caitlin
Reviews
"Live here and hates it."
I've lived in Hurstville for around six years. At the risk of being labeled a racist/ bigot, I will be writing honestly and telling you my exact thoughts. I have to also say that I am of a Chinese background myself. So let's get started
Statement: Hurstville is multicultural.
Thoughts: Technically, yes it is. The word "multicultural" has been thrown around in all possible directions by newspapers to describe Hurstville. In reality, it seems pretty much dominated by the Chinese, especially around the railway stations and shopping centres.
Statement: Hurstville is a mini Hong Kong and all the Chinese 'gang up' - if you're not of Eastern Asian descent you'll feel excluded.
Thoughts: Yes, Hurstville is like a mini Hong Kong. No, the Chinese do not gang up or do special deals with each other. Conversely, Chinese shop owners often prefer customers who are not of their own race. Neither are Chinese people specially nice to each other (in my experience). That's right. Unfortunately if you live around the main activity hub in Hurstville, and are not Chinese/Taiwanese, then you WILL feel excluded in some cases. Chinese characters dominate most shop signs, advertisements, pamphlets, free newspapers and free magazines.
Statement: Hurstville is really very convenient.
Thoughts: Let's look at it this way. It's convenient in that there are health centres, schools and a Westfield in the area. However it is in no way close to beaches and major parks.
Statement: Hurstville is clean and green.
Thoughts: Not really. Cigarette butts can be found everywhere. Woodville Park seems to be a popular spot for people to dump their plastic bags and tissues even though there are actually bins there.
Statement: Social etiquette is deteriorating.
Thoughts: Yes it is. Some seem to think that it's okay and perfectly hygienic to spit anywhere they like. And I'm sorry but the biggest offenders are cute Asian gradpas and grandmas. Many halt abruptly in the middle of the pedestrian paths when they see an old friend and just stop there for five, ten minutes, completely unaware (or inconsiderate) of the fact that there are others who share the same path. I agree with one of the previous reviews, too. Drivers often think it's okay to ignore the "give way to pedestrians" sign, treat the flashing red pedestrian light like one that's not flashing, cut corners, cut pedestrians off when they are crossing, or just ignore pedestrian crossings and continue driving at 60kmph even if there are little kids trying to cross the road. Being rule-abiding citizens on foot, every single member of my family have been nearly run over more than once this year.
Last but not least, Statement: It's a nice and quiet neighbourhood.
Thoughts: I think that depends on which street you live on. If you are easily woken, do not live near Westield. There are spots where these huge commercial trucks unload. You'll go berserk.
Happy suburb shopping!
Great for
- Sort of convenient
Not great for
- Loading decks
- Few good cafes
- Not near beaches
- King George Rd/M5 intersection is slow
Hi Caitlin, I cannot comment about the people who abruptly stop to chat on the footpath or who spit, as I haven't really noticed and the chatting would not offend me. The spitting, Yes! But that goes for anyone who spits. But it's interesting to read your point of you and your opinion of living in the area, as you are of Asian heritage. (ie: not racist against your own nationality) Quite often I have been treated very poorly by shopkeepers in Hurstville when I have entered their stores to buy goods. I definitely feel that I'm not being treated in the same way and this prevents me from returning. No eye contact, no smile, no acknowledgement at times. I have tried learning some Chinese words and phrases to make people feel more comfortable. Sometimes it works but other times it makes no difference to the experience.
In regards to road safety issues, being a permanent resident of Hurstville, Ive rarely actually first hand witnessed cars disobeying street rules. The pedestrians seem to be disobeying the rules and regulations to a greater extent, and thats a shame for much of the rule-abiding citizens who can live in such a thriving community. For instance, Railway Lde crossing from Ormonde Pde to West St; youll be shocked at how many cross at the erroneous place. On a lesser severity scale, the Forest Rd exit from the train station. Our drivers are doing well to acknowledge that these peoples ignorance can only be held accountable by themselves.
Not close to beaches? I cant just imagine how what youd state for the North Shore (ironic name) and Hills Shire (both very decent living). In that respect, Hurstville is very much close to beaches, namely Ramsgate, Sans Souci and Oatley. While they may not be photogenic, you can always hitch a ride on the train to Bondi Junction. I find it pretty disheartening to see that the only train line accessibility is to a beach even so; the South Easts interconnections with the rest of Greater Sydney are an appalling manifestation of how condemning our railway ministers have been.
A 2 star is definitely too harsh to judge this suburb. 3.75 or 4 should be more accurate.
I haven't seen too many reckless driving behaviours in Hurstville but I have seen so many pedestrians don't look around for vehicles.
Totally agree with you. This place is terrible. I'll never come back