If you live 20 mins or less to the beach.........

[Fleur]

I've lived close to the beach since I was 12, I used to practically live there when I was a teenager. We go less now, but I don't think it's because it's close - it's because packing up 6 of us with towels & sunscreen requires a lot more effort
I couldn't imagine not having it 'there'.

[Beach Mama]

Ginger we have talked about it since pre-kids, then recently started really talking in ernest before Iz starts school next year, then after our holiday we decided to definitely do it. We have talked through all the different issues like moving away from my parents (but closer to IL's - only 20 mins) jobs, schools, moving out of the Melbourne housing market VS lifestyle, etc. I think you have to weigh it all up and if things are leading you there just do it! We could still be talking about it but just bit the bullet and said - right we are doing this definitely!!! Our time frame is to be down there by the end of the year so Iz can start school there and we can set up jobs. It may end up being earlier as we are both super keen and are doing all we can to get our house on the market here ASAP!!

[Astrid]

How exciting!! We did the big tree/sea change over 3 years ago (we live near both beach and trees). It much better for us than in Melbourne for many reasons (even though I do miss the sushi).

The first year we went on a lot of evening beach walks, but we lived in the main town so we were only 5 minutes drive to the beach. Don't do it now as we live out of town and are 10 minutes to a more private beach. We keep on talking about going to the beach more, but don't get around to it. We have a couple of acres, so we spend time in the garden instead.

[Beach Mama]

Waaaaahhhhhhh sushi - the one place in town that does it, does it terribly. Will definitely be coming to Melbournes regularly for my Sakura hit!!! Cafes galore thank goodness so should be able to get my caffeine hit!

I think it's more about the slower pace of life, as well as the beach aspect as lots of people have mentioned. We all just need to slow down and the kids need that too.

[LuluHB]

i used to live near the beach and went nearly every day after work - either with friends or taking the dogs for a swim/walk. DH really isn't a beach person though so I stopped going so much when he came on the scene. Then once the girls came along we really stopped altogether.

We made a tree change rather than a beach change and so are now much further from the beach. We've started going again occasionally because the girls are that bit bigger and love splashing in the waves, building sandcastles etc but its more of a day out rather than a regular thing we do.

I don't have a decent sushi place anywhere nearby either, but its well and truly worth the sacrifice for the improved lifestyle. You could always buy yourself a sushi cookbook!!

[Beach Mama]

its well and truly worth the sacrifice for the improved lifestyle. You could always buy yourself a sushi cookbook!!

too true babe plus MIL is Japanese! Should be able to get some tips!! Nothing quite like tempura prawn a la carte or spicy tuna hand roll though.. Mmmm can you tell I am hungry

[Ginger]

thanks for your advice
we have been talking about it for ages too and would love to get there before ds1 starts school next year.
we are actually thinking of keeping our melbourne property and renting it out and renting at the beach for a while and then hopefully eventually buying a second property to live in and keeping the melbourne one as an investment. lots of $$$ needed to do that though!!! we'll see i guess.