:smile::jiggy: We are a family with 2boys 8 and 4. We have never been to QLD before and are emigrating in Aug 2012. We have booked 6weeks in Runaway Bay whilst we look for a nice place to settle. Helensvale has appealed to us until now as it has good amenities etc. Many people on this site seem to love the sunshine coast and it was an area that we had not considered as I thought it was too quiet. I would love to live in a village feel, good community spirit with good small schools. Shops I can walk to or small drive and nice beach parks etc. Is Gold Coast living going to be like living in Blackpool? Any advise would be great. Karen xx

 

That all depends on which part of the GC you move to. The closer to the ctr where all the clubs and touristy stuff is isnt true GC living, explore further a field and there some beautiful places to live.
The SC is noteably quieter both for living and work. There are still lots of nice areas ,you just dont have the theme parks and all the activities on your doorstep..

Cal x

 

I would agree with Cal the Sunshine coast seems to be a quieter style of living but still a Holiday type of place in certain areas, It will depend on what you are after. A lot will live just outside what is classed as the busy parts of the GC and the SC because they do not want all the touristy stuff on their doorstep. but close enough to get there when they want to.

 

Hi
When we arrived we lived in Runaway Bay for 3 months and we loved it, then we lived in Monterey Keys for 18 months which a part of Helensvale, now we live Pacific Pines, but looking to move back to Helensvale, It has everything you need good schools, shops, Theme Parks, 15 mins from the beach.


Paula x

 

Hi Karen just read your question about Gold Coast living versus Sunshine Coast living, my son and his family live on the SC in a little town called Pomona, which does have that good community feel, a good school, shops and is very friendly. Cooroy is not too far and it is also a nice town, but only small. Then you have Noosa which is lovely with nice beaches, also Maroochydore and Mooloolaba which I am a big fan of.
It might be worth checking these places out Good luck with everything Lilipilli

 

I was in the Melbourne office of my employers and they asked me was I moving to the gold Coast. I told them that I intend to move to the Sunshine Coast. Once I said that, they told me that it was very nice there and that it was a good choice. They didn't seem to think that the Gold Coast was a good idea. I have been to neither so I can't comment. I like the look of Buderim. As far as I am concerned, I fly in/out to my job, so there is no incentive to pay extra to live in a city. SC is quiet, yet all the hustle and bustle is within relatively easy reach.

 

We're also looking at Sunshine Coast now as we've been told it may be better than Gold Coast for work and for getting to north side of Brisbane. We have family going up there to visit next week who will be letting us know what they think as they may be moving there as well.

 

I would choose Sunshine Coast over Gold Coast any day. It's not quiet on Sunshine Coast but I feel it's got less crime and prefer to be this side of Brissy

 

we love low down on the Gold Coast as I work down here, but I personally wouldnt live here and commute to the North side of Brisbane the motorway is chaotic, both areas are lovely and you will find what you're looking for, but I would base your decision on where in Brisbane you will be working
Cal

 

Is there any areas around the gold coast that are similar to sunshine coast (moolooaba)... Cheers

 

I live in buderim/sippy downs area and absolutely love it here. It has everything you could want and more. I wouldn't choose the gold coast although helensvale, maudsland and mount tambourine are really nice. Anyone coming to buderim and wanting new friends for coffee, let me know be nice to meet up

 

Hi all Im looking at moving out to the sunshine coast in sept, haven't even done a reccie yet, just packaging up and leaving the uk! Me, hubby, 3 boys 8,5,3, my mum & another family of 5 coming with us too! Looking at coming over and staying in holiday accomodation whilst touring the sunshine coast to see where exactly we would like to settle, find a place to rent! Any particular areas where u can recommend. We want to be as coastal as possible, within walking distance to the beach, good schooling, near to shops, eateries, and a small town feel. I don't want it too quiet but also not too busy and full of tourist like possibly GC is? Any help appreciated! Thanks!

 

Hi all, we are living on the sunny coast in Mooloolaba, beautiful place, near the sea and all you need. However we may not be able to stay as there really is no work, people saidit b4 we came but we came anyway. My oh has been looking for months and will do anything but there is nothing, unless you have a trade or qualification that is needed. I think we may end up moving to the gold coast or brisbane for work. We didn't listen so why would anyone else ! It is gorgeous here but not the same without money !!!! Good luck

 

Look at Redcliffe as well.

 

Many Australians from interstate have little real idea on this topic despite thinking otherwise. It is fashionable to prefer the Sunshine Coast as the Gold Coast is seen as brash due to Surfers Paradise and all the highrise and places like Noosa on the Sunshine Coast are preferred as holiday destinations. Many judge the Gold Coast on Surfers Paradise from their short holiday and have little idea what the rest of the place is like to live.

 

I have to agree with fish.01, there is a real community outside of Surfers, thats where all the tourists go, it's like saying London is just the west end or any other area

 

LOL, Not many locals spend time in surfers , there are better ,less crowded beaches and attraction on the GC,, the tourist bit is just that - touristy,,, whilst there are a lot of suburbs only a short drive away that make you feel like your in a different country.. You can have city or rual living on the GC yet only be a stones throw apart.
I think thats why i prefer GC over SC,, SC is lovely, but you cant get anywhere with a bit of action without sitting in a traffic jam on that darn highway!! Nightmare !

Cal x

 

Hi,
Im thinking of moving to GC next year from melbourne.

My wife and i are looking at making a new start out of the hussle and bussle.

I like Helensvale, Oxenford, Coomera,Carrara.

We like nice suburban type area, low crime and very friendly. Close drive to beach and fun parks and major shopping centre.

It is important to live in an area with high speed ADSL internet connection.

My wife an I are both retail salespeople so is employment in close proximity would be great.
What would you recommend?

Thanks

 

Further down the Gold Coast is nice...Coolangatta is wonderful, with white powdery sand and turquoise water...but I prefer the Sunny Coast. More laid back and less high rise. Inland is equally fab in both coasts - Tamborine and Lamington National Park near to GC, but Maleny, Montville etc near to SC.

 

Tjanks for the reply above but I prefer a suburb closer to GC due to I assume that their would be more work in retail available?

Is this a fair call?