sassie

This made me laugh too Moneypenny. Even though I live about 28 k's from my work in Nerang (which is on the Gold Coast who those that didn't know), I get home a hell of a lot quicker than some of my colleagues who live at Southport, Ashmore and Robina. That sort of remoteness I can cope with!

Carbery

Another option is where we live - Carrara. Nerang Railway Station is close but probably not walkable (2 large,free car parks) only 5 minutes to the highway, its a more established area with houses on larger plots and streets that 2 cars can pass by with ease. On a lot of newer estates the houses are so close together youcan hear what the neighbours are watching on TV and smell their dinner cooking
My daughter commutes to UQ and reports that she usually gets a seat going up but stands returning as she gets on/off at Park Rd.
checkout EmeraldLakes lots of rentals / development...

itxrd

Thanks guys for the comments. I think our heart is set on Helensvale as its an established suburb and at the bottom of discovery drive is quite lively - near the primary school, helensvale plaza and the westfield.

Yes I hear you all about the commute. I think we need to try it a couple of times for sure. As goldchoccycoin and coldbeer have said there's a big difference between getting a seat and being crushed standing up. While I said it'll be cool to relax if you're standing up for an hour with no room that'll be pretty shite