Hi, wanting advice about moving from a city to a regional town, would you do it again or do you regret it?
My family and I live on the in SE QLD and seriously considering moving to the Whitsundays. Kids are 9 and 10. I'm not worried about living in a small town as we lived in regional WA for about 5 years, but am worried about future job opportunities for the kids (although with so many ppl moving here that is tough as well). And with house prices the way they are it also means we would unlikely be able to afford to move back however if we move we would be mortgage free and be able to enjoy life a bit more.
Thanks!
4 Replies
Whitsundays is gorgeous. Lifestyle up there is fab, beach bbq outdoors, driving holidays to townsville cairns and fnq. Some people can live like that indefinitely, some can give it a good few years before its time to get back to 'more' and being closer. Some would absolutely hate the year round heat with summer just getting disgustingly hot.
For me, personally, i wouldnt leave SEQLQ, I think we're really lucky to be so close to aust zoo, the theme parks, ice skating, south bank, the museum and goma, and all of the things and shows for kids around here, plus we're driving distance to so many great destinations, even down the coast to byron. I've moved a lot to have decided this is the place for me.
Id suggest taking a trip up there and look around. Check out supermarkets, amenities, schools, high school prospects,
I'm in regional WA and haven't lived in the city for over 20 years. We go down to Perth a few times a year and it gets so overwhelming after a few days I can't wait to go home. Both have pros and cons though and I guess it depends on what your family's needs are. These are ones I can think of to living regional-
Pros
It's cheaper to live
Everything is close by - work, school, daycare, shops
Kids can become more independent younger eg. Can get themselves to school, stay home, go to the shops at a younger age than city kids
Lower crime than city (not always but generally)
Smaller communities make it easier to make friends
Smaller schools
Cons
Health care not as good as the city, often have to travel for specialist appointments or treatment which means more money and time off work.
Education options are limited and boarding needs to be considered in some cases
Will never find everything you need when shopping
We moved from Brisbane to mount Morgan (south west of Rockhampton). Job wise, depends on the industry I picked up full-time work on my first application (after a 10 year break raising kids) in aged care but there is definitely a shortage of jobs in other industries. Jobs going around here are aimed more towards teens who have just left school though. The schools are far better I have found my kids are flourishing in the smaller school and thoroughly enjoy the country life. Financially it's been great we no longer rent or have mortgage so we are able to enjoy the more luxurious things of life.
It is a really personal decision but for us it worked out, I'd do it again.
Edited to add*** the healthcare system does suck, sometimes it's weeks before you can get an appointment with the doctor
We moved from Sydney to the Whitsundays 4 years ago.
Make sure you have a job to come too, I know alot of people say theirs heaps of jobs, bit alot of them are to live on the islands- and sometimes with the family it can be hard even the ferry commute daily is an hour each way.
Schools here are fantastic and all have a great reputation.
House prices have aurhes her in the last year, so just be careful your not paying to much, because if the housing bubble bursts you'll find it very difficult to sell, as it can be very hit and miss.
My neighbour works for Taylor's realestate and is really genuine of you want to chat about realestate. One of my sons needs to see specialists regularly and that can be hard, 1.5 hours to Mackay and our other one is in Townsville whi h is 3 hours.
Although, the lifestyle here is amazing!!