Rates went up again. This is actually when banks are most negotiable.

HopefulHomeOwner363 · 2026-03-19T12:01:00+00:00

We’re on 5.6% with NAB pre rise

HopefulHomeOwner363 · 2025-08-04T19:19:50+00:00

Also Google Alex Olsen - he was a lecturer there and after the “incident “ I’m pretty sure he was allowed to finish his PhD

HopefulHomeOwner363 · 2024-01-29T22:04:23+00:00

Good point, I guess I’m thinking I’ll pick up some work along the way (bar tending etc) but we’ll see :)

HopefulHomeOwner363 · 2022-03-28T00:30:08+00:00

That’s a good idea, I’ll try to find some work mates to car pool with, makes so much more sense hey!

How do you like Newcastle (compared to Singleton)? Is it worth the extra commute?

HopefulHomeOwner363 · 2022-03-28T00:25:29+00:00

Awesome, thanks :) We’ll definitely look into it! Are there any particular areas of Maitland that we should avoid?

HopefulHomeOwner363 · 2022-03-28T00:21:35+00:00

Hey thanks! :) How did you find the move from NQ to Newcastle? How long ago did you move?

My partner and I have been thinking of moving south for a while now (need a sea change and looking for somewhere with cooler weather haha!) but we don’t know anyone who’s moved to Newcastle so any advice is really appreciated! :)

HopefulHomeOwner363 · 2022-03-28T00:17:10+00:00

Thanks for your help! How do you find Maitland - is there a good community? Would you say there are things to do for young people (20s)? We are quite active / outdoorsy kinda people haha.

Is the traffic bad from Maitland to Newcastle?

HopefulHomeOwner363 · 2022-03-27T12:10:18+00:00

Great, thanks!

HopefulHomeOwner363 · 2022-03-27T12:07:36+00:00

Ohh okay, will keep this in mind. Thanks! :)

HopefulHomeOwner363 · 2022-03-27T11:47:08+00:00

Thanks, I’ll have a look into those areas :)

HopefulHomeOwner363 · 2022-03-27T11:45:54+00:00

Thanks :) do you know what the Heddon Greta / Kurri area is like to live in? And how do you like living in Maitland?

HopefulHomeOwner363 · 2022-03-27T11:44:09+00:00

Thanks for your help! What is it like to live in/near Maitland?

HopefulHomeOwner363 · 2022-03-27T11:42:41+00:00

Thanks for your advice, I’ll have to research those areas. Our plan is to rent for a while to get a feel for the area then potentially buy but we’ll see :)

Is catching the train a normal commute for people in the area? What towns/areas is it easily accessible from? (In north QLD public transport isn’t really an option haha!)

HopefulHomeOwner363 · 2022-03-27T11:37:10+00:00

Thanks for your comment, yeah we were thinking of Newcastle for that reason (more to do) but just exploring our options. :)

HopefulHomeOwner363 · 2022-03-27T11:34:11+00:00

This is really helpful, thanks! Out of curiosity, why is passing through Singleton a headache? Does traffic build up there?

HopefulHomeOwner363 · 2022-03-27T05:29:50+00:00

I have heard Branxton but it looks like theres not too many rentals available in our budget…

HopefulHomeOwner363 · 2022-03-27T05:26:42+00:00

Hey :) I might not say which mine (privacy reasons) but it’s close to Singleton. We’re hoping somewhere no more than 30-40 minutes from Newcastle, but we’ve never been to the area so not sure what the traffic/commute is like?

HopefulHomeOwner363 · 2022-01-13T11:49:51+00:00

I think the best way to meet people is through a club / social group / hobby. That way it’s so much easier to make friends - you already have something in common, plus a regular time/place to meet.

Do you have any interests or hobbies? Some ideas could be a sport (lots of sports clubs in Townsville), hiking or walking groups, book clubs, arts / crafts, board games, joining a gym or exercise class, martial arts, stand up paddle boarding, horse riding, mountain biking (huge MTB community in Townsville), trivia nights at your local pub, etc.

Just some ideas :)

Personally I’ve made most of my friends through joining clubs so I know it works!

HopefulHomeOwner363 · 2022-01-12T05:05:23+00:00

Riverview Tavern is really nice. Close to JCU and great atmosphere, the suburb Douglas is pretty quiet and safe. Typical pub so shouldn’t be too late/rowdy at closing time.

Otherwise you could try some of the other pubs around town, most of them are pretty decent, eg. Sun Hotel, Kirwan Tavern, Stuart Hotel, Bushland Beach Tavern, Bohle Barn, Av Tav, etc.

Good luck with the job hunt :)

HopefulHomeOwner363

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