Parker

Hi there
We are off to Sydney in September and are currently researching where to live. We were initially thinking of Mosman/Cremorne/Neutral Bay areas but feel they may be a bit pricey (and we'd prefer a house) so we're know looking at Lane Cove. Especially important is childcare for our daughter who will be 15 months old by then
Any comments on what its like/suitability for a young family would be much appreciated

Many thanks

NickyC

Lane Cove is a good suburb, not too busy but in a convenient spot and ideal for families.

Do a search for a poster called 'mummy' - she moved to Lane Cove with a small baby last year.

Teresa

We stayed there two years ago with friends and seemed like a lovely suburb, had meal and watched band in shopping precinct in evening, plenty of families around and children dancing, our friends have moved on due to work but still rates the suburb.

Parker

Thanks for the info most people seem to think its a nice place for young families

rapitts

Melrose Park, Rhodes are near to Lane Cove, I actually live in the area and is pretty quite, nice parks, etc.

Merlot

Has lovely National Park around it, close to all amenities & city. I used to live North Ryde/Macquarie Park and loved it around there.

Good luck
M

Parker

Sounds like it would be ideal. Now i just have to find childcare - i hear the waiting lists are horrendous so will be phoning them all next week. Late nights for me then

kevmitch

We have Aussie mates who are moving there - and they're about to have a family. They picked it because it is family friendly, good value for money - and from a location point of view, good for the City/North Sydney. The only downside is the lack of a railway station. If you're looking to rent or buy, there is plenty of choice.

Parker

I don't suppose anyone has knowledge of childcare there. Am looking into it now but there are a lot so will have to call them. Time difference a pain though

bondipom

The important thing to note in Lane Cove is the location of the tunnel stacks for the new road tunnel going through. This will affect house prices so best forwarned even if the pollution affects are unknown.

Merlot

WOW, BP has this been agreed and started?????

All I can remember for the 7 years in NSW is those posters asking for a tunnel to run through!

M

queenie

Hi Parker, we meet again.

Lane Cove is very nice. It has a lovley villagey centre. Half of it is pedestrianised with lovely trees and picnic tables. There is a band stand too that often has things on in it. Another good thing is that the McDonalds has closed down, and they are currently building another big supermarket too.

There is an olympic pool with gym that is very good and has kids' lessons - I think they teach 4 stroke there though. There is also a good hot yoga centre and the Yum Cha restaurant has an excellent reputation.

There is no train line but everyone gets the express bus into town and as you have direct access to the freeway the trip is usually 15 minutes. From what I remember there are lots of stops in the City too so you end up pretty close to where you need to go.

The houses in Lane Cove tend to be "Californian Bungalows". Most are built in the 1930s and are small by Aussie standards, 3 bedrooms, 1 bathroom and maybe on 800m2 (at a guess) so limited room to extend. Some of the ones that have been done up are lovely though.

As to childcare, you will probably find waiting lists at all the centres. You have to pay $10 or $20 to put your child's name down on the list, which is a bummer if you are overseas and have no $A cheque book. When we moved to Sydney last year I did find one centre that had vacancies and sent my son there - I soon found out why they had vacancies too.

Queenie

bondipom

Yep it has started. They are also building the Chatswood to Epping railway line. The toll will probably be horrendous and all it will do is pile up a bigger jam onto the harbour bridge and tunnel.

Parker

Hi Queenie

Have you decided about HK?

Thanks for this information, its very helpful.

It sounds as if you've had the same experience as us with child care waiting lists. Are there any particular child care centres that you think are worth looking at? And any to avoid?

Many thanks
Parker

Merlot

Blimey, I reckon Sydney will collapse one day with all these tunnels and under passes.

I used to live at Macquarie Park/North Ryde and all the locals were dreading a railway station as they believed it would contribute to more "waifs and strays" from the undesirable areas desending and robbing our houses during office house.

I do hope it eases congestion in the N Ryde area as it was murder at peak hour.

M