What are the best suburbs in Newcastle, NSW (Australia)?

Question

We are thinking of moving from Sydney to the Newcastle area. What are the better suburbs for schools, transport and just generally nice areas, not run down and not a high crime rate.

We are in our 30s and looking for a nice relaxing suburb that's not too remote but definitely doesn't have to be in the centre of the city.

If anybody has any information at all about Newcastle and moving from Sydney, please help.

Sydney has just become ridiculous. Nobody cares. Everybody is in a rush. Traffic is terrible. Houses are expensive.

Answer 1

Yep I agree with Alaford.  But if it were me I wouldn't write them off as too expensive.  If you keep on the look out you can find some relatively cheap buys, especially in this market.

There are some nice pockets around John Hunter Hospital, I think its Rankin Park.  Even Warners Bay has some nice areas, (there are some grotty parts as well though)  

Good luck with your searching, I hope you find something nice.

Answer 2

Here's the answer you're looking for. The nicest suburbs in Newcastle are New Lambton, New Lambton Heights, Merewether Heights, Kotara and Kotara South. All of them have good schools. The best non selective public high school in Newcastle is Lampton High probably followed by Kotara High.

You can go for the more expensive "coastal" suburbs like Merewether and Bar Beach but I don't think they'll have the relaxed atmosphere you're looking for.

In regards to transport, just drive. Parking isn't generally a problem in most parts of Newcastle.

Answer 3

As a person who has recently moved OUT of Newcastle for the same reasons you want to leave Sydney, I'm not sure of any areas that might be suitable there. The traffic is getting worse in Newcastle daily and it's a nightmare trying to get on the F3 Sydney/Central Coast freeway now. Having said that, I would suggest staying away from the CBD due to the house prices and crime problem (particularly drunken vandalism and muggings on weekends). Suburbs further out of the city are often nicer but problems with transport, housing standards and also people often tend to keep to themselves - it doesn't seem as friendly as it used to be.

Perhaps moving further away from the coast might be an option? Maitland is a short drive from Newcastle, and Sydney developers have moved in there starting to build huge developments there (there's nothing more they can build in Newcastle or Lake Macquarie). Maitland is becoming huge with exceptional schools, large shopping precincts, a more friendly community spirit and more affordable housing. Of course, there are also suburbs like Raymond Terrace and some areas of Thornton that seem nice.

If you do move to Newcastle, it's your choice but I suggest you avoid suburbs like Islington, the CBD (including Wickham & Hamilton) and some of the area around Beresfield and Tarro. Hope this helps, want any more info just send me a message?!

Answer 4

Avoid Windale, Weston, Islington, Mayfield and Beresfield areas and you'll be fine.

Feel free to email me via this site for more information about Port Stephens and Lake Macquarie.

Answer 5

I agree with the answer above...Newcastle has change alot and i think Sydney is rubbing off...the place is starting to look more and more like sydney and even the people has change..Maitland erea is nice but try not to go to the old part of it..I grew up here and moved to sydney and overseas and i was gone for atleast 10yrs..Now ive just come back alot has changed and also notice people have changed too...thats in a good way as well...the Aberglassly area is a very nice place ..its very open quiet and people are freindly ..theres a big shopping centre in Greenhills and Maitland and just past Rutherford... Theres alot of good schools here pretty much every suburb has one...its 30mins drive to newcastle so its just a good distance...since i been back here i havent really gone to Newy cos pretty much everything i need is here in maitland..I think Maitland is not to far out but not to close to newy so i think its just right..if u need to know anymore im happy to answer any questions..