Soon To Be Wollongong Mummy :) - Need Info Please.

[SweetSerenity]

Hey there ladies.

As some of you know I am moving to Wollongong in February and I just need some information from you all.

Here are some questions:

• What areas should I be wary of (I will be renting)?
  
• Are there many daycare centres and what are the good ones?
  
• Is it easy to get jobs in retail?
  
• In general, what is it like living there?

I'm hoping to head down for a day with a friend of mine and her partner, as they are thinking of moving down too, to have a look around, pick up some local newspapers, get some real estate magazines and just drive around the suburbs but I thought I would ask you ladies some questions too as it's good to get info off some locals

Just thought I would add, I have been looking at areas like Blackbutt, Shellharbour, Oak Flats, Corrimal, Thirroul... I don't really know what other areas are nice but not too pricey.

Thanks in advance...Nat xxx

[missie_mack]

Ooh the age long debate of Northern Suburbs VS Southern Suburbs.....

Depends on the person you are. I love the Shellharbour area and would be looking mostly in probably Oak Flats if it were me renting. But then I have no dramas on travelling into Sydney City for the day. I know people that find driving to Wollongong (maybe 20mins) to be a long trip and something they only do once a month. If you fall into this category you would probably be happy out near Figtree. My Mum lived in Shellharbour for years and moved to Woonona. She wishes she didn't move...

But each to their own. I've never rented so I can't comment on a lot of the other questions...

[mum2peanut]

Hello,
You've certainly entered debate territory. I am one of those people who likes to be close to Wollongong itself, within 10 minutes, cause that's where I like to shop (Myer, DJ's etc) I live in Figtree, which is lovely. My cut off when I was looking was Figtree in the South to Balgownie/Fairy Meadow in the North. You may find Thirroul is a bit pricey. Areas I'd avoid because of bad reps (no offence to anyone intended) Bellambi, East Corrimal disguised but can actually be Bellambi,certain parts of Unanderra, Berkeley, parts of Corr are a bit iffy. I'm just going off areas of crime stats and real estate info, and from my point of view areas that have school that I know are dodgy cause of the feeder area. (Teacher talk) I don't really know the Shellharbour area, but people who like being a bit further south seem to like it.
There's good and bad childcare in most areas. I've heard that ABC in Shellharbour is good, for example.
As far as jobs go I can't really help you. Maybe get your hands on the Sat Illawarra mercury and check it out.
I love living in the Illawarra, close to beaches, shops etc without the huslte and bustle of the city. Plus youronly an hour or so from Syd.
Good luck with it all, and if you have any other questions, just ask.
Sorry for the

[mummyrissa]

i live about 5mins from center of Wollongong (near uni). we are about to have our first child, we are renting a 2 bedroom town house (paying $250 a week) only because we love the area and houses are usually a bit more expensive in this area due to it being so close to town, uni etc.
the childcare centers in the area aren't to bad although none really stand out to be that great.
i have lived in the same area for almost my whole life. i have friends and relos who live in almost every suburb around the place, guess it all has its ups and downs.

if you want any other info just message me and ill be happy to help

[2littleprincesses]

I can't remember if it is Windang or Warilla (they're close together) that has been called Wollongong's version of Redfern.

I'd steer clear of Port Kembla too. Too many pros down the mainstreet. "Mummy, who's that lady waiting for? Why's she wearing a tiny skirt when it's so cold? WHy's that car shaking like that?"

[talia11]

I hav pretty much lived in Central Wollongong since I finished school - now I live in Albion Park Rail which i love. It is close to shops (Shellharbour Square etc) and a really nice family environment - about 25 min to central Wollongong.
Warilla would be the place you are thinking of 2littleprincesses, I have alot of clients that live in that area (I am a Probation and Parole Officer), I would say that the further North you go past Wollongong the more expensive _ For eg - I was living on Crown Street (Main Street in the gong) and paying $240 for a small two bedroom with a undercover parking for one car - moved to Flinders (near ShellCove) last year and was renting a 3 bed 2 storey townhouse with double garage and yard for $300 a week. There is no way you would find somthing like that in Wollongong for that price.
As for jobs, the saturday Mercury has alot of jobs and as I said - Shellharbour Square is out thsi way so retail not a problem.
No advise on daycare centres, but all in all I would say it is a lovley place to love - not far to Sydney, beautiful beaches etc...great place and I wouldn't want to love anywhere else!

[illawarramumof2boys]

hi

i live in the illawarra - every area has it's good and bad sections and streets but you can't generalise about an entire suburb. Some of the area's that cop a hammering in the illawarra don't deserve it now, yes maybe in the past they did but areas and people change and so do times.

i live in lake illawarra and i know one other mum from here lives at warilla and neither of us have any problems and love the area.

i personally don't like albion park/rail and dapto for my own personal reasons, the same as you don't like warilla

[GraceUnhearing]

i personally don't like albion park/rail and dapto for my own personal reasons,

i've lived in Dapto for 25 years and i would happily walk the streets at night by myself

nothing wrong with the place.
i wouldnt walk the streets of port late at night

to scary!

[illawarramumof2boys]

hi

the illawarra area is great there are lots of beautiful beaches, parks etc. and it is very quiet and a slower pace than sydney where i grew up, which i love. it also has good shopping, the house and renting prices are generally cheaper than sydney.

it personally took me a while to fit in and make friends but i think that happens everywhere.

about the area/suburb debate believe me every area has its good and bad. there is always a bad street or part in every area.

i think what you need to think about the most is how far you want to be from the city. another thing to consider is whether you prefer to be close to the beaches or prefer the inland side of things. another thing too is rent and how much you can afford to pay.

the last ? about childcare. I can only recommend one in the shellharbour area because i live there. i highly recommend shellcove and bluecove preschools as i send my boys there. i've also heard flinders pre school and abc at shellcove are good too.

hope i've helped.

[veve]

hi all

At the request of the OP I have re-opened this thread- she requires information, and it shouldn't be difficult for her to achieve that here.

I have removed numerous posts that I have read and found to be either argumentative or off topic. I have also edited some posts for the same reason. If you are unhappy with my editing of your words - feel free to delete your posts.

I am asking that all hubbers respect each others opinions. If someone points out the negative aspects of YOUR suburb - simply respond with the POSITIVE attributes. PLEASE do not get into an argument about suburbs - that is not the purpose of this thread.

I am keeping this thread open on the basis that it remains polite and factual. If you are not happy with a post - please use the ! button to report a post to the moderators, who will then assess the post.

thanks
Jenny