Tess

I think this review is written by a realestate agent or someone wanting to sell their home. Of course the houses in a low price range are selling they are so much cheaper then other cities. Of course there are great things about twmba. Good schools and cooler weather sometimes and medical facilities but seriously there is not much employment or things to do. It is becoming a giant retirement village. Most young people leave when they get to university or working age. By the way Agents will tell you anything don't you know that by now.

Well imc53, NO we are NOT real estate agents in fact we dont even live in qld. We have spent many many hours watching market trends as we simply cant afford to live in the major cities any more nor do we wish to be crammed into high rise towers like a sardine, which is a growing trend in capital cities, and forced to send our children to deralict schools. We wanted a clean preferably green safe place to live, and after many trips to really have a good look around several country towns across Qld, Vic and NSW Toowoomba always came in at the top of our list. We have now bought in Toowoomba and yes we did have to fight for the house as it was a good price, and are looking forward to moving especially as it would seem the high life living youth is leaving, making it an even better place to raise children who we hope will grow up to enjoy and respect all the country has to offer.

Well here we are finally in Toowooomba and LOVE IT, finally the kids can run free in beautiful parks, Yes it is raining but at least things are green and not dried out brown and a fire risk. For all those that knock this lovely city we have two friends who live in London UK both medical doctors and guess where they have now decided to move to ?? Yes Toowoomba. We also have a friend on the Gold Coast a GP and yep they also are sick of the crime rate, and entire life style down there so where are they going Toowoomba. Wonder how many are aware that toowoomba was voted the 3rd best place in the whole of Australia to raise children .

My wife and I are considering our first investment property I am NOT a real estate agent but keen to get some local insight as we live in the Central West of NSW

Hi all we are just going to start our life in toowoomba, we are moving from uk, but having read all this comments make me worries about the friendliness of people there, is it really that difficult to get along with people there and whatabout employment?? I am working in hospital here in Uk. Please share your thoughts and suggestions tnx

Hi joya3 we are hoping to start are new life in Toowoomba very soon, moving front Ireland and like you the reviews have left me a bit worried. Can I ask if you have made the move yet and if so how do you find it thanks in advance. PC

What is it that mainly concerns you Paricec ?

Joya3, moving anywhere you dont know is always a bit of a concern. Where ever you live is a very personal thing what you like someone else may not. If you want to work I am sure you will find work especially if you have medical training. Look at it like this , move here, rent a place , give it 6 months if it is not for you well you have a base to work from to find a place you like. We love it and have had no issues. Heaps of state and private schools, good shopping, house prices are resonable. If you want a bit of space rather than a city home look out at Highfields or Drayton you can pick up a house on 1/2 acre no issue. Brisbane is only 2 hours drive and the Gold Coast 2 and 1/2 hours, Sunshine coast about the same distance.

Hi Tess the comments on crime and the dangers of walking alone also about how unfriendly the people or which surprised me as we have been to perth and Brisbane on holiday and found the opposite. It's a huge step moving to another country so you have lots of doubts about everything and the little things become massive in your head. With regards to area we have no concerns with schools as our daughter is an adult now. We are looking for a nice quietish area close to nice restaurants and bars and not to far to travel to work in the public hospital thanks.

Patricec, Ok now I undestand. I have found people very friendly and helpful, I dont go out much at night, I admit, so dont see any of this crime people have commented on, and dont hear much of it either, but you have issues where every you live you just stay away from those areas. Where I see your issue is that Aus is very different from the UK / Ireland. We dont have those little villages with the village pub, then 10 minuets drive to a major city for all the night life. Toowoomba has lots of lovely areas to live, for example Highfields 15 minuets drive from the city where the hospitals are, beautiful country feel. The down side from your perspective is going to be, a quite area with bars and clubs. There are pubs in the city but Toowoomba is definately not known for its night life, or resturants for that matter. There are resturants but not heaps of 5 star places. If you want night life you need to look at Brisbane or the Gold Coast but then you wont get the nice quite life. I think that is pretty typical of Aus in general, Busy life close to night life you live close to the city, or quite life and drive to the night life. I can tell you Brisbane and the Gold Coast have far more crime and fights in the streets than you will ever see in Toowoomba. Cost of living is another thing to consider, as I said your best bet if you have been offered a job in Toowoomba is to look at Toowoomba as a short term stay until you find a place that suits what you are looking for.

Tess that's great thank you. I think you might have misunderstood me asking about bars restaurants, I was thinking a nice meal and a few glasses of wine my husband and I are well and truly past the night club stage.

Well Highfields is 7km from the Meringandan Pub rated 3rd best place to eat in the area, you will find it on Google. Easy drive to town, reasonable cost of houseing , there is a small shopping center, medical centre all you need and 10 minuets into Toowoomba. Toowoomba has fantastic PCYC markets on Sunday, lots of local farmers selling produce. Queens Park is full of familes and great coffee shop opposite. Admit I love it but accept others hate it.

Thank you glad you like it hope we do also, if we every get are visa. x

I lived in Toowoomba for 3 years in the '80's to study leaving to continue in the UK. My socialising was based on literature and classical music so enjoyed the intellectual aspect very much. Having lived back in Brisbane for20 years I love to get out of what is now a fairly jammed up large city with traffic problems, very expensive real estate and dependency on computer for enquiries as its time consuming to get somewhere and ask a question. People do not say hello when you are at the bus stop or pass on the street even in the quieter suburbs. I very much enjoy visiting Toowoomba as it has retained a percentage of colonial past and values. The streets are lined with trees and it seems to be keeping abreast of societal developments as well as any other smaller city. We find excellent food and wines there. I love it and feel at peace there. There's nothing wrong with strong church community. That's a good thing. Hard to meld in if that does not have a place in one's own life I imagine.

Joya3 - Seriously!!! Have a look at the Sunshine coast hinterland! It has the elevation and hence cooler weather Toowoomba has , but it also has little villages that DO have a town pub with great food etc!
Look at the Malany, Mt Mee, and Montville areas! Truly beautiful, in some places you can be surrounded by green fields with a view that stretches all the way out over the ocean to Moreton Island!

rachaelc17 yes they are fabulous areas but prohibitively expensive now, I'm afraid.

What's work like in the hospitality industry or anything touristy I have a bus license so would like to maybe tour guide