Kirsty R

Have been trawling sites looking for info on Central coast NSW as it looks like an hour north of Sydney maybe more in our price bracket as far as renting and buying goes. Dont want to be too far from the airport but have the outdoor, beach lifestyle.Anyone know anything about these areas? Umina, Ettalong,Woy Woy and surrounds?
Anything at all?!!!!!!!!
Cheers
Kirsty

NickyC

Parts of the Central Coast are gorgeous, particularly around Brisbane Water (the areas you mention). A bit further north and inland around Wyong area it's more like Western-suburbs-by-the-Sea in that there are a lot of new, boring suburbs.

Main problem with the Central Coast is travel time to work. The great majority of people commute to Sydney and it's a good 90 minutes each way, so you have to be prepared to do that. Local jobs are hard to find and everyone wants them.

Housing is cheaper overall than the coastal suburbs of Sydney, but the nicest parts (ie the older areas nearest the water) are still pretty expensive. The Central Coast was and is traditional weekender territory for Sydney-siders so buyers are competing with the Sydney market for the little beach shack overlooking the water.

My favourite picture - overlooking Killcare Beach: