Quiet neighborhoods in Brisbane?

[Sarah79]

Hello!

My husband and I are strongly considering a move to Brisbane this fall, so he can attend medical school at the University of Queensland starting in Jan/09. I'm wondering if anyone has any advice about which suburbs in Brisbane aren't too far from the CBD or the St Lucia campus at UQ, and are quiet, leafy, and family oriented. I've looked at the ourbrisbane dot com descriptions of the suburbs, but it's hard to get a real feeling from their descriptions - I'd love to have some first-hand opinions!


Thanks in advance

[comet555]

Hi,

You might find that your choice of suburbs is dictated by the amount of money you want to spend and if you need to be near public transportation (train line, buses, etc).

Unfortunatley you're not likely to get the kind of info you're looking for on this website. There just aren't that many Canadians going to Oz and Brisbane specifically (using this website anyway!). I'm in Brisbane but on the south east side in the Bayside suburbs so I can't comment on the western suburbs. From what you said it'd probably be best to stick to the north west side of the city. There are lots of nice suburbs up there. Maybe up by The Gap.

I would suggest checking out the realestate website:
http://www.realestate.com.au
There are tabs at the top for buying or renting.

You can also use this map website to check the location of all the suburbs, it shows the train lines as well.
http://www.whereis.com.au

For more detailed information I'd try this site:
http://britishexpats.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=54
It's designed for people from the UK because apparently they like to leave their home country in droves! But there are people from all over on there, and even a few Canadians. If you ask a question there you'll probably get lots of good advice.

Good luck,

Haley

[misterbig]

Another option is to find a short term lease (3-6 months) on gumtree.com.au and try out a suburb. Gumtree is more likely to have people leasing independent of agents, which usually lock you into a 1yr lease.

[Sarah79]

Thanks for the advice! I will check out all the sites you guys recommended. Really appreciate it.

Cheers,
Sarah

[britzinoz]

How far is too far ?
If you were East of the River I would consider the Bayside area, but I know someone who travelled from here to Toowong, and they got fed up with the travel. My wife drives to Stones Corner everyday though, about 45 minutes, each way.

[comet555]

I agree the Bayside area is great (although I'm a bit biased because we live there). If it's not too far of a commute it would fit your description and you'd get a lot more for your money.

[cncinoz]

I agree, The Gap is a quiet, beautiful leafy suburb with great access to UQ. It would be a great option. If you are looking to rent a furnished, newly renovated home, available in October... I can point you in the right direction.