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Advice from Brisbane Ladies

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michymat
22
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 25 January 2012 - 16:29
No kids at home, no need for edu info. Now noted! My apologies rsfactor, I was a bit distracted at the time of posting, and overlooked it! :) Greenish, I do stand by what I said about the state of Queensland's education as a whole. I don't want to hijack this thread on an irrelevant topic, or have a heated debate, but if you don't accept my view as valid whatsoever, I would suggest you speak to administrators of reputable schools throughout the UAE or Australia about their observations regarding Queensland's education standard for a wake up call. You might be surprised what you find. Agree to disagree me thinks. I have many dear friends from Brisbane and the region, and it's not my intention to offend. I never met a Brisbanite who didn't love their city, and totally expect all of you to defend your beloved city vehemently. Please be aware though, that some of us who have lived elsewhere (US, Canada, M.E, and other states in Aus) might not look on it as fondly as you, based comparatively on our own experiences elsewhere. I have spoken to many expats and non Queenslanders who have expressed similar views to mine. My point is that it isn't necessarily the right fit for everyone. I just wanted to provide the OP with another perspective. I lived in Brisbane for a month, and made many, many day trips over the course of a year, I believe I spent enough time to make an informed view, as did my husband who spent his weekdays in Milton in the CBD. Yet, I totally acknowledge that not having grown up there, or lived there for an extensive length of time, my opinion is based on a limited experience, and should be taken as such. Peace.
Embo
304
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 25 January 2012 - 10:05
I'm sorry you didn't love our beautiful city. I have lived in Melb, Syd and Perth too and I think they all have amazing things to offer, just as lovely Brisbane does. The weather in Melbourne is cr@p though so wild horses couldn't drag me back there. ;) lol ... Also note that the Queensland education system is not on par with other Australian states. Even the Queensland school adminstrators admitted this to me..... That is simply not true and any "school administrator" who said that to you is an unprofessional twit. As a teacher in Aus, I have never understood why we don't have a national curriculum, but it's in the works and will be here soon. The fact each state has it's own curric is my only criticism of education in this country because we have huge numbers of transient families and it's hard switching from one system to another. To suggest one state is in any way worse in general than the others is ridiculous. I'd be nervous of the schools you spoke to, but not the system as a whole in Qld. Anyway...the OP won't have school age kids here so it's not really relevant. :) You're right about Buderim...it's a pretty place and is quite central on the coast. I'm 15 mins north, just outside of Noosa and feel pretty blessed to live here. There's no way I'd commute from anywhere up here to the Brisbane CBD though! ;) To be fair, Michymat didn't actually live in Brisbane so is not really in a position to pass judgement on our beautiful city ;) I'm sure if she had spent any length of time she would have discovered all the wonderful things "Australia's most liveable city" has to offer! :)
Green-ish
2340
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 25 January 2012 - 02:47
...I love Red Hill as its so close to the city and has a bit more of a cosmopolitan feel about it being next door to Paddington. I would suggest inner city living if you have no children and then it is an easy commute to either Sunshine Coast or Gold Coast on weekends with all the beautiful hinterlands to explore. ... I'm with you Embo. The more I think about it, those lovely inner city suburbs are great places to live. There are plenty of either character or modern houses or apartments, lots of established greenery, good public transport links to the city. If travel on weekends is a priority, then easy access to either Gympie Rd/Bruce Hwy on the north, or South East Fwy on the south is a bonus. Red Hill, Paddington, maybe Bardon for hills and views, Kelvin Grove, Spring Hill, New Farm, Kangaroo Point. South of the river I love Bulimba and Norman Park but they're not really inner-city. West End is inner city on the south and great for foodies. A little west (and south lol) of the city are some of our most beautiful, and expensive, suburbs - gorgeous Chelmer and Graceville.
Green-ish
2340
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 25 January 2012 - 02:34
I'm sorry you didn't love our beautiful city. I have lived in Melb, Syd and Perth too and I think they all have amazing things to offer, just as lovely Brisbane does. The weather in Melbourne is cr@p though so wild horses couldn't drag me back there. ;) lol ... Also note that the Queensland education system is not on par with other Australian states. Even the Queensland school adminstrators admitted this to me..... That is simply not true and any "school administrator" who said that to you is an unprofessional twit. As a teacher in Aus, I have never understood why we don't have a national curriculum, but it's in the works and will be here soon. The fact each state has it's own curric is my only criticism of education in this country because we have huge numbers of transient families and it's hard switching from one system to another. To suggest one state is in any way worse in general than the others is ridiculous. I'd be nervous of the schools you spoke to, but not the system as a whole in Qld. Anyway...the OP won't have school age kids here so it's not really relevant. :) You're right about Buderim...it's a pretty place and is quite central on the coast. I'm 15 mins north, just outside of Noosa and feel pretty blessed to live here. There's no way I'd commute from anywhere up here to the Brisbane CBD though! ;)
Embo
304
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 24 January 2012 - 12:08
I'm a Brisbane girl born and bred! Great place to live! I grew up in Coorparoo (Southside) but my husband grew up in the inner West (Ashgrove) so we had to compromise a bit and ended up in Red Hill. I love Red Hill as its so close to the city and has a bit more of a cosmopolitan feel about it being next door to Paddington. I would suggest inner city living if you have no children and then it is an easy commute to either Sunshine Coast or Gold Coast on weekends with all the beautiful hinterlands to explore. My sister just relocated to Southport and lives in a beautiful apartment overlooking the marina - we stayed a couple nights Christmas and it was just heaven waking up to that beautiful view. Could be an option if you really want beach living as its not too far from Brisbane (took us about 35 minutes, but wasn't peak time). Good luck! realestate.com.au is a good website for househunting and it also has a bit of info about the suburbs.
michymat
22
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 24 January 2012 - 11:02
Hi rsfactor, Good luck with your Queensland adventure! I just thought I'd add a few things to consider. I lived in Dubai in '08, moved to Brisbane for my husband's job in'09. We returned to Dubai in2010 (never thought that would happen!). I must admit I'm not that fond of Brisbane as a city. I explored all the top suburbs initially and as an exoat found that the city just didn't have the charm and lifestyle I was after. I've lived in Perth for many years and also Melbourne, so in comparison I was disappointed with Brisbane. We found a beautiful home to rent in Buderim (1hour north of Brisbane) that overlooked the rainforest with views to the ocean, and lovely views north towards Noosa. What i do like about Buderim is that it is central to a lot of great family activities. Gorgeous Noosa is only 20 minutes away. We spent most Saturday mornings at famous Noosa beach. It is such a relaxing town with lots of little boutiques to explore, and lovely cafes. We were close to Mooloolaba beach, strawberry fields, rainforest trails, a quaint little town called Montville, and close to Australia Zoo. My husband's commute from Buderim to Brisbane CBD is the same commute time from Dubai to Abu Dhabi CBD ( where my husband now works). Also note that the Queensland education system is not on par with other Australian states. Even the Queensland school adminstrators admitted this to me. I ended up pulling my kids out of school even after they were advanced a grade, and homeschooled them myself until we returned to Dubai. They are now thriving at Gems World Academy. If you do consider Buderim, there are several private schools that have a good reputation within the state. My daughter went to one of these schools. I also found there was a higher rate of social problems among young people than other places I've lived. I don't want to offend any Queenslanders. There s much that I love and miss about Queensland. However, I think it's important for expats to hear all perspectives whether it be good or bad, so as to help OP make a decision on what is right for her and her family.
rs factor
102
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 24 January 2012 - 09:54
I tell you - you have all cheered me up so much. I was absolutely devastated last week when I found out we had to leave Dubai, now I am really looking forward to a new challenge and new surroundings. The info has given me loads to think about and research. I'm not going till the end of this school year when my son finishes his A levels, the other one is already at University. So much to do as the husband has already jetted off - dog to sort out and then try and find a new family for my maid. Will keep you updated!
basil
845
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 24 January 2012 - 08:03
That is a good one! Well Western suburb people will NEVER classify themselves as either north or south...just West
basil
845
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 24 January 2012 - 07:55
Remember postcode 4069 is the most sought after place to live! Suppose I'm bit snobbish ...ha ha
Green-ish
2340
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 24 January 2012 - 07:38
Please do keep in touch rs factor. Since I'm no longer in Dubai, I'm hoping the mods won't mind if I share my email address with you... mirdif dot mum at gmail dot com (clearly I still have a strong Dubai attachment. :D)
Green-ish
2340
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 24 January 2012 - 07:37
Great South Easter here, and I South is by far better. ... And so it begins. ;) I've lived both sides of the river and will argue until I'm blue in the face that the north-side leaves the south for dead. lol
basil
845
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 24 January 2012 - 07:27
Ok...where do I begin? Brisbane is on a river and takes about 1hr drive either way to get to the beaches...that is off peak of course! So many people commute now but it can take up to 2hrs of heavy driving especially at nights,when you are tired, to get home. The Gold Coast has the snail train ( soooo slow ) and packed. Takes a good 90mins from end of line ( Varsity Lakes ) to CBD. I have always been a Central ( Herston and Kelvin Grove area ) or Western suburbs ( Indooroopilly ,Kenmore ,Toowong) girl. Queensland Uni is in St Lucia which is beautiful area also . So look at domain.com.au have a look at Houses in different areas1st to see some prices and look of houses. If you are young, no children look at New Farm area also as close to river for walks and very trendy
twin_butterfly
574
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 24 January 2012 - 01:02
So jealous! Brisbane is gorgeous! Make the most of it!
rs factor
102
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 23 January 2012 - 21:39
What length of time would you consider a fair commute? Will you buy or rent here? I LOVE the Redcliffe peninsula...it can take over 40+ mins to drive into the CBD though or you could drive ten mins to the train then relax on the train trip. Redcliffe is a bayside suburb so no surf beaches but it's gorgeous, relaxed and quiet. Just about any type of accommodation you'd like...posh new apartments, classic old Queenslander houses or modern brick homes. I'd highly recommend a place with AC! After five years in Dubai AC, I'm not coping with the heat and humidity here. lol You could always live much nearer to the city in a lovely suburb like Wilson, Newmarket, Paddington, Kelvin Grove (or many others), have a quick 10-20 min commute to and from work then be an easy drive to the bay or coast on weekends. My favourite website for all things about Brisbane has recently closed down. :( Here are a few I've just found. Hope some are helpful. http://www.cityhobo.com/ http://www.new2brisbane.com.au/ http://britishexpats.com/ - a few bits on Brisbane if you hunt around One thing you'll find about Brisbane is that we're very 'divided'. :D I'm a 'Northside girl' so just about everything I'll recommend will be north of the river and CBD. A southsider would send you over there...to the dark side. ;) Oh ladies thanks for the advice - I'm going to make a hot chocolate and take the laptop to bed to do a bit of research. At the moment I commute from Dubai to Abu Dhabi so I suspect commuting will seem like a walk in the park ! Would love to keep in touch Green-ish ?
STILLadviceseek...
425
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 23 January 2012 - 21:14
Redcliffe is lovely! its near Northlakes, so if you're looking to live closer to the city, and newer houses, and a big mall AND be near Redcliffe check out Northlakes :):) So true about the North and South of Brisbane Greenish, I've have completely opposite (literally) suggestions from northerners and southerners of brizzie!!
Green-ish
2340
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 23 January 2012 - 21:08
What length of time would you consider a fair commute? Will you buy or rent here? I LOVE the Redcliffe peninsula...it can take over 40+ mins to drive into the CBD though or you could drive ten mins to the train then relax on the train trip. Redcliffe is a bayside suburb so no surf beaches but it's gorgeous, relaxed and quiet. Just about any type of accommodation you'd like...posh new apartments, classic old Queenslander houses or modern brick homes. I'd highly recommend a place with AC! After five years in Dubai AC, I'm not coping with the heat and humidity here. lol You could always live much nearer to the city in a lovely suburb like Wilson, Newmarket, Paddington, Kelvin Grove (or many others), have a quick 10-20 min commute to and from work then be an easy drive to the bay or coast on weekends. My favourite website for all things about Brisbane has recently closed down. :( Here are a few I've just found. Hope some are helpful. http://www.cityhobo.com/ http://www.new2brisbane.com.au/ http://britishexpats.com/ - a few bits on Brisbane if you hunt around One thing you'll find about Brisbane is that we're very 'divided'. :D I'm a 'Northside girl' so just about everything I'll recommend will be north of the river and CBD. A southsider would send you over there...to the dark side. ;)
rs factor
102
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 23 January 2012 - 20:58
Possible relocation to Brisbane coming up (still in shock!) Opinions would be much appreciated on where to live? Only the two of us to think about and both be working in CBD and don't mind a bit of a commute. TIA I'm not from brisbane, but have visited a few times, if you're looking at an area a little further out well priced, but still accessible to the city, maybe look at North Lakes. It is quite a nice area and if you have kids, there's a pretty good school t If you're looking at staying near the city and don't mind the prices being higher, have a look at Kangaroo Hill, New Farm, Spring Hill, Kelvin Grove A bit further out but with lots of new houses is Springfield Lakes... btw lucky to be going to brisbane, love it there! edited by STILLadviceseeker on 23/01/2012 Thanks - I've not heard anyone so far who doesn't like it - just so disappointed to be leaving here but hey a new adventure ahead
rs factor
102
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 23 January 2012 - 20:54
I'm a Brisbane girl. :) What sort of lifestyle are you looking forward to here? Inner city? Suburban? Cafe culture? Leafy green? Beaches? Boating? Walking? Cycling? No Kids but they will visit during the holidays (both at University) looking for suburban living near the beach possibly - during the week its mainly work and coming home to chill but weekends would be relaxing - I'm not that sporty but love a nice walk. Sorry to sound so vague but i'm starting from knowing absolutely nothing about Australia - originally from the UK.
STILLadviceseek...
425
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 23 January 2012 - 20:48
Possible relocation to Brisbane coming up (still in shock!) Opinions would be much appreciated on where to live? Only the two of us to think about and both be working in CBD and don't mind a bit of a commute. TIA I'm not from brisbane, but have visited a few times, if you're looking at an area a little further out well priced, but still accessible to the city, maybe look at North Lakes. It is quite a nice area and if you have kids, there's a pretty good school there. If you're looking at staying near the city and don't mind the prices being higher, have a look at Kangaroo Hill, New Farm, Spring Hill, Kelvin Grove A bit further out but with lots of new houses is Springfield Lakes... btw lucky to be going to brisbane, love it there! <em>edited by STILLadviceseeker on 23/01/2012</em>
Green-ish
2340
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 23 January 2012 - 20:46
I'm a Brisbane girl. :) What sort of lifestyle are you looking forward to here? Inner city? Suburban? Cafe culture? Leafy green? Beaches? Boating? Walking? Cycling?
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