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.