Somewhere with a village-like 'feel' in Australia?
Aug 14th 2011, 9:31 pm
#91
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Re: Somewhere with a village-like 'feel' in Australia?
Not a world for me, and I'm guessing a lot of people on here feel the same. It probably does work for some people but I couldn't cope with the small town, everyone in everyone's pockets atmosphere - and thats before you get to the things like mail delays, lack of variety with shops etc.
Aug 14th 2011, 10:25 pm
#92
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Re: Somewhere with a village-like 'feel' in Australia?
My ex wanted us to move to his home town once, country Queensland, I could never have coped, I freely admit that - too isolated, I'd go stir-crazy in a week. Plus the fact that everyone knew everyone else's business, twitching curtains, gossiping neighbours, being (probably) the only pom in the place I was a real curiosity every time I opened my mouth. My MiL would discuss every small detail of my life - including the balance of my bank account, which she got just by asking her friend who worked for them. If you say you want to keep stuff to yourself you considered unfriendly or stuck-up.
Not a world for me, and I'm guessing a lot of people on here feel the same. It probably does work for some people but I couldn't cope with the small town, everyone in everyone's pockets atmosphere - and thats before you get to the things like mail delays, lack of variety with shops etc.
Not a world for me, and I'm guessing a lot of people on here feel the same. It probably does work for some people but I couldn't cope with the small town, everyone in everyone's pockets atmosphere - and thats before you get to the things like mail delays, lack of variety with shops etc.
Aug 14th 2011, 11:33 pm
#94
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Re: Somewhere with a village-like 'feel' in Australia?
My ex wanted us to move to his home town once, country Queensland, I could never have coped, I freely admit that - too isolated, I'd go stir-crazy in a week. Plus the fact that everyone knew everyone else's business, twitching curtains, gossiping neighbours, being (probably) the only pom in the place I was a real curiosity every time I opened my mouth. My MiL would discuss every small detail of my life - including the balance of my bank account, which she got just by asking her friend who worked for them. If you say you want to keep stuff to yourself you considered unfriendly or stuck-up.
Not a world for me, and I'm guessing a lot of people on here feel the same. It probably does work for some people but I couldn't cope with the small town, everyone in everyone's pockets atmosphere - and thats before you get to the things like mail delays, lack of variety with shops etc.
Not a world for me, and I'm guessing a lot of people on here feel the same. It probably does work for some people but I couldn't cope with the small town, everyone in everyone's pockets atmosphere - and thats before you get to the things like mail delays, lack of variety with shops etc.
It does come down to personal preference though. Luckily my wife even though she was brought up in Australian Country towns, couldn't live in them either.
Got to admit I've got my retirement eye on Echuca though... mostly because of cheap housing and cheap regular and quite fast Train links to Melbourne. I do Like the Murray. It doesnt feel that far from Melbourne.
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Aug 15th 2011, 2:03 am
#95
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Re: Somewhere with a village-like 'feel' in Australia?
My ex wanted us to move to his home town once, country Queensland, I could never have coped, I freely admit that - too isolated, I'd go stir-crazy in a week. Plus the fact that everyone knew everyone else's business, twitching curtains, gossiping neighbours, being (probably) the only pom in the place I was a real curiosity every time I opened my mouth.
My MiL would discuss every small detail of my life - including the balance of my bank account, which she got just by asking her friend who worked for them.
It's criminal.
Why I like our village - less than an hour to town and you can be anonymous.
Aug 15th 2011, 5:46 am
#96
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Location: Adelaide, South Australia
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Re: Somewhere with a village-like 'feel' in Australia?
A big thank you to everyone that has replied! It has given us a lot to think about
The village-like feel, I suppose, is more to do with the layout, style of buildings and, of course, the sense of community. The size of the 'village' is not really a concern, a small town would be suitable. We don't expect to find a UK style village, but would like to avoid the uniformity of a modern suburb. It would be nice to have the best of both worlds; a semi-rural area close to shops and other amenities.
Schools will be important to us too as our daughter is 8 and our son is 3. We are sure there will be further compromises as a result of this.
Thanks again to everyone - we look forward to further postings.
The village-like feel, I suppose, is more to do with the layout, style of buildings and, of course, the sense of community. The size of the 'village' is not really a concern, a small town would be suitable. We don't expect to find a UK style village, but would like to avoid the uniformity of a modern suburb. It would be nice to have the best of both worlds; a semi-rural area close to shops and other amenities.
Schools will be important to us too as our daughter is 8 and our son is 3. We are sure there will be further compromises as a result of this.
Thanks again to everyone - we look forward to further postings.
Aug 15th 2011, 7:02 am
#97
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Re: Somewhere with a village-like 'feel' in Australia?
I am a city boy but i feel if ever i got the urge to live in the country i would do so in England, somewhere around Ludlow or Bath would do me.
Aug 15th 2011, 7:36 am
#98
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Re: Somewhere with a village-like 'feel' in Australia?
Aug 15th 2011, 7:51 am
#99
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Re: Somewhere with a village-like 'feel' in Australia?
I'd go for Shrops or Devon. Preferably Shrops.
Aug 15th 2011, 8:47 am
#100
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Re: Somewhere with a village-like 'feel' in Australia?
Got to say that Village life in the UK would be infinitely more preferable than Aussie Country town life IMO.
I'd say UK people dont realise the distances and I think I'll quote someone rather than say anything else.
Daughters friends Aussie Mum.... who has just moved to Melbourne from Ballarat.
"The Trouble with Ballarat is it's 80pct Aussie and anywhere with that kind of demographic is bound to have trouble accepting ethnic differences"
Ballarat is Vics 4th Biggest City.... Imagine what more remote smaller places are like.
That issue combined with the fact that I probably live in the most Ethnic friendly part of Aussie... so these issues stick out like the proverbial Dogs....
I'd say UK people dont realise the distances and I think I'll quote someone rather than say anything else.
Daughters friends Aussie Mum.... who has just moved to Melbourne from Ballarat.
"The Trouble with Ballarat is it's 80pct Aussie and anywhere with that kind of demographic is bound to have trouble accepting ethnic differences"
Ballarat is Vics 4th Biggest City.... Imagine what more remote smaller places are like.
That issue combined with the fact that I probably live in the most Ethnic friendly part of Aussie... so these issues stick out like the proverbial Dogs....
Aug 15th 2011, 9:24 am
#101
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Re: Somewhere with a village-like 'feel' in Australia?
Sounds a bit like something a condescending city dweller would say to be honest.
Aug 15th 2011, 9:51 am
#102
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Re: Somewhere with a village-like 'feel' in Australia?
I have to agree, village life is hugely appealing to us and is what we are striving for but the thought of living in most Aussie country towns would fill me with dread. I'm talking about isolated towns here not what could almost be considered a suburb.
Many years ago I really wanted to move from Geelong to Ballarat, as it turned out it was obvious I just wanted to move from Geelong to anywhere.
Many years ago I really wanted to move from Geelong to Ballarat, as it turned out it was obvious I just wanted to move from Geelong to anywhere.
Got to say that Village life in the UK would be infinitely more preferable than Aussie Country town life IMO.
I'd say UK people dont realise the distances and I think I'll quote someone rather than say anything else.
Daughters friends Aussie Mum.... who has just moved to Melbourne from Ballarat.
"The Trouble with Ballarat is it's 80pct Aussie and anywhere with that kind of demographic is bound to have trouble accepting ethnic differences"
Ballarat is Vics 4th Biggest City.... Imagine what more remote smaller places are like.
That issue combined with the fact that I probably live in the most Ethnic friendly part of Aussie... so these issues stick out like the proverbial Dogs....
I'd say UK people dont realise the distances and I think I'll quote someone rather than say anything else.
Daughters friends Aussie Mum.... who has just moved to Melbourne from Ballarat.
"The Trouble with Ballarat is it's 80pct Aussie and anywhere with that kind of demographic is bound to have trouble accepting ethnic differences"
Ballarat is Vics 4th Biggest City.... Imagine what more remote smaller places are like.
That issue combined with the fact that I probably live in the most Ethnic friendly part of Aussie... so these issues stick out like the proverbial Dogs....
Aug 15th 2011, 10:23 am
#103
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Re: Somewhere with a village-like 'feel' in Australia?
I have to agree, village life is hugely appealing to us and is what we are striving for but the thought of living in most Aussie country towns would fill me with dread. I'm talking about isolated towns here not what could almost be considered a suburb.
Many years ago I really wanted to move from Geelong to Ballarat, as it turned out it was obvious I just wanted to move from Geelong to anywhere.
Many years ago I really wanted to move from Geelong to Ballarat, as it turned out it was obvious I just wanted to move from Geelong to anywhere.
Aug 15th 2011, 10:57 am
#104
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Re: Somewhere with a village-like 'feel' in Australia?
I grew up there from the age of 2 until about 40 with periods in the UK inbetween. We went back a few weeks ago to see family and I can honestly say that I didn't have a single pang of regret about leaving, there was just nothing there other than the aforementioned family that would make me visit again. I'm sure for many it is a lovely place.