Making the big move.. BUT I NEED SOME HELP... where should I go?

[Iccara]

My partner and I relocated from NE Vic to Perth WA so I could give birth to my baby. He is a few months old now, and recently we went to visit my partners family. We had been discussing moving for awhile, but while we were over there we made the decision we are going to move.

I was wondering if anyone can tell me anything about these areas. Is there stuff to do with kids newborn - 8 years? What is the area like (I know there are good and bad areas everywhere but I just want to make sure its not a really dodgy area. I would like to settle somewhere where we can raise the children, knowing that the area is safe)? Pros and cons of the area? Any other info that could help (weather, job availability, schools etc)?

AREAS OF INTEREST:
Richmond/Windsor NSW
Katoomba/Leura NSW
Unanderra NSW

Any other suggestions? (kariong etc)

Thanks in advance.

[Wickedly Happy]

Windsor is lovely, but can be quite expensive (it's been awhile, but I had friends who lived out there, and they loved it). The only problem is that you are quite a way from the city, and public transport in the Hills District is not that reliable (yet?).

You mentioned Kariong as well. I lived on the Central Coast for seven years, but in Terrigal and Kincumber. I worked at Kariong, at a Juvenile Detention Centre there, and personally, I wouldn't live up on the mountain. Kincumber is lovely - there are some areas that are beautiful, and the primary school there has a great name, as does the Catholic School. Like all suburbs, there are parts of the area that are great, and some areas of the suburb that don't have quite as good a name.

The public hospital in Gosford is okay, but the public hospital has a great reputation and many people I know have had their babies there and report they are happy with it.

There are great facilities on the Central Coast - heaps of schools, great shopping, and plenty of parks and beaches which aren't normally as crowded as the Sydney beaches. Great bush walks too.

I hope this helps. It's just my opinion, though.

[Iccara]

Thanks for your help. We are thinking we may need to jump on a plane next week and fly over and drive around a few areas, but I just thought I might be able to get a heads up and some suggestions before we go. Thanks for your help :-)