gorgeousgal

Can someone in the know fill me in on what it's like to live in Dee Why? Hopefully moving over to Oz later this year with two young kids. I'm very (understatement) undecided where to live. Deciding on a state would be a start!! A good friend of mine is moving to Dee Why next month, so, I'm now considering it. I did go there many years ago ..........for an afternoon at the beach - so that doesn't really count! What are schools like? What hospitals are in the locality?
Many thanks for helping a very confused old goat

DrWho

Going there in about 10 minutes...! Personally wouldn't be my choice of where to live... Along the beach front is quite nice but the rest is very much unit city. Further up to Collaroy/Narrabeen, etc is nicer or further down towards Manly... DY always seems to me to be the poor man's Northern Beaches...

gorgeousgal

That's really interesting. Where within a twenty minute drive from DY would you recommend?

DrWho

That gets you South to Manly which is very nice and has a price tag to match... Going further North you'll get as far as Mona Vale, where I live, which is quite nice... It really all depends on where you need to get to for work and how much you want to pay... Yesterday we looked at a property being renovated overlooking Bungan Beach... fantastic views, close to work, etc etc but it's a grand a week... (No I can't afford it but it's owned by my landlord who's offering it to us...)

Jimclevs

Hi

I would second that. At first look, Dee Why appears "the place to be" if you are under a certain age but deep down it is quite tacky and has 6 lanes of Pittwater Road running through it. The sea front "strip" is really quite small and consists of estate agents and a few cafes/restaurants - some of which are not cheap and also none too special. The seafront itself has recently been refurbished - new walkways etc.

It would appear that this general rundown feel has been acknowledged as there are plans well underway for a whole new centre to be developed in the shorter rather than longer term. It does have an excellent RSL, however, which has also been extended and refurbished lately including a bowling alley !

Most of the houses appear to be away from Dee Why - as opposed to the units - and as the OP has children to consider perhaps that is the way to go. Whatever, for anything decent be prepared to pay top dollar

The nearest general hospital is at Mona Vale - some k's north along the Pittwater Road but once the new hospital at Frenchs Forest is built there is a possibility of the Mona Vale one being turned into a specialist unit only - or even demolished

I believe there is a small hospital also in Manly. The nearest large public one is Royal North Shore which always appears to be in the news and not always for good reasons .

Schools - not up with that one - we no longer have that problem !

Regards

Jim

gillysm

I love Dee Why, but I probably wouldn't live there for the reasons mentioned by OP's. Bit tatty (at the moment) mainly units beach side of Pittwater Rd and is very noisy at night that side.

Depending on where you need to get to for work why not try slightly further inland like the forest area (French's Forest, Forestville) there are several really good schools around that area and you can avoid Pittwater Rd in the rush hour which gets really ugly. Closest hospital to that area is Royal North Shore.

You would then be about 15/20 mins to Dee Why.

HeatherandTim

Hi there
I live in this area and think its a great area to live in.There are lots of families in the area and you are close to the beach and many sporting facilities. The nearest public hospitals are Mona Vale or Manly. A new hospital is about to be built in Frenchs Forest. There are lots of schools to choose from. Yes there are lots of apartment blocks in Dee why but you dont have to live in that area of Dee Why. There are some lovely areas in Dee Why as well as plenty of choice of in the surrounding suburbs. Most of us Northern Beaches expats started in one suburb, get to know the area then buy or rent where you want. You wont regret coming to the Northern Beaches... Its one of the best places in Sydney IMO.

gorgeousgal

Thanks for all your replies. I wish I could decide where to live

Aquamarine

Hiya!! Did you spot me on the other thread with Fizzy Moon?? We seem to be in a similar boat re. kids etc and I've been doing some digging on schools in the Dee Why area and slightly further afield. I used a book I got out in OZ, perhaps you could get your friend to send you one? I bought it in a newsagents, it's called something like "The (Good) Schools Guide" and apparently it comes out once a year (can't put my finger on it just now - typical!). I like this area too, maybe a bit further down towards Manly?? How old are your kids?

gorgeousgal

Hi there! The kiddies are 4 & 5, what about yours?

Aquamarine

14!!!!! Got to get him out now before he changes his zombie teenage mind!!!
I am trying to remember if the book is for primary and secondary or just secondary He's great with little kids though if we all ever get there!! Got visa yet??

gorgeousgal

Skills have been assessed and application was sent last week Do you have yours?

Aquamarine

No alas!! I'm on the August timeline (applied in August) - do you know about the timelines?

Aquamarine

Well done getting the application in by the way!!! It's a lot of hard work!!!

gillysm

Well if it helps, I used to live in "the forest" area and would move back tomorrow if we could afford to. (We're now in Brissy). I loved it there - it was close enough to city, surf and bush and yet a nice peaceful family area with excellene amenties, schools etc. My kids were 2 & 3 when we moved over.
Good luck with your decision. As OP said, if you move to the northern beaches I'm sure you wont be dissappointed.