Yes, great question. Also, what was it that gave that area such a glamorous label?

Thanks for all your comments about booking somewhere without seeing it first. I appreciate that it is an enormous risk but weighing it up I feel it's a risk we have to take. We are coming over with a small amount of money and don't feel that this would be put to best use by spending a week in a motel. This was in fact my original intention...a holiday place for a week or two and search for somewhere more long term. I have spent many long evenings looking for somewhere short term to use as a base, I have looked at every link people have posted up on BE and just can't find anything that's less than a month's rent in a house for just a week in a short term place. If I could find somewhere for a months rent for a month in a holiday let (bigger than a one room chalet) I would jump at the chance. Don't suppose anyone knows of anywhere like this?!?

As for moving to a bad area, you haven't seen the house we're in now!
We live in a terrace on a council estate in Manchester. There is no playground or pool or beach 20 minutes away...the house is a total wreck and some of the neighbours are, let's just say, not people we would have chosen to live near!! But hey, it's taken us a while to drag ourselves up out of the shit to where we are now.
I understand that it would be hard going over and finding out it's a bit of a dump but we've lived here for 7 years now and it's a total dump and I've wanted out of here every day. We're not going over thinking we're gonna live the dream. I suppose our attitude is, as long as we have somewhere to go home to and enough to eat, only hard work will bring all the extras (no different from over here) As soon as the OH gets a job, the pressure is off somewhat and we would be in a position to be choosy, something I don't think we can be on a single (nurses) wage.

Again, thanks for your comments, it's good to get both sides.


Sarah.

Its not an area as such, it is a large complex of units ( over 500) in a suburb of the Gold Coast, if anyone really wants to know where it is , send me a pm, as I dont want to name it on a public forum. There used to be a gate at the front but that hasnt been there for a while. I dont know why the residents and locals named it " The Ghetto" . There are some lovely people living there though and they are trying to clean it up, the complex has also been given a new name , and I believe it is a lot better than it used to be.

Some of the units are for sale, and have been for a few years, but it is mostly rentals. The pool and bbq area are lovely , and would look great on a brochure or on the net but it is a constant job for the unit managers to keep it clean, there is often broken glass around the pool area, and empty beer bottles in the water.

If you decide on accomodation, I am more than happy to enquire about it for you before you commit, I have a lot of mates in different areas on the coast

Would be nice to know. Where?

I've pm'd you with the info Jockstar

Sarah you can live the DREAM, don't worry about that. Good luck to you.

I'll second that .............

Im off to the gold coast on the 16th july
Lee

You will love it Lee.
I dont think I have read anything bad on this forum about the Gold Coast from people who have moved here?

Well, we're off to the beach in about half an hour
You'll love it here!
Sam n Est

I'm off there on holiday for 6 weeks on 1st sept if that counts

ooo lucky u - wish we could have afforded 6 weeks. make sure u ask loads of questions about places to see and things to do from all the lucky people who are there

I agree with this cant believe how much prices have gone up since our reccie last August!!!!!!!!!

Been here on the GC now for 3 weeks, taking one day at a time...........C x

I know we really need the rain- but can it stop please for a hour or two?
Just so I can go for a walk with my dogs! I can't take them out in the rain as it will kill the old one off!

hi totally agree, GC is fantastic and anyone thinking of coming here just go for it.

BUT IT HAS RAINED FOR 3 DAYS should be used to it but feel like a prisoner because its been so nice. Wont be long till you got to take the dog out.

I note that the 612 ABC Radio Breakfast Show had a guy on talking about the effect overcast and damp weather has on the brain (SAD, etc).

JESUS CHRIST PEOPLE IT'S ONLY BEEN 2 DAYS! And it'll be sunny again on the weekend.

Let it rain, let it rain, let it rain.