Moving from Melb to QLD should we live Sunshine Coast or Gold Coast?

Question

We are thinking of moving to QLD from Melbourn family of 5. We are looking at the Sunshine Coast but have no idea of good suburbs. I need to look at primary and secondary schools for my children. House that are affordable (4 bdroom) in a nice safe area. We are also looking around the Gold Coast but not right in the touristy areas. Any suggestions would be most grateful.

Answer 1

Mermaid Waters.

Answer 2

I've lived at both and I would go back to the Sunny Coast anyday. Nobody seems to really care at the Gold Coast apart from where their next hook up is, drugs are or when the next working roster is. I found a lot of people really self centred.

The Sunshine Coast has a much more relaxed lifestyle. I found Noosa was getting quite yuppie, don't know what it's like now. Maroochydore was nicer. Things aren't so "right go go go go!" there. I found people stopped, looked around, sauntered, not marched to their next destination.

Answer 3

The GC is yucky....

Answer 4

sunshine coast has lots of great areas with a strong community spirit in the hinterlands - Maleny, Pomona, Yandina, cooran, Palmwoods, even Nambour is lifting it's game.  The closer you get to the beach the more you wonder why you thought it was so great to have moved there - I think Peregian, coolum, Noosa, Mudjimba and caloundra are all pretty good - Maroochydore is an absolute hole and Mooloolaba and cotton tree are just very expensive for what you get but a lot nicer.  the schools seem to be pretty good all over.  get onto domain.com.au to get an idea of housing prices and don't get sucked in by the idea of living on a canal or in a newly developed in-between suburb with huge houses and no backyard.  

good luck with your move - get to know the area and do a lot of research before making a final decision - even if it means renting for a little while.  the Sunshine coast has so much to offer - but if you get stuck in the wrong place to start you'll end up a little disillusioned.

Answer 5

Hi Andrea

Yes the Gold Coast is a flashy touristy area with high rent prices, crime, drugs and blah,blah,blah, the list goes on. However despite this the GC is also wonderful sunny place with fabulous shops, great restaraunts and ,yes nice people too! On the other hand the Sunshine Coast is safe and family friendly and is known for its sunny beaches and laid-back attitude, the complete opposite of the GC. As a mother myself I would definetly choose the Sunshine Coast to raise my children. The schools are good, shops great and there's planty of activites to get involved with. Suburb wise, Alexandra Headland is beautiful.

The best way to get more comprehensive information is to run a Google check. For starters try these sites.

The Gold Coast

http://www.goldcoast.com.au/

Very Gold Coast

http://www.verygc.com/

Sunshine Coast

http://www.tourismsunshinecoast.com.au/

Hope this has been helpful. Best of luck! I'm sure you'll love gorgeous sunny QLD!

Answer 6

MELBOURNE ROCKS!!!!!!!!!!! why would you leave it. im irish livin here untill december next year and cant get enough of the place its so cool

Answer 7

There both lovely places but i wouldn't live on the GC, if you chose that area i'd go for brisbane and it's about an hours drive

if your going GC stay away from places near surfers paradise

I personally prefer sunshine coast but there both lovely so go for the one which you can find the best school, the best house and the best over all deal. It's a lot about location but you still need a house and your kids needs schools

P.S To people who are saying don't leave Melbourne get over it, yes Melbourne is quite nice if like AFL, but it's not for everyone.

Answer 8

I live on the gold coast, its absolute rubbish what people are saying that everything is tourist ridden!

Most people do not realise, half of the coast is actually on acerage. 5-10 mins in land from the beach, and majority live on a bit of land away from all the hussle and bussle of the tourists etc.

In your case, Tallai, mudgeeraba, carrara, mermaid waters, broadbeach waters, bundall, benowa, benowa waters etc.

Are all good suburbs, with many primary and high schools near by. www.realestate.com.au ( and look at the rent section ) and you should be able to find something that suits you.

Good luck.

Answer 9

My personal choice would be the Sunshine Coast.

The Gold Coast is far too touristy for me if I were looking to move to the coast. Great for holidays, but, we lived there for a couple of months and it didn't suit us.

I've always found the Sunshine Coast (except for Noosa) has a slower pace and is less touristy. I love it there.

Sorry I can't comment on schools in the area I don't know anything about them. My kids are well past school age.

We have friends at the Sunshine Coast.  

They live at Caloundra and at Alexandra Headlands/Maroochydore area.

They love the lifestyle, convenience of amenities and pace of life.

Answer 10

I live on the Sunshine Coast, so depending on how quiet you like it, is where you decide to live. If your full on with people and life style and tourist, then I suggest the Coastal area's. If you want a more relaxed quiet life style then choose a suburb in land.

Email me if you want anymore questions answered.