Vanessa
Reviews
"Not for me."
Never understood the fuss about Highfields, average housing on small blocks, no wildlife, no shopping and a very long drive into town.
Not great for
- No shopping
- Poor community atmosphere
- Average housing
- Poor Entertainment & Dining Options
- Needs movie theatres.
I left that comment maybe 5 years ago(?) And I still stand by my review. Highfields is over-rated. There are much nicer areas closer to town, on bigger blocks, with natural bushland and wildlife other than kangaroos. I have friends at Highfields who live in big houses on little blocks, where you can talk to your neighbour through the kitchen windows. I can understand that in a city, but not 20 minutes out of town. And apart from grocery stores, what is there? One decent cafe? Meringandam however is different. But it is very dry, and doesnt get the rainfall that south of Toowoomba gets.
"Rural lifestyle close to Town"
Top Camp has all the benefits of a rural lifestyle while still 5 minutes away from major shopping centres and the university. Abundant wildlife, quiet streets, old dairy farms, Top Camp is understandly one of the most sought-after suburbs in Toowoomba.
Who lives here?
- Families with kids
- Retirees
- Country Lovers
"Amazing"
I only had the privilege of staying in Mackay for a month, but was thoroughly impressed.
The people are friendly, the roads are brilliant, the scenery is breathtaking, the shopping was wonderful. There was always something on and something to do.
It has to be one of the most beautiful, livable cities in Australia.
Who lives here?
- Professionals
- Singles
- Families with kids
- Retirees
- Tourists
- LGBT+
- Hipsters
- Students
- Trendy & Stylish
- Beach Lovers
"Not alot going on"
If you want humdrum then Toowoomba is probably a good place for you. There is not a lot to do around here unless you like parks. The closest city is Brisbane and it is a two hour drive on a good day, when the Warrego isn't closed due to landslides or accidents. As disovered recently, as there is only one way in and out of town, the closure of the Warego results in food and fuel shortages.
Realestate (houseprices and rent) are overpriced, considering what you can buy in the same pricebracket in towns such as Noosa, Ipwich, Townsville or Bundaberg.
There are no decent cultural events, no Museum, no Art. There is not a lot for children or young adults to do. The shopping is abysmal. The weather is either drought or flood, and we have had major water shortages for the last 15 years, with restrictions meaning we have been unable to water our lawns or gardens. Council have ripped up the gardens in the main street and planted cactus to deal with the water shortages.
People are not that friendly, we have major drug problems in our schools (but who doesnt these days?) and the crime is phenomenal. As a female, I do not feel safe being downtown during the day, nevermind after dark. A lot of the crime here is hushed up, to make the town more attractive to tourists.
I've moved around quite a bit, and I can say Toowoomba is not on my list of "livable" towns. Sadly Toowoomba is halfway between city and town. It has all the faults of both and non of the benefits of either.
Not great for
- No culture or shopping
- Distance from Brisbane
- Not friendly
- Not many singles!
Who lives here?
- Country Lovers
Couldn't agree more. Particularly the point that Toowoomba has all the faults of both city/country and none of the benefits of either. I may do some research on Mackay after reading your review, sounds like an interesting place.
Would be great if Homley could ad a date to these reviews so people can see how things change with new reviews. I find this review miss leading. Highfields has a Woolworths and a Coles and Aldi have asked council for approval to build a supermarket in Highfields. Small blocks ? Well yes there is a developement of homes on smaller blocks but the majority of homes in Highfields, Meringandand and Meringandan West are 1/2 to 1 acre blocks. Compared to Sydney or Melbourne with has a 2 hour drive or 1 to 2 hour train trip into the city to access affordable housing, I think a 20 minuet drive is a better option. As for wild life we see lots of Kangaroos out around Meringandan, and parrots abound all over the Highfields area. Beautiful big trees give welcome relief from the heat of summer.