Ches

Hi,
I know there has been some info on here already about Port Macquarie but I just needed some specifics please. We are both 34 yrs old & are looking for somewhere by the beach to move that would be good for families. We didn't want it too quiet & for there to be a reasonable amount of infrastructure. We eat out alot, go to the cinema, beach & shop. Is PM full of retirees? Is Coffs Harbour any better??
Any information would be greatly appreciated.
Merry Christmas
J

NickyC

Both of them are OK. I find them great for a family holiday for a week or two but I wouldn't want to live in either of them permanently.

Neither are particularly big or close to anywhere (apart from each other). Long drive to Newcastle/Sydney or Brisbane in the other direction. Depending on your occupations Coffs Harbour has well documented job/employment problems out of the tourist season. Not sure about Port Macquarie but it's likely to be similar. Lots of retirees in both places.

We have friends (both teachers) who lived for years in Port Macquarie - they moved back to Sydney when their kids reached High School age to guarantee they received a good education. If your kids have any ambition they will need to leave town to attend Uni etc. There is a small campus of Southern Cross Uni in Coffs Harbour but it's not the highest regarded around and only offers a small range of courses.

Depends on what you do for a living and how big a place you're looking for - it might suit you

cockney pommy

way too quiet i think
i live in sydney and even that is quiet compared to kent

ozzieeagle

Totally agree. I anticipated a far livelier town than it turned out to be.

It turns into a ghost town after 8pm in the week. That may suit some, but personally I really dont like that kind of feel.

Bloody expensive to eat out in as well. At least 33 pct dearer than similar style eateries in Melbourne and Sydney. Pizza places at least 100 pct more expensive. No such thing as a genuine Italian large Pizza in PM for 6 bucks ever.

It also boasts the dearest fish and chips I've ever encountered which is very sad as it has a decent sized fishing fleet.

Lots of people love the place though, I dont think it suits Urbanites at all.

What you save in housing costs, you more than pay for in living costs.

Having said all that, I would recommend it as a place to visit, it also boasts some of the freindliest locals I've ever encountered in any town.