasant. Sorry to hear about your friends...must be harder in some ways when you are over here. I think you're right it is hard to break in at later stages and immigrants do tend to flock together...I guess it is more to do with the shared experience of being an immigrant then just cosying up to people who are from where you're from....nothing wrong with it if it meets your needs...though saying that I have an fairly new english friend in Redcliffe who has mostly aussie friends so I guess circumstances/luck plays a part. Here's to a good weekend. :wubclub: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Daffod1lly Posted November 4, 2011 Share Posted November 4, 2011 Hi Kirra If I were you, I would definitely look into Wilston. It was an area we fell in love with but never actually got to live in. The school has excellent results, a fab reputation and most importantly of all for us, that lovely welcoming vibe we were looking for. We had a visit there and we're totally bowled over by it .... And were just so impressed by the friendliness of everyone - from the principal, the office, teachers wandering around and even children we passed. The only thing that stopped us living there was a real lack of rentals in our price range - $600 p/wk. We were told that the area had a lower than average availability of rental properties as the majority were owned. However, there were rentals available - just not anywhere near our price range. Given your budget, I would imagine you would be able to find a place to suit you ... Bear in mind there is a strict catchment though - so you would need to ensure any property you took on was safely within the boundaries. Hopefully this info will help you .... I will just say that we were looking around 16 months ago .... So not sure how current this info is ... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Loopylu Posted November 4, 2011 Share Posted November 4, 2011 By coincidence, I work with the Chairman of the P&C for Wilston State School and he has three kids that go there. I have heard good things about the school. Wilston seems a good area too so I second Myrtle's recommendation. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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