What made you live where you do?

[Salsa]

My hubby is in the Australian Defence Force so we move to a new base every 2 years. We don't really get much say in where we are based and each move normally means that we have to move interstate & make new friends in an unfamiliar suburb.

Do you find that quite hard?

[Shalou]

Hi, I do find it quite hard. The defence department offers morning teas etc for new people to meet others in the area but not being an outgoing person I find it hard to walk up to complete strangers and introduce myself hoping they'll be friendly back.

It's difficult not having close friends and family to call on if you need help or even a baby sitter and the kids have to change schools every 2 years as well, which they often find stressful and scary being the new kid all the time.

I've gotten used to it though and use the internet alot to meet people and chat when we arrive in a new area. We were posted to Adelaide in November last year and while I know other mums in the area I haven't made any close friends yet. Not the type you would drop in and have a coffee with if you know what I mean or could ring up & ask to baby sit.

I've also found that once you move to a new state, old friends forget about you which is sad too.

[Nai]

I live 3km from the CBD and we have been here for 6.5 years.

We moved here because of the following reasons
- the closeness to the CBD and work
- it is the right side of town for our parents to visit without going across town (they live outside of Melbourne)
- there is a village feel to the suburb
- close to park and childcare
- close to public transport
- able to walk/ride pretty much everywhere
- able to only have 1 car
- we have friends in the area