Originally Posted by quoll (Post 6629803)

Being a north of the lake kind of gal, cant say that I really like Tuggeranong that much. Worked there for several years though. The cheaper areas like Richardson, Chisholm, Gilmore, Banks, Conder are probably areas that you dont want to live in really. All the schools in the south are open space which isnt ideal for many kids - too many kids, not enough space - and many Tugg parents send their kids over the hill to Torrens, Farrer, Garran in preference and even more send their kids over for HS to Melrose, Alfred Deakin or even Telopea if they can get in.

$60kpa is going to be a stretch in Canberra IMHO - it is generally quite a high income kind of place and that is reflected in the rents you are probably going to have to fork out. Ball park for something nice is going to be around the $450 a week mark - the further out you go the lower the rents are likely to be but the more you will have to spend on transport (petrol, parking in the city centres etc or bus fares) so it is a bit of swings and roundabouts really. It is possible to make economies - buy at the Saturday Farmers Market or the weekend fruit markets, double dip on petrol (get your 5c/litre voucher from Coles/Woolies then take the petrol receipt to IGA for your next week's shopping for another 5c a litre off.) There is a thriving freecycle group which can help you equip your place and there are always sales on. The schools do pressure you hard for the voluntary contribution thing but if you are strapped for cash go and talk to the principal because there is usually a quiet little slush fund to help out for some school essential costs like excursions etc. If you live close enough to a town centre you can bike on the bike paths to bring down your transport costs (DH does that but he is a gym junkie anyway).

Looks like we will be having a big coffee morning not too far away!

Originally Posted by quoll (Post 6629803)

$60kpa is going to be a stretch in Canberra IMHO - it is generally quite a high income kind of place and that is reflected in the rents you are probably going to have to fork out. Ball park for something nice is going to be around the $450 a week mark - the further out you go the lower the rents are likely to be but the more you will have to spend on transport (petrol, parking in the city centres etc or bus fares) so it is a bit of swings and roundabouts really.

Originally Posted by Claire W (Post 6631025)

Hey Quoll,
would look forward to a lovely black coffee....don't forget the cake ! You have been a great help many a time !
Maybe we would bebetter looking around Kambah areas then ? Or if working in Tuggeranong travel from further North ? ....I guess we would haveto check these out once arrived !

Are you saying that schools in the North are smaller classes ?

Cheers Gill
Claire

Originally Posted by Faircity (Post 6625199)

Quoll/Beaumonts/Copa

OH has just been offered a post in Canberra:thumbsup: The only thing sticking point is the salary and would value your honest opinion! He is being offered just over 60K - is this enough to live on (there is me, OH and 12 year old)???:confused: We are trying to do the sums but not knowing the cost of shopping/bills etc it is difficult to add it all up. Appreciate an honest opinion and you all seem to know your stuff! :thumbsup:

Thanks
Lx

Originally Posted by quoll (Post 6631421)

The bus is OK - it is the same price regardless of distance per bus journey. If you change buses then you pay up again unless you have a bus pass.

Originally Posted by Budawang (Post 6631843)

I think things will be tight on 60K, unless you have some other source of revenue. You'll survive but won't have much discretionary income. It's not a city I'd really want to be poor in. I could imagine being poor in somewhere warm and tropical. Living in Canberra you'll want to be able to afford to have the odd weekend in Sydney or down at the coast or perhaps a day trip to the snow.
We're a family of three living in a 4 bedroom house and here is a rough guide to monthly costs:

Utlities (gas hot water and central heating) $250
Rates $160
Food (we eat well) $1,200
Medical insurance (not necessary IMO) $150
Other Insurance (home, contents, car) $100
Telephone/cable TV/internet $150
Mobile phone $30
Car (servicing, petrol, parking) $400

These are the basics. We have a lot of other things we spend money on which aren't, strictly speaking, necessary.

Originally Posted by copa (Post 6633743)

wrong... you ask for a 90 minute transfer ticket. It's the same price as a regular single but allows you to change buses along the journey at no extra cost.

Originally Posted by Wol (Post 6635078)

(Offthread a bit) We're staying in Canberra for a few days of Floriade (always stay at the Brassey): any advice on what we mustn't miss?

Originally Posted by copa (Post 6637915)

do not miss the War Memorial. It's both very moving and amazing. Take one of the free guided tours.

Originally Posted by Wol (Post 6635078)

(Offthread a bit) We're staying in Canberra for a few days of Floriade (always stay at the Brassey): any advice on what we mustn't miss?