sw1254

I haven’t lived in a more beautiful suburb. It has beautiful homes, gardens and a cute village vibe. It’s great to walk around in summer. It’s also super convenient and easy to walk to the city. I also feel very safe. Multiple times a package has been left on my front door and it hasn’t been taken. I think the high foot traffic and proximity of neighbours makes it pretty safe. BUT the people are so unfriendly. No hellos or smiles, even from people I see walk past regularly. They’re weirdly hung up on parking, and apparently trees and vines. If your neighbours aren’t airbnbs then they’re grumpy retirees. We have a few nice people around us, but in general, I think you need to have lived here forever to ever be welcomed into the community. Also, all the homes are heritage, so they are absolutely freezing. Do not underestimate how cold it gets - colder than the outside temp! Be prepared to spend a lot on electricity or wood. I’m not writing this bitter, I’ve enjoyed living here, but I’m looking forward to living somewhere with more of a community spirit and younger people.

We had frequented Ballina before moving but never explored the Quays area. It’s a great canal estate. Has a pretty park and boat ramp down the end. The Richmond is beautiful to explore if you have a tinny and I’d great for fishing. Plenty of mud crabs and flathead. You can also fish straight off the wall or pontoon in the park. Close enough to the highway to head north and south but not so close you can hear it. Close to the beach and town, with some cool restaurants and bars popping up. Great place to live with good neighbours. Never had any issues with security.