Sea/tree change
#1
Forum Regular
Thread Starter
Joined: Jun 2007
Location: Perth, Australia
Posts: 51
Sea/tree change
Hi all
My OH and I are looking at moving to NZ soon - we're wanting a sea/tree change in our lives. Living in Perth in Oz at the moment and want to move to the Christchurch/ Canterbury area. What are the towns like in Canterbury? Are they friendly? is it easy to assimilate into life there? Are there any places to avoid? We have a 12 year old son, so will be looking for a good school for him too.
My OH and I are looking at moving to NZ soon - we're wanting a sea/tree change in our lives. Living in Perth in Oz at the moment and want to move to the Christchurch/ Canterbury area. What are the towns like in Canterbury? Are they friendly? is it easy to assimilate into life there? Are there any places to avoid? We have a 12 year old son, so will be looking for a good school for him too.
#2
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 2,813
Re: Sea/tree change
On the southern edge of the Canterbury plains you'll find the city of Timaru. It's a fairly prosperous town built on servicing the farming and dairy industries, but it looks quite modest.
Ashburton, smack dab on the plains in Mid-Canterbury is another well-to-do but modest looking farm-centre town. Agriculture is a huge industry in Canterbury.
I find most people friendly, but like anywhere you'll run into idiots.
Yup. Well, if a bit slower pace is what you are after then this place may work out for you.
I can't think of any place that is particularly rough or is a no-go area. This isn't Baghdad. Heaps of good schools. Come on over and take a look.
#3
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Joined: Jun 2007
Location: Perth, Australia
Posts: 51
Re: Sea/tree change
Thanks Happy
We're planning to go over on holiday soon to take a look around - maybe even look at some houses ( though we've already been doing that on line - hence the question about areas). And yes - a change to a slower pace of life is definately what we're after!
We're planning to go over on holiday soon to take a look around - maybe even look at some houses ( though we've already been doing that on line - hence the question about areas). And yes - a change to a slower pace of life is definately what we're after!
#4
Re: Sea/tree change
We are in Timaru - we've been here nearly a year - and we think it's a great place to live. We've got the Bay, all the usual amenities, there are good schools, and so far everyone has been really friendly and welcoming. It's a much quieter place than Christchurch, which is a couple of hours drive from us, but we like it!
Debbie.
#5
Re: Sea/tree change
Elaine,
although it gives an impression, house hunting online can leave you disillusioned.
We had ridiculous expectations I think, and pooled all the good bits into a low price bracket, and went looking for that. Hmmmm.
We ended up losing the sleep out and the idea of a huge garden, but thanks to weeks of trawling round, found the ideal place, and get it Thursday.
Best of luck, try and do as many open homes in your price bracket as poss, so weekends should keep you busy.
although it gives an impression, house hunting online can leave you disillusioned.
We had ridiculous expectations I think, and pooled all the good bits into a low price bracket, and went looking for that. Hmmmm.
We ended up losing the sleep out and the idea of a huge garden, but thanks to weeks of trawling round, found the ideal place, and get it Thursday.
Best of luck, try and do as many open homes in your price bracket as poss, so weekends should keep you busy.
#6
Forum Regular
Thread Starter
Joined: Jun 2007
Location: Perth, Australia
Posts: 51
Re: Sea/tree change
Thanks for that Haze and Steve: thumbup:
The online real estate sites are pretty much the same as here in Oz. We're under no illusions - but it does give a picture of what's available. We're looking forward to being able to look for real.
The online real estate sites are pretty much the same as here in Oz. We're under no illusions - but it does give a picture of what's available. We're looking forward to being able to look for real.