Have you made a Sea change from a big City?

[The[cookie]Doctor]

We're taking a 'county-change', does that count?
We moved from Melbourne to Geelong, which is smaller but still big and now we're moving to Yass where we no noone and its very small. We're moving because it just felt rught there... and we know that we need to do the best for our family and that is what we want to do.
Good lukc hun!

[~Kim~]

We made a tree change about 15 months ago. We will never go back to Sydney if we can help it. Stress levels have gone down, marriage improved and after nearly 2 years trying for another bub - well I have 9 weeks to go.
It's a nicer way of life. I love that people know you, wave and smile. For us it even affected the way we felt about our jobs. Both of us are policemen and a small community is the way we want to do our jobs.

[Astrid]

We did the big move a year ago, it is both a sea change and a tree change, as we have both. First we moved to a major regional centre by the sea where DH found work. He had been working down here for a few months on contract and really liked the place. He went for a job, got it and I agreed to the move sight unseen. He had worked in many country areas and had gotten to know here very well, so I kind of trusted him with it, also I was just so over Melbourne. After 6 months of looking around and getting to know the place we bought a 1/2 acre property 12 minutes out of the city, surrounded by trees and cows (hence why it is also a tree change).

It has been great, I have been amazed at how friendly the people are down here. Yes there is the odd "born and bred" who is rude and the odd nutjob, but overall people are friendly. It is very child orientated down here, so that helps, good playgroups, kid friendly eating, parks etc. We had a goat escape, I know in Melbourne there would have been phone calls to police and complaints to council. Here, our neighbours where kind enough to tell us and then help us do the chase. We could not catch her. Most of the neighbours had found out and would come over to tell us if they had or had not seen her. Finally one chased her down and returned her to us. They were all so great about it, completely unexpected, we were expecting complaints about her scaring the cows.

I admit I am still getting settled, I really wanted to do the tree change, but do sometimes wonder if we have picked the right area. I suppose we have not managed to build our dream house and I am mourning that loss. Dh is still getting sorted, he is still a grumpy bum. He is so unfit, that all the extra work with a property is hard on him, atleast now he has the time to do stuff as he only works a 40hr week, rather than 80.

Downside is distance to get anywhere, we now have 3 1/2 hours added to trips. We used to be just 20 minutes from Melbourne Airport, so travelling interstate is harder now, well except for getting to Adelaide, that is easier.

Just one warning. In country areas it is one or two degrees of seperation, everyone knows everyone else. So be polite and be careful who you share opinions of other people with.

[mummy of many]

Thanks ladies for you input,I would pack up tomorrow if i had a place to go to,we will deffinately be looking into getting out of Sydney this year.I understand what you all mean about people being so much more friendlier,that takes a little getting use to,but we are are friendly family.Cheers ladies,thanks heaps,Susan.

[~Kaz~]

I grew up in a major capitol city but have lived and worked in country areas for almost 10 years now. At first the country was a major culture shock for me! I have gotten used to it though and would not return to a city now for quids!

I currently live in what I consider to be a small country town and DP and I are taking it one step further and we have purchased acerage about 15 mins out of town. We plan to build etc over the next few years. I know that doesn't sound like much of a change but the only services to the block are electricity/phone line so our lifestyle out there will be totally different. We will not be on town water, or sewerage etc. I never thought I'd be a country girl but I totally can't wait!! I want to have chickens and even goats like Astrid. We plan to have lots of gardens and fruit trees and an eco friendly house. When I think about how great it's going to be out there, being in town now feels like we're too close to the rat race.

I reckon that if it "feels right" you should definitely go for it. I think there will be benefits that you can't even predict right now.

[Lucy]

I have up-sticks a lot of times.

Each time I have fretted over whether I am doing the right thing, especially with regard to leaving family and friends.

I have moved from the UK to Australia (in 1995).

I settled in Sydney where I met my DH and 5 years later we packed up the house and the dog and moved to Adelaide.

Then 2 years later we moved to the NT.

And 2 years after that we moved back to Adelaide.

(We have now lived in Adelaide for 4 years.)

I have no regrets at all! None whatsoever!

We are off to Sydney to see family and friends next week, and I am looking forward to it, but have no desire to live there again at all ever.

[Inanna]

I posted about similar - but we made the big move from West End (Inner city) Brisbane to the hinterland of the Sunshine Coast. A small farming community. From the day I shut the door in Brisbane to this second I have not regretted a thing!

Our stress levels went down immediately. Presently I (haven't broached it with DH yet!) have been seriously wondering about moving on again. I love Melb but couldn't do the city again - I really like the idea of Apollo Bay (hinterland again - I need some space I thin) or the Mornington Peninsula - only for an independent school I have heard of there...

Don't be afraid - feel the fear and do it anyway! If it feels right - you will learn heaps and have new experiences and adventures!