GCLucy

Labrador is a homely beach side suburb. Its proximity to the Broadwater attracts active people who enjoy cycling, walking, or running along the beach side pathways. Children enjoy the enclosed swimming area and playground next to the famous Charis Seafood market. There's many Gold Coasters I've met who recall spending their childhood summers swimming at the Broadwater. The Broadwater may lack the energy of rolling waves but certainly makes for a safer dip in the ocean for children.

For the most part Labrador is a quiet suburb with plenty of parking in comparison to newer estates in other suburbs where narrow streets make one feel they are in a rabbit warren. Most streets in Labrador are wide and tree lined - plenty of room to park extra vehicles or welcome guests with cars. Some main roads in Labrador experience heavy traffic such as Government Road and Frank Street however most of the inner suburb streets are quiet and only frequented by the locals. Traffic is greatly reduced on the weekends BUT in Summer the main roads do increase as people tend to flock to the Broadwater on hot days. Generally, the lack of traffic makes Labrador a great place for children to play with their friends.

The homes are a collection of quaint cottages, renovated beach styles, and modern townhouses. Labrador is not the flashest suburb in terms of home styles but there's a certain charm and eccentricity. There is still opportunity to pick up a bargain renovator to take advantage of Labrador's increasing popularity - especially with the opening of the new Hospital next to Griffith University. That's another bonus. Labrador is walking distance from the University, great medical facilities, and several schools.

Local shopping centres include an Aldi and Coles. Smaller speciality shops are also located at the Coles centre. Chirn Park offers great boutique shopping, cafes, and hair and beauty services. Harbour Town is only a short drive and offers discount shopping and a great Cinema.

There are not a lot of restaurants in Labrador though there are several that are well known by the locals. This includes a wonderful Thai restaurant, a quirky cafe, and a great beach-side restaurant in the Grand Hotel complex (near Charis Seafood Market).

I go running early morning or late at night. Being female and alone I have always felt safe when out exercising in the dark. Labrador has had its fair share of bad publicity and picked up the unfortunate tag of "Lock your door Labrador". To date our home, and those of our neighbours (some of whom were born in the homes they live in) have not been at the mercy of opportunistic rogues. That said, as in any suburb, its always best to have good security practices such as locking doors and windows when away from your home.

There are two to three primary schools, depending on where you are in Labrador, that can be accessed. It is walking distance to the Southport High School. Some excellent private schools are all within 10 minutes drive from Labrador. There are at least five daycare centres that I know of that are all within walking distance from my home in Labrador. One particular centre has a great reputation and has retained the same employees for many years.

The existing bus services offer reasonable timetables to get to key locations such as the Harbour Town Shopping Centre, Australia Fair, and Helensvale Train Station (there are many other destinations I've just highlighted the most popular). The pending light rail system will provide even more opportunity for locals to leave their cars at home.

High density accommodation does exist in Labrador. Some of these complexes are reasonably priced for those on lower incomes. At the time of writing the balance of such residences with single dwellings appears to compliment the amenities available in Labrador though I wouldn't like to see more high density accommodation built.

Labrador is in a good position to reach the Gold Coast Highway to travel South, and is in close proximity to Smith St Motorway for Northern travel. Labrador is close to Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach which makes for an easily accessible night out. Southport Sharks and the local Musgrave Bowls Club offer great family entertainment, and reasonably priced meals. There's also a great gym located at Sharks.

Overall, Labrador is a great beachside suburb to raise a family and enjoy the benefits of living beachside.