Head Full of Suburbs!!

[Blond1e]

Hi we just arrived in Secret Harbour 5 days ago, heres my opinion.....

I am a worrier by nature and was convinced the schools would be terrible and my two precious kids would be let down. Can't vouch for the long term education but the kids started school today and the teachers were AMAZINGLY accommodating to our whole family (even offered to help me meet other mums and make friends). some of the mums saw I was new and had a little chat with me and were super lovely. lady at the uniform shop spoke for ages and even convinced me to help out. the headmaster took an hour of his time to show us the whole school even though we had just dropped in unannounced. he was honest about everything none of which was bad anyway. Said the school was very big but I don't see how that impacts my kids as the class sizes are 24 kids in a class and the only time they notice its a big school is at lunch time when they play. I have been blown away by everybodies kindness here. Secret harbour has alot of very same looking houses but they are all very pleasant. Shops are ok - no clothing type shops so you have to drive to Mandurah or meadow Springs but its a nice little drive. Beach is lovely and parks are GREAT here in Secret. my sister lived in perth for 3 years and has now moved to a remote area temporarily for work - she came down to perth to see me when we arrived and liked secret so much within a day she'd bought a gorgeous house in Secret Harbour. if you want busy and vibrant don't choose secret harbour if you want family fun and peaceful happy times then this is the place.

[ali]

Lovely post - thanks

[Weedolly]

Im glad you like it so much but it just shows how differently people think of places - I absolutely hated it. We went to visit twice and to me it was just like someone had taken a huge housing estate and plonked it in a spare space that they found. There were loads of lovely houses and am sure everyone is very friendly but it just felt isolated - maybe its because I lived on a big new estate before and didnt like that either haha. It just confirms that you need to see somewhere before you decide thats where you want to live. Hope you enjoy living there.

[ali]

I think that's true Weedolly - we had a house built in the UK and always said had we know the estate would have grown so big - we may not have done so. Here, we've moved into an older suburb, feels more spread out which suits us (but not for others)

[sophiesindall]

Hi Craigandkerry, I've just looked at the link and what a fantastic site. Certainly a very helpfull starting point. Thanks heaps

[Heart Eastcoast]

Hi Nicky,

How daunting for you! I would suggest to you to make some "deal breakers" to help reduce the number of suburbs i.e. close to beach vs. extra travel time for work. Keep a note pad and drive through the suburbs and write down your first impression - it's probably right. And if the rent is too cheap, there's a very good reason for it...


I live in Jindalee which is 40km north of Perth. Yes, it's a long way to drive to city, but on the other hand, you can walk to your own beach. Also, Jindalee has no "Homes West" which means no housing commission/public housing (yes, I'm making a big generalisation here) but the crime statistics available in the newspaper and also on the link below, back it up. The train station is at Clarkson (not that far) and there are minor shopping centres nearby but also a major one, (Joondalup) not too far away.

http://www.police.wa.gov.au/ABOUTUS/...9/Default.aspx

Additionally, (in another sweeping statement) I would not go public schools (due to socio-economic problems - check out http://www.det.wa.edu.au/schoolsonline/home.do and observe how many have implented "Behaviour Management and Discipline"/Bully strategies etc..) Investigate private schooling and pay the extra, but put your name down on the waiting list now as they are quite long.

And yes, I have a hidden agenda. If you need a rental soon, we are in a "break lease" situation, so I've attached the details. But seriously, I hope it goes well for you. Discreetly ask people what they think of the suburbs of schools - the locals will tell you.

Good luck,

http://www.professionalsbutler.ca.co...tyid=RR1605076