77hil

Just got a job at the hospital in Westmead so am trying to decide where might be good for Westmead but also relatively accessable for the beaches and Sydney. I realise that Westmead is totally the wrong side of Sydney for the beach so would settle for somewhere in between.

Another consideration is perhaps a place that is on the Western Train Line but that could be a bit of a jaunt. It could be that driving from Sydney to Westmead be easier. Presumably I will be driving against the traffic as for my job I will be leaving Sydney.

Any ideas greatly appreciated!

E.G. What's Chatswood like?

Oakwood 2

Whats wrong with Westmead just jump on the M2 and you could be in Harbord or curl curl in 45mins , and paying half in rent or mortgage , as for chatswood lots of apartments high asian population so good to eat out,
good luck

plantpot

Chatswood is bigger than just the shops and the high rises, there are also lots of nice surrounding areas.....a friend works at Westmead and travels very easily to Westmead 4 days a week no probs.....

I like it very much here

77hil

I suppose our budget will dictate a bit. I did think about living in either Westmead or Parramatta but obviously halfway between Westmead and a beach would be nicer.

So from the sounds of it the traffic isn't too bad to Westmead? And is Westmead itself quite ok then?

Edit: Wife just said she'd rather pay less and be near Westmead. Doesn't mind the drive to the beach. So around Westmead or Parramatta it might be!

JAJ

Not close to beaches, but Hills District has a lot to offer families.

Gibbo

The Hills District is great. Plenty of everything, close to Westmead and only 45mins. from the beach.

77hil

Hills District. Will look into that!

Edit: Have typed in Hills Distrct into realestate.com.au and nothing is coming up. Should I be typing in something else for that area?

Gibbo

The Hills District covers a number of suburbs. Closest to Westmead would be Northmead, Winston Hills, Baulkham Hills. Easy drive off the main roads or leave the car at Seven Hills station and get the train. There are numerous other suburbs eg Castle Hill, Kellyville, Rouse Hill Bella Vista and more but they would involve travelling, to a greater degree, on very busy main roads, which are more like carparks during peak times. Hope this helps.

denismca

I worked in Westmead Hospital for a year in 86/87. They had an accomodation block about a kilometer away that was fairly respectable. It had a swimming pool, tennis courts and small shop and was well managed. The rent was pretty reasonable too. I don't know if they still run that or not but it would be ideal as interim accomodation whilst you got yourself set up. Might be worth checking out.

77hil

Great idea. I'll definitely look into that!

77hil

Is Parramatta still regarded as a bit of dump with quite a bit of crime? I've read that there's been a lot of investment round there.

Northmead and North Parramatta seem ok and reasonable rent. Cheers Gibbo!

Gibbo

Parramatta is not a place I would live - good shopping and restaurants tho'. However, you have the choice of going to Winston Hills, Baulkham Hills, Castle Hill and Rouse Hill for good shopping and eating out. Rarely go into Parra these days. Would rather live in Northmead than Nth Parra.

77hil

Cheers Gibbo. Just good to get to know some of these names. Hills district looking very likely but would defo need a car.

Gibbo

Yes you would. Sad to say that although this is a fantastic place to live the public transport is shocking. Thanks to successive Labor governments promising much but delivering nothing. Hopefully we'll be rid of them next year!