Thank Lily for bumping it for me!

Lisa thank you so much for all that information. We would like to be close to the beach (15 min drive or so would be fine) We have a 4yr old son and 1 yr old daughter so family friendly areas shops/playgrounds/playgroups. Public schools with good reputations as my son would be starting in a year and good range of sporting organisations.Also good daycare/preschools for my daughter. We like areas with a community/village type feel with cafes/shops. We have definitely crossed Glendale off the list, so depending on where my husband may get offered job it will be between Kotara and Belmont. My mum lives in San Remo so we may be more inclined towards Belmont as it is that bit closer or south of Kotara.
We would probably be willing to pay up to about $350 in rent, 3 bedroom house, I don't care if the house looks old on outside but would want to be ideally fairly good/modern on inside and more importantly a big leafy backyard.
What you told me about Kotara is really helpful, if you know anyone who may have more info on Belmont or areas around it would be great to know. Epecially if there are certain streets/areas that are housing commission or have a bit of a reputation.
We will drive up soon and have alook at the areas to get a better idea but it's good to know particularly about the schools as I don't want to move to an area and then discover the schools are pretty bad.
Thanks again!